Scars (cicatrix)

Improving the Appearance of Scars: Advanced Treatment in Glasgow

Scars are a natural and inevitable part of the body’s healing process after an injury to the skin. Whether from surgery, an accident, acne, or other skin conditions, most people have at least one. While many scars fade over time and become less noticeable, some can be more prominent, causing cosmetic concern, discomfort, or even restricting movement. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer a range of advanced treatments to significantly improve the appearance of scars and help restore your skin’s confidence.

This page will explore what is scar tissue, common concerns about scars, and the effective ways how to get rid of scars or, more accurately, improve their appearance, from home care to specialist procedures available at our Glasgow clinic

Improving the Appearance of Scars: Advanced Treatment in Glasgow

What is scar tissue? When your skin is injured, your body initiates a complex healing process. Scar tissue is primarily composed of collagen, a fibrous protein, that your body produces to mend the damage. This new collagen is laid down differently than in normal skin, resulting in tissue that often has a different texture and appearance. Scar tissue may lack hair follicles and sweat glands and can be less elastic than the surrounding skin.

The formation of a scar typically involves three phases:

Inflammation: The initial response, where the wound is cleaned of debris.
Proliferation: New tissue, including collagen and blood vessels, is formed.
Maturation (Remodelling): The collagen is reorganised, and the scar gradually strengthens and flattens. This phase can take many months or even years.

Types of Scars: Identifying Your Scar

Scars can present in various forms, depending on the nature of the injury, your skin type, genetics, and how the wound healed:

Fine Line Scars: Often the result of a clean surgical incision or minor cut that has healed well. These are typically thin, flat, and may fade to a pale line.
Keloid Scars: These are raised, firm scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They occur when the body produces too much collagen. Keloids can be itchy or painful and are more common in individuals with darker skin tones.
Hypertrophic Scars: Similar to keloids, these are raised and often red, but they remain within the confines of the original injury. They may gradually improve over time but can also be itchy or uncomfortable.
Atrophic Scars: These scars are sunken or pitted, creating a depression in the skin. They result from a loss of underlying tissue, commonly seen with severe acne (e.g., ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars) or chickenpox.
Contracture Scars: Often resulting from burns, these scars cause the skin to tighten (contract). They can be particularly problematic if they occur over a joint, potentially restricting movement.
Stretch Marks (Striae): These are also a form of scarring caused by rapid stretching of the skin, such as during pregnancy, growth spurts, or significant weight changes.

Common Questions & Concerns About Scars

When to start scar treatment after surgery? The best time to start scar treatment after surgery varies, but generally, it’s once the wound has fully closed, any stitches have been removed (usually 1-3 weeks post-op), and there are no signs of infection. Early intervention, under the guidance of your surgeon or a dermatologist, can often lead to better long-term scar appearance.
How long does it take for a scar to heal on your face? Initial wound healing on the face typically takes 1-2 weeks. However, the scar maturation process, where the scar softens, flattens, and fades, can take many months, often 12-18 months, or even longer. Facial skin generally has a good blood supply, which can aid healing.
Why does my scar itch after 10 years? Itching in a mature scar, even years later, can occur for several reasons. These include nerve fiber regeneration within the scar, dryness of the scar tissue (as it often lacks oil glands), skin tension, or even minor inflammation. If an old scar becomes persistently itchy, changes appearance, or is bothersome, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist.
What does scar tissue pain in abdomen feel like? While Harley Street Medics primarily treats visible skin scars, pain from internal abdominal scar tissue (often called adhesions, usually resulting from surgery) can feel like a dull ache, sharp or stabbing pain, pulling, cramping, or bloating. It’s crucial to consult your GP or a specialist like a gastroenterologist or surgeon for diagnosis and management of internal scar tissue pain, as this is outside the scope of dermatological scar treatment.
Can you tattoo over scars? Generally, yes, you can tattoo over scars, but there are considerations. The scar should be fully mature (usually at least 1-2 years old), flat, and pale. Tattooing over scar tissue can be more painful, the ink may not hold as well or may spread differently, and the final appearance can vary. Keloid or hypertrophic scars are often not suitable for tattooing. It’s essential to discuss this with an experienced tattoo artist who has worked with scars.

How to Get Rid of Scars: Effective Treatments to Improve Appearance

Many people search for “how to get rid of scars” or “how to get rid of acne scars.” While completely eradicating a scar treatment is often not possible, various treatments can significantly improve its appearance, making it less noticeable.

Home Care & Over-the-Counter Options:

Silicone Gels or Sheets: Widely recommended by dermatologists, silicone products can help hydrate the scar, reduce collagen overproduction, and soften and flatten raised scars (especially hypertrophic and keloids). Best used early in the healing process.
Sun Protection: Protecting your scar from sun exposure is vital. UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the scar, making it more noticeable. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Gentle Massage: Once the wound has fully healed, gently massaging the scar can help break down dense collagen fibers and improve flexibility.
Moisturisation: Keeping the scar tissue moisturised can improve its suppleness and reduce itching.

