Can a scar heal after years?

Author: Dr. Camila Schuppe II  |  Last update: Sunday, November 30, 2025

You cannot get rid of a scar, but most will fade over time. This can take up to 2 years or more, but there are some things you can do to help it heal or improve how it looks.

Can scars heal years later?

A scar may fade so much that you can barely see it, but it never completely goes away. Some scars cause problems months or years later. As nerve endings grow back, the scar may become painful or itchy. Skin cancer can develop in scars, especially in burn scars.

Why would a scar hurt years later?

If the wound is deep and affects nerves or tendons, a person might have long-term symptoms in the affected area, such as pain or numbness. Some people experience scar tissue pain due to fibrosis, which occurs when the body grows excessive scar tissue.

Does internal scar tissue ever go away?

Internal scar tissue will never go away. However, if treated properly, you can work to restore movement and minimize pain. There are a variety of treatments for scar tissue pain – some more effective than others.

What is an old scar suddenly inflamed?

Scar sarcoidosis is characterized by the onset of erythematous swelling and the development of papules and nodules within the original scars. In cases of cutaneous or subcutaneous swelling in the area of an old scar or beside a scar, a scar sarcoidosis is a possible differential diagnosis (1).

Can Scar Tissue Contribute to Pain

Can an old scar turn cancerous?

Skin cancer can develop in scar tissue, although it is rare. Scar tissue provides an environment where abnormal cells can grow. These abnormal cells can form tumors over time. The most common type of skin cancer found in scars is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Why would an old scar open up?

Abstract. Old scars break open in scorbutic patients because (1) the rate of collagen degradation is greater in an old scar than it is in normal skin, and (2) the rate of collagen synthesis is diminished throughout the body in ascorbate deficiency.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue?

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

What helps break up internal scar tissue?

Stretching and flexibility exercises are other common ways to help scar tissue repair. It can aid in the lengthening of wounded tissues as well as their general mobility. Your physical therapist is likely to include scar massage and stretches in your rehabilitation regimen if you've had an accident or surgery.

What does a hypertrophic scar look like?

A hypertrophic scar is a thick raised scar. It's an abnormal response to wound healing in which extra connective tissue forms within the original wound area. The result a raised scar. Normally, a small wound to the top layer of your skin heals nicely.

Can a scar get infected years later?

A small number of patients manifest wound infections several months to several years after their operations. A study was undertaken to delineate the clinical characteristics of patients whose infections became apparent after a prolonged time interval from surgery.

How to know if scar tissue is causing pain?

The pain may be constant or intermittent, and its intensity can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the scar, the extent of tissue damage, and individual pain tolerance. Scar tissue pain may accompany other symptoms such as itching, tenderness, or hypersensitivity in the affected area.

What does an atrophic scar look like?

Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance.

Are old scars permanent?

You cannot get rid of a scar, but most scars fade over time without any treatment. If a scar is more severe or bothering you, a GP may be able to recommend treatments or refer you to a specialist. The aim of treatment is to help improve how the scar looks.

Does vaseline help scars go away?

Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.

How to fix indented scars?

Soft tissue fillers.

Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.

Can old scar tissue be broken up?

Massage. Deep tissue massage and cross-friction massage are two manual therapies that improve mobility, promote healing, break up existing scar tissue, and help prevent it from forming. Scar tissue massage also helps with those aches and pains that develop when tight areas and adhesions impede healthy movement.

What naturally dissolves scar tissue?

Lemon and honey are a staple duo of many home remedies, and they crop up again when looking at natural scar remedies. Lemon is naturally acidic and could help remove upper layers of skin to reduce the appearance of your scars and improve skin tone.

What is considered an older scar?

Immediately following wound healing, a scar is usually red in appearance and is referred to as an 'immature' scar. Between 3 months and 2 years the scar should become paler, flatter and softer and can then be referred to as a 'mature' scar.

Is heat good for scar tissue?

Heat can reduce pain and improve elasticity of collagen fibers making scar tissue easier to mobilize. Paraffin combines the element of heat and skin lubrication, which are both useful for mobilization. Hot packs: The use of a heat pack on the scarred area can help increase the overall blood flow.

Why is my scar raised after years?

A keloid scar is when a scar keeps growing and becomes bigger than the original wound. It can happen if you have too much of a substance called collagen in your skin. It can happen after any sort of injury or damage to your skin such as a cut, burn, surgery, acne or a body piercing.

What do old old scars indicate?

Answer: The second stanza mentions the bird clanging his wings against the bars until it bleeds. The bird's "old, old scars" suggests that the bird has done this many times before, wanting terribly to get out.

What disease opens old scars?

Scurvy is a sign of serious malnutrition, specifically a lack of vitamin C. Hair follicles can become clogged with keratin, old wounds may reopen and new sores begin to form. Parts of your body may swell, particularly your arms and legs. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to death from bleeding or infection.

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