Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process after skin injury. While scars tend to fade or flatten over time, some can become raised, thickened, or more noticeable. Keloids are a particular type of scar where the healing response becomes excessive, leading to growth beyond the original area of skin injury.
Scarring can affect people of all ages and skin types, though certain individuals are more prone to developing prominent scars. Understanding the type of scar involved helps guide appropriate management and set realistic expectations.
At Auria Dermatology Clinic, we assess and manage different types of scars, including keloids, hypertrophic scars, and other abnormal scar formations. Evaluation focuses on scar type, location, symptoms, and how the scar has changed over time.
Most scars form as flat, pale marks that gradually soften and fade over months to years. These scars remain within the boundaries of the original wound and usually do not cause symptoms.
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that develop within the edges of the original injury. They often appear red or thickened initially and may improve gradually over time. These scars may feel firm or itchy and are more likely to occur after surgery, burns, or wounds under tension.
Keloids are a form of abnormal scarring in which scar tissue grows beyond the original wound edges. Unlike other scars, keloids do not regress on their own and may continue to enlarge over time. They can develop after minor skin injuries such as acne, piercings, injections, or surgical procedures.
Atrophic scars are depressed scars that can develop as a sequelae of inflammatory conditions, such as post inflammatory acne , that results in destruction of collagen fibres in the dermis. They can also be secondary to damage such as post steroid atrophy for example.
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and limit further growth rather than completely remove the scar. Options may include:
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and limit further growth rather than completely remove the scar. Options may include:
Multiple treatment sessions are often required, and ongoing review helps guide adjustments to the management plan.
For non-keloid scars, treatment may include:
Not all scars require treatment, and observation may be appropriate when symptoms are mild.
You may consider seeking medical advice if a scar:
A consultation with Dr Laura Hui allows for accurate scar assessment and discussion of suitable management options.
Keloids do not usually resolve without treatment and may continue to grow beyond the original area of skin injury. Early assessment can help determine whether treatment is appropriate and what options are available.
Yes, recurrence can occur even after treatment. For this reason, keloid management often involves combination approaches and careful follow-up to reduce the risk of regrowth.
In individuals who are prone to keloid formation, avoiding unnecessary skin trauma and discussing preventive measures before procedures such as surgery or piercings may help reduce risk, though prevention cannot always be guaranteed.
No. Raised scars can include hypertrophic scars as well as keloids. Hypertrophic scars stay within the original wound edges and may improve over time, while keloids grow beyond the wound and tend to persist. A clinical assessment helps distinguish between different scar types.
Not all scars require treatment. Many flat or mildly raised scars improve gradually on their own. Treatment is usually considered when a scar causes symptoms such as itch or pain, continues to change over time, or is a cosmetic concern.
Scars can vary widely in behaviour, and keloids in particular require careful assessment due to their tendency to grow and recur. A dermatology consultation at our clinic focuses on confirming the type of scar involved, explaining expected outcomes, and discussing management options that balance symptom relief with recurrence risk.