“How to remove acne scars naturally in a week” / “How to remove pimple scars naturally“: It’s important to have realistic expectations. Significant improvement of established scars, especially acne scars, “naturally in a week” is not feasible. Some natural ingredients (e.g., rosehip oil, aloe vera) may offer mild moisturising or soothing benefits to support overall skin health during healing, but they are unlikely to substantially “remove” or flatten deep or prominent scars.

“How to flatten keloid scars naturally“: Keloids are notoriously difficult to treat. While consistent use of silicone sheets or pressure garments (a home-based approach) can help manage and sometimes slightly soften early keloids, significant flattening “naturally” without professional intervention is rare.

Professional Scar Treatment at Harley Street Medics, Glasgow:

For more noticeable improvement of various types of scars, including acne scars, spot scars, surgical scars, keloids, and hypertrophic scars, professional treatments are usually necessary:

Topical Prescription Medications: Your dermatologist may prescribe stronger creams containing retinoids (to promote cell turnover and collagen remodeling), or corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation and itching, especially for keloids or hypertrophic scars).
Dermal Fillers: For atrophic (depressed) scars, such as certain types of acne scars, injectable dermal fillers can be used to temporarily plump up the indentations, creating a smoother skin surface.
Chemical Peels: Medical-grade chemical peels can help improve the appearance of superficial scars, especially some types of acne scars and associated pigmentation.
Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy): This technique uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen and elastin production. It’s effective for improving the texture of atrophic scars, including acne scars.
Laser Therapy: Various types of lasers (e.g., fractional non-ablative, fractional ablative, pulsed dye laser) are highly effective for treating different types of scars. Lasers can help to resurface the skin, reduce redness, improve texture, stimulate new collagen formation, and flatten raised scars.
Corticosteroid Injections (Intralesional Steroids): These are a mainstay treatment for keloid and hypertrophic scars. Injected directly into the scar tissue, they help to reduce inflammation, itching, and flatten the scar over a series of treatments.
Surgical Scar Revision: For certain scars, such as wide, depressed, or very prominent surgical scars, or contracture scars limiting movement, surgical revision by a plastic surgeon may be recommended. This involves excising the old scar and re-closing the wound meticulously to create a less noticeable scar.
Cryotherapy (Freezing): Can be used to treat some smaller keloid or hypertrophic scars, often in combination with steroid injections.

Discover our advanced Scar Treatment & Revision services in Glasgow.

Your Patient Journey: Towards Smoother, Less Noticeable Scars

Your journey at Harley Street Medics begins with an in-depth consultation to evaluate your scar(s), discuss your medical history, and understand your expectations. We will then outline the most suitable treatment options for you.

Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Harley Street Medics.

Hear From Our Patients

Why Choose Harley Street Medics for Scar Treatment in Glasgow?

Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our team includes Dr. Vincent Kabeya (Dermatologist), who excels in diagnosing scar types and managing non-surgical treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, peels, and injections, and Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib (Plastic Surgeon), who provides expert surgical scar revision and advanced reconstructive techniques for complex scars.
Personalised Treatment Plans: We conduct a thorough assessment of your scar and skin type to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art laser systems and other advanced modalities for optimal results.
Focus on Holistic Care: We consider not only the physical appearance of the scar but also its impact on your well-being, aiming to improve both aesthetics and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scars

Let’s address some more common queries:

What is scar tissue made of?

Scar tissue is primarily made of collagen, a protein that your body produces to repair damaged skin. However, the collagen in scar tissue is arranged differently than in normal skin, giving it a distinct texture and appearance.

How can I get rid of scars completely?

It’s important to understand that completely eradicating a scar to make the skin look exactly as it did before the injury is often not possible. However, professional treatments can significantly improve a scar’s appearance, making it much less noticeable.

What is the best way to get rid of acne scars?

The “best” way to get rid of acne scars depends on the type of scars (e.g., ice pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic). Effective treatments include laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and sometimes minor surgical procedures. A consultation with a dermatologist is key.

When should I start scar treatment after surgery?

Generally, you can start considering scar treatments once your surgical wound has fully healed and stitches are removed (usually a few weeks post-surgery). Early intervention, such as using silicone sheets or gels, can be beneficial. Always follow your surgeon’s advice.

Why do old scars sometimes itch or become painful?

An old scar can itch or become painful due to nerve regeneration or irritation within the scar tissue, dryness, changes in skin tension, or even underlying inflammation. If an old scar changes or becomes persistently bothersome, it’s good to have it checked by a doctor.

How long does it typically take for a scar on the face to heal and fade?

Initial healing of a facial wound might take 1-2 weeks. However, the scar maturation process (where it softens, flattens, and fades) can take 12-18 months or even longer. Consistent sun protection is crucial during this time to prevent darkening.

Can I tattoo over my scar?

Yes, it’s often possible to tattoo over scars once they are fully mature (usually 1-2 years old) and no longer red or raised. However, the tattoo ink may take differently to scar tissue, and it’s best to consult an experienced tattoo artist. Certain scars, like active keloids, are generally not suitable for tattooing.

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Your Next Step: Book Your Consultation in Glasgow

While scars are a permanent reminder of past skin injuries, their appearance can often be significantly improved with the right professional care. The specialists at Harley Street Medics in Glasgow are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore your options for scar treatment.