Does scar tissue ever go away?

Author: Ayden Rutherford  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 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.

Is scar tissue permanent?

How much a scar fades depends on its size, location and type. However, scars never fully disappear, because the jumbled tissue remains fundamentally different from the skin around it.

How do you get rid of internal scar tissue?

What are the best methods for scar tissue removal?
  1. Manual Therapy. Manual therapy – Applying the right force in the right direction can prevent tissue restriction. ...
  2. Topical Solutions. ...
  3. Laser Therapy. ...
  4. Surgery. ...
  5. Compression. ...
  6. Steroid Injection.

How long does it take for scar tissue to go down?

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.

What happens if you don't get rid of scar tissue?

Excess scar tissue, layers deep, can significantly reduce function and movement months after surgery. And on the skin's surface, visible, lingering scars might be noticeable enough to really bother patients.

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.

What causes scar tissue to flare up?

Some people experience scar tissue pain due to fibrosis, which occurs when the body grows excessive scar tissue. Fibrosis causes adhesions that may lead to ongoing pain, inflammation, and loss of function of the tissue or joint.

Does massaging scar tissue help?

Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.

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 exercise break up scar tissue?

Additionally, physical therapy can help to reduce the risk of scar tissue build up and break up any scar tissue that is already there.

What does scar tissue pain feel like?

It is often described as aching, burning, stabbing, throbbing, or tingling in or around the scarred area. 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.

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.

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.

Can I get rid of old scar tissue?

The revision may improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar, restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar, or improve an itchy scar. It is important to remember that scars cannot be completely removed.

Can internal scar tissue keep growing?

Why internal scars won't stop growing. Normal scar tissue forms to heal an internal wound and quietly retreats when the job is done. But in many common diseases — kidney, liver and lung fibrosis — the scar tissue goes rogue and strangles vital organs. These diseases are largely untreatable and ultimately fatal.

Does vibration break up scar tissue?

Another great treatment that we have is rapid release technologies vibration therapy. What this does, this vibrates at certain frequency, and helps break up scar tissue adhesions.

Is vitamin E good for scars?

Vitamin E may be hailed as a new miracle regarding scar reduction and fading. However, the lack of clinical evidence suggests that using vitamin E for scars is ineffective and, thus, not necessary.

How long does it take for massage to break up scar tissue?

You should apply as much pressure as you can tolerate. Begin with light pressure and progress to deeper and firmer pressure. You should massage your scar regularly- at least 2-3 times a day and for 5 minutes at a time. You should continue this for approximately 6 months until the scar has fully matured.

What disease causes excessive scar tissue?

Overview of Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) in the skin and other areas of the body. When an immune response tricks tissues into thinking they are injured, it causes inflammation, and the body makes too much collagen, leading to scleroderma.

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.

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.

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.

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