What Types of Scars Can Be Revised?

Scars tell a story — sometimes of healing, sometimes of struggle. But for many people, scars are more than just marks on the skin. They can be uncomfortable reminders of an injury, surgery, acne, or even rapid body changes. Some scars fade with time, while others remain visible for years, affecting not only appearance but also confidence.

The good news? Many kinds of scars can be treated or improved with modern techniques like scar revision surgery, lasers, or other minimally invasive procedures. At Grand Genesis Plastic Surgery (GGPS) in Ontario, we help patients understand their scar types and explore treatment options that bring smoother, more even skin.

Let’s dive into the different types of scars, why they form, and what can be done to revise them.

How Scars Form and Why They Differ

Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing response. When skin is injured — whether by surgery, burns, acne, or trauma — the body quickly produces collagen fibers to close the wound. But this collagen isn’t arranged as neatly as normal skin tissue, which is why scars look and feel different.

Why some people end up with fine, barely noticeable scars while others develop raised or indented ones comes down to:

• Depth of injury
• Location on the body
• Genetics and skin type
• Healing conditions (infection, tension on the wound, etc.)

That’s why scars from a tummy tuck or breast lift may look different than scars on the face or neck.

Types of Scars

Not all scars are alike. Here are the main scar types and their unique characteristics.

Fine-Line (Normal) Scars

These are the simplest scars. They often result from minor cuts or surgical incisions. Fine-line scars are usually flat, pale, and fade significantly over time. While they don’t typically need treatment, patients may still seek options for cosmetic reasons.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that remain within the boundary of the original wound. They’re often red or pink and may feel itchy or firm. While they can flatten somewhat over time, treatments like silicone gels, steroid injections, or even surgical scar revision can improve them.

Keloid Scars

Keloids go beyond the original wound and can keep growing. They’re raised, firm, and often darker than surrounding skin. Keloids may cause discomfort, itching, or even pain. Because they’re more aggressive, treatment may involve injections, laser therapy, or scar removal surgery to reduce their size.

Atrophic or Pitted Scars (Indented Scars)

Atrophic scars are indented or sunken below the surface of the skin. Common after acne or chickenpox, they include:

• Ice-pick scars – deep and narrow
• Box-car scars – wider with sharp edges
• Rolling scars – soft depressions with sloping edges

These scars often require treatments like laser resurfacing, microneedling, fillers, or in some cases surgical scar excision.

Contracture Scars

Contracture scars form after burns or major injuries. As the skin tightens, it can limit movement, especially if it’s near a joint. Surgical scar revision may be necessary to release the tightened tissue and restore mobility.

Stretch Marks (Striae)

Stretch marks aren’t always thought of as scars, but they’re technically a form of dermal scarring caused by rapid stretching of the skin (pregnancy, weight changes, growth spurts). Treatments can’t erase them completely, but laser therapy and microneedling can make them less noticeable.

Acne Scars

Acne scars can be a mix of hypertrophic, atrophic, and pigmented scars. Many patients who ask how to eliminate scars on the face are dealing with acne-related marks. Treatment often requires a tailored approach, sometimes combining multiple techniques.

Medical and Clinical Classifications

Doctors classify scars not just by appearance but also by behavior. For example:

• Hypertrophic vs. Keloid scars (both raised, but keloids extend beyond the wound)
• Atrophic vs. Contracture scars (both affect skin depth but in opposite ways)

Understanding the scar type is essential in choosing between non-surgical methods or scar revision surgery.

Physical, Aesthetic, and Psychological Effects of Scars

Scars aren’t just skin deep. They can:

• Affect mobility (like neck scarring or contractures)
• Cause discomfort or itching
• Lead to self-consciousness in social or professional settings
• Remind patients of past trauma or surgery

For example, patients often ask if tummy tuck scars will go away or how breast lift scars will look years later. While some scars naturally fade, others may need medical help to improve.

Treatment Options and Prevention

Conservative Approaches

• Silicone sheets and gels – flatten and soften scars over time
• Pressure dressings – used for burn scars
• Topical creams – with retinoids, onion extract, or vitamin E

Medical Interventions

• Steroid injections – reduce raised scars
• Laser therapy – improves color and texture
• Surgical scar revision – removes or repositions scar tissue for smoother results (learn more here)

Emerging Therapies

Innovative treatments like microneedling, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and fat grafting are showing excellent results in making scars less noticeable.

Preventive Measures

• Keep wounds clean and protected
• Avoid sun exposure on healing scars
• Follow post-op care instructions carefully

Factors Influencing Healing and Scar Outcome

Not all scars respond the same way to treatment. Healing can be influenced by:

• Genetics and skin type
• Wound size and location
• Sun exposure
• Lifestyle habits like smoking or diet

For example, a thigh lift scar may take over a year to settle, as explained here. Similarly, how fast scars fade depends on scar type and care — see tips on how to fade scars fast.

Case Examples and Real Expectations

Patients often ask:

• Can breast lift scars be hidden? (details here)
• Will tummy tuck scars disappear completely? (find out here)

The answer is that while scars rarely vanish completely, their appearance can be dramatically improved with the right treatment plan.

Conclusion

There are many different kinds of scars — from fine-line and hypertrophic scars to acne scars and contractures. While some fade naturally, others need medical attention to look better or function better.

At Grand Genesis Plastic Surgery (GGPS) in Ontario, we offer advanced solutions for scar treatment, including scar revision surgery, laser therapy, and other techniques tailored to each scar type.

If you’re bothered by a scar and want to know your options, we’re here to help.

👉 Explore our Scar Revision services today and take the first step toward smoother, more confident skin.