Scars are more than just physical marks – they represent a journey of healing, resilience, and transformation. Whatever the medical procedure, these scars can carry deep emotional significance. While they are a natural part of the body’s recovery process, many women have concerns about how their scars will heal, how to care for them, and how to embrace their changing bodies with confidence.
In this article, we will answer your common queries about scars and how to treat them!
Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only. This article is based on personal experience and backed by academic research.
Scars FAQ’S
1. How do scars form?
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process following an injury, incision, or wound that affects the deepest layer of the skin, known as the dermis. When the skin is damaged, the body responds by producing collagen fibres to repair the wound and close the affected area. These fibres help restore the skin’s strength and function, but the newly formed tissue often has a different texture and appearance compared to the surrounding skin. Factors such as the depth and size of the wound, genetics, skin type, and overall healing process can influence the final appearance of a scar.
2. Where scars easiest on the body?
Scars tend to form more easily in areas of the body that experience frequent stretching, movement, or have thinner skin. High-mobility areas like the knees and elbows are particularly prone to scarring because the constant bending and stretching can interfere with the healing process, causing scars to take longer to fade. Additionally, areas with thinner skin, such as the chest, are more susceptible to scarring because they are more fragile and prone to damage. The severity of scarring can also be influenced by factors such as skin type, wound depth, and how well the injury is cared for during the healing process.
3. Will my scar be permanent?
Your scar will always be with you, although it will change over time. In the first 6-12 months, your scar will probably gradually fade and become softer. After this, it may not change too much. Although I’ve had some of my hip scars for almost my whole life, they have grown with me and are hardly visible now. However, they signify the journey I have been through and are an important reminder to myself of my own strength.
4. Can scars be removed?
There are several reasons why you may get a scar removed; if you are self-conscious of it, if it is tight and restricts your mobility or causes irritation. You can remove your scar via a treatment called ‘scar revision’, where the top layers of skin are removed to reduce the scar. This treatment cannot guarantee that the scar is gone – instead it aims to reduce the visibility.
5. Can my scars get sunburnt?
Ensuring your scars stay out of direct sun is important to avoid sunburn. Fresh scars are sensitive to UV light and so are more easily burnt – so take extra care. Remember, your skin is an organ, and it is still healing! Make sure you use a high sun protection cream, (SPF 50 at least), and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
Tip: I use the kids sunscreen or babies as their skin is more delicate I find the sunscreen quality is better.
6. Why is my scar itchy?
Some of my scars are over 15 years old, and still sometimes randomly start itching! It can be very irritating and distracting. This can be due to a change in weight or your skin texture. This highlights the importance of taking care of your scars long term. Try to get into a skincare routine for your scar, not just in the immediate recovery period but long term too.
7. What’s the best way to treat my scar?
When my scars were fresh, I used Bio-Oil every other day to massage it and support its healing. Treating your scar will help it heal and reduce irritation and itchiness, as well as improve its overall appearance over time. Try your best to avoid picking or scratching your scar – this will continue to irritate it and could prolong the healing process. Look out for silicone dressings or gels, which are often recommended by healthcare professionals to help flatten and soften scars. Using a scent-free, water-based cream will help keep the area moisturised and promote better healing.
Recently, research has also highlighted the benefits of red-light therapy. I trialed its effectiveness on severe bruising after a car crash to reduce inflammation and the colouration in the skin. This is a more costly option than a simple moisturiser but has been found to be very effective in reducing the appearance of scarring.
8. Should I massage my scars?
Massaging your scar reduces swelling, prevents tissue buildup, and improves blood flow. So yes – get into a good habit of massaging your scar for a few minutes everyday. But be careful not to do this too soon after surgery, as the scar is still weak. Wait about a month after surgery.
Massaging your scar will also help you get used to looking at it and touching it. Immediately after surgery, I struggled to massage my scar, as I didn’t want to acknowledge its existence. My surgeon requested that I massage it daily, but during distress after surgery, I never did. Even years later, I still have no feeling on the skin around my hip scars.
9. Why does my scar change colour?
Scars fade over time, so the colour will change severely between your surgery and years down the line. My own scars have changed from purple, to pink, and now they are hardly visible. The texture may also change too, and the size, depending on what type of scar you have. Some of my scars have expanded with my skin and are wider than they once were. Others have stayed small and neat, with only the colour changing.
However, not all women will have the same experience. Black skin, for example, is “more at risk of hyperpigmentation and abnormal scarring such as keloid scarring following surgery”. This postoperative hyperpigmentation can result in dark spots and patches around the scar, which can last years after the procedure.
10. Can scars reopen?
A scar reopening is called ‘Wound Dehiscence’. It happens when your staples, surgical glue, or stitches start to come apart. However, it is not common and is more likely to happen for certain types of scars, e.g. abdominal or cardiothoracic procedures. If you’re worried, talk to your surgeon, and ensure you get lots of rest after surgery, to not strain the wound.
A quick note to our amazing readers…
Thank you to all our readers for sending in your thoughtful questions about scars and the healing process. We hope this article has provided you with useful insights and reassurance as you navigate your own journey. Scars are more than just marks on the skin—they tell a story of resilience, strength, and recovery.
If you have any further questions or experiences you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out, and we’ll do our best to provide helpful advice and support in future articles. Your stories and questions help us create a space where we can all learn and heal together.
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