The Science of Scar Healing and How to Minimise Scarring
Scars are a natural part of the healing process after surgery, injury, or trauma. While most scars fade over time, many patients want to understand how to minimise scarring and achieve the best cosmetic results. In this post, I’ll explain the science behind scar healing and share the strategies I use to make scars less noticeable.
How scars form
When your skin is injured, your body works to repair it. This process involves:
Inflammation – The body cleans the wound and removes damaged tissue.
Tissue Formation – New collagen is produced to rebuild the skin.
Remodelling – Collagen aligns, and the scar slowly matures.
The result is a scar, which may look red, raised, or thick at first, but often fades over time.
Factors affecting scar formation
Genetics (some people naturally form thicker scars or have a tendency to form problem scars).
Location of the wound (areas under tension like shoulders or knees may scar more).
Age and skin type.
Infection or delayed healing.
Certain medical conditions.
Problems people can have with scars
Here’s a list of common problems people may experience with scars:
Widened scars.
Depressed or “sunken” scars.
Dyspigmented scars – scars that are darker or lighter than surrounding skin.
Hypertrophic or keloid scars – scars that are raised, thick, or overgrowing from the original wound edges.
Webbing – band-like scar that tethers the skin across folds or joints.
Distorting scars – scars that cause visible distortion of your features.
Techniques I use to minimise scars
Precise surgical technique at the time of wound repair:
Using fine, minimal-tension stitches to reduce strain on the skin and to help the scar heal neatly.
Ensuring strategic placement of surgical incisions, designing them to hide scars in natural folds or less visible areas.
Layered closure:
Closing the wound in layers, rather than just skin-deep, reduces stress on the surface and lowers the risk of wide, raised scars.
Diligent post-operative scar care:
Timely suture removal to prevent suture marks.
Silicone sheets or gels to help flatten and soften scars.
Sun protection to prevent scars from changing colour.
Scar hydration.
Massage therapy to improve scar texture and flexibility.
Early interventions for problem scars:
Regular follow-up to identify problem scars.
Injections using steroids or other agents for raised or keloid scars.
Laser therapy to improve colour/texture/thickness.
Microneedling for scar remodelling.
Surgical scar revision (last resort).
Patience is key
Even with the best surgical technique and care, scars take time to mature — often 6–12 months or longer.
Following your plastic surgeon’s advice on wound care, sun protection, and scar treatments is essential for achieving the best long-term results.
Bottom line
Scarring is a natural part of healing, but several surgical techniques and scar management strategies can significantly reduce their appearance. If you’re concerned about scarring, speak to a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide personalised advice and treatments to help your scars.
Dr. Jenaleen Law
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
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