What are scars?
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that forms as part of the body’s natural healing response after the skin is injured (surgery, trauma, acne, burns, insect bites, or infection). They are permanent marks of healing, though their appearance, size, texture and colour vary widely.
Some scars are flat and faint, others are raised (hypertrophic) or extend beyond the original wound boundaries (keloid). Scarring can appear pinkish, red, brown or pale depending on skin tone and age of scar.
Scar types
- Flat / mature scar - Pale and level with the surrounding skin following full healing.
- Hypertrophic scar - Raised and thickened, remaining within the boundary of the original wound.
- Keloid scar - Firm, raised scar that grows beyond the original wound area.
- Atrophic / acne scar - Depressed or pitted scars where tissue loss occurred (commonly post-acne).
- Contracture scar - Skin tightening that can affect range of movement, often after burns.
Key Features
Common features that may be experienced include:
- Textural irregularity (raised, sunken or uneven surface)
- Discolouration, darker, redder or lighter than the surrounding skin
- Itchiness or sensitivity (more common in hypertrophic/keloid scars)
- Tightness in the surrounding skin (if contracture)
- Cosmetic visibility influences self-confidence for some individuals
Where on the body do scars appear?
Scars can form anywhere on the body after a wound heals. Areas more prone to raised or keloid scarring include:
- Chest and upper back
- Shoulders
- Jawline and beard area
- Earlobes (after piercings)
Contributing Factors
Scarring is part of the normal healing of the skin. However, several variables influence how prominent a scar becomes:
- Any breach in the skin (surgery incision, trauma, burn, deep acne lesion) triggers collagen production and new tissue formation.
- Factors that increase the chance of prominent scars include:
- Higher skin tension, surgical sites under high stretch (e.g., chest, shoulders),
- Certain anatomical locations (ears, chest, and shoulders are prone to keloids),
- Darker skin types (higher risk of keloid),
- Younger age (collagen response stronger).
- Certain wound complications (infection, delayed healing, repeated trauma) also may contribute to more noticeable scarring.
Prevalence
Almost everyone develops a scar following a significant skin injury. Problematic scars, such as keloids or those causing functional discomfort, are less common, though some people are genetically more predisposed to forming thickened scars.
Treatment Options
At Cambridge Contour Clinic, we offer the following non-surgical treatment options:
- Microneedling / radio-frequency (for improving texture and reducing scar thickness): Acne and atrophic scarring, texture improvement
- Injectable therapies (e.g., corticosteroid injection) for hypertrophic/keloid scars
- Combined modality approaches: Complex scars may respond best to a combination of treatments
Which is most suitable for you is best discussed within a consultation with one of our specialists, where they will discuss your treatment options, check you are able to have said treatments (i.e there are no health contraindications). They will also discuss healing and success rates, check that you are happy with any potential risks and address any necessary pre-care, post-care, treatment plans and pricing.
Other potential treatment options
Here at Cambridge Contour Clinic, we focus on minimally invasive techniques to optimise healing and cosmetic outcomes. However, we believe in transparency to help our clients make an informed choice on how they would like to proceed. Therefore, if we are aware of other recognised treatment methods that may be suitable for you, we will discuss these during your consultation.
How to minimise the risk of permanent scarring
Although no method can guarantee the prevention of permanent scarring, evidence-supported strategies that minimise the risk include:
- Protect healing wounds from sun exposure (UV can darken scars during early stages)
- Follow wound-care guidance carefully to avoid reopening the injury
- Avoid picking or scratching scabs
- Use silicone gel or silicone dressings once skin has healed (often recommended by dermatologists)
- Seek advice if a scar becomes raised or painful during healing
When to seek specialist review
Seeking a review of your scarring is advisable if:
- A scar becomes rapidly raised, painful or itchy
- Scar tissue restricts movement (contracture)
- A history of keloids exists, and a new injury/piercing is planned
- A scar affects confidence, and the patient would like to explore improvement options
Scarring Frequently Asked Questions
Will the scar be completely removed?
Scars cannot always be erased entirely, but our goal is to make them less visible and more comfortable. We will discuss realistic improvements in your consultation.
Does treatment hurt / what is the downtime?
Many treatments are under local anaesthetic; some you may see redness and mild swelling for 1-5 days. Your specialist will explain healing expectations during your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on scar type, size, and location - during your consultation, we’ll provide a bespoke plan.
Can I remove my scar on the NHS?
Removal/revision of scars purely for cosmetic reasons is usually not funded by the NHS unless there’s functional impairment.
