Can scar tissue dissolve on its own?

Author: Lenna Bode  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 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.

How long does it take for scar tissue to dissolve?

Scar Process

It will take six to 18 months for the scar to have its final appearance. Your scar should gradually soften and fade over these six to 18 months, but will look pink initially (photo B). Some scars never fade. If your scar stays pink after 12 to 18 months please call to discuss options.

Can scar tissue go away naturally?

Your body builds tissue to repair damaged skin and close gaps due to an injury. Scars come in all shapes and sizes. They can result from accidents, burns, surgery, acne and illness. Over time, most scars fade away.

Can you break up scar tissue by yourself?

Start off by pushing very lightly and make small circles directly over the scar. Then you can go up and down and side to side. Once you have done that about a minute, you can start pushing harder. This might be painful now, and you might feel some pops underneath. That is the scar tissue breaking up.

Will a scar tissue lump go away?

You cannot get rid of a keloid scar, but there are treatments that can help improve how it looks and reduce irritation. Treatments may include: steroid injections or cream. silicone dressings or gels.

Get Rid of Scar Tissue - Ask Doctor Jo

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.

How do you know if a lump is scar tissue?

What are the signs and symptoms of a hypertrophic scar?
  1. Hard or thickened raised tissue over your wound site.
  2. Pink to red to purple skin color over your wound site.
  3. Scar appears most commonly on the upper trunk of your body – your back, chest, shoulders, upper arms – and skin that covers your joints.

Does rubbing scar tissue break it down?

Scarring can be reduced when scar tissue is broken down through massage. Scarring occurs for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of scarring is injury and surgery.

What happens if you pick at scar tissue?

Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. “Scratching the wound or picking at the scab causes more inflammation, making a scar more likely,” Fisher says.

Is it ever too late to break up scar tissue?

It's best to begin such therapy soon after the surgery, though long enough after for the area to heal. However, the therapy can still be beneficial years later. "By then, scar tissue tends to be really stiff and not easy to move," says Dr.

What kills scar tissue?

Laser surgery.

Most laser therapy for scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages. Multiple treatments may be required, regardless of the initial type of therapy. Pulse dye laser is a good choice to use for keloids.

Does heat break up scar tissue?

Heat helps to soften up the scar tissue that exists as a result of an old injury or a previous surgery. Scar tissue is formed in random, criss-crossing patterns, has poor circulation, and contracts when you sleep.

Can anything dissolve scar tissue?

Not exactly. While some scar tissue will never go away, oftentimes, if treated properly, the injured tissue can be remolded to resemble normal, healthy tissue. This can restore normal tissue behavior and provide pain relief in any area of the body, even pelvic muscles following the birth of a baby.

Does fasting get rid of scar tissue?

Previous research on intermittent fasting has demonstrated its notable impact on diabetic wound healing. It can enhance re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration while reducing scar formation.

Can you break up scar tissue on your own?

Physical therapy can help break up scar tissue that has formed around a joint. Learning flexibility exercises and stretches can help to reduce stiffness and relieve some of the discomforts that scarring can bring.

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 soften scar tissue?

Massaging the scar with Vitamin E Oil, Mederma™, or other lotions can help soften the scar. For some scars that are tending to thicken, your doctor may suggest an injection of a medication such as Kenalog™ into the scar.

Does movement break up scar tissue?

Here's a list of some ways that you and your physical therapist can break up scar tissue: Increased movement — Most people try to take it easy after an injury. While it's important not to re-strain your injury, if you don't move at all, more scar tissue will form.

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.

How do you get rid of a lump of scar tissue?

  1. Wound care. For newer keloids, the first treatment option might be compression dressings made from stretchy fabric or other materials. ...
  2. Corticosteroid cream. ...
  3. Injected medicine. ...
  4. Freezing the scar. ...
  5. Laser treatment. ...
  6. Radiation therapy. ...
  7. Surgical removal.

How do I know if its a lump or tissue?

Breast tissue in and of itself can feel somewhat lumpy and sponge-like, so it can be hard to know if what you're feeling is an actual lump or just normal breast tissue. "A breast lump will feel like a distinct mass that's noticeably more solid than the rest of your breast tissue.

What does a seroma look like?

A seroma typically looks like a swollen, raised area near your surgical site. The swelling usually forms a distinct bulge or lump under your skin that feels firm to the touch, kind of like a water balloon. You might also notice some mild redness in the area.

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