How long does it take for scar tissue to heal?

Author: Mr. Robin DuBuque  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

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.

How long does it take for internal scar tissue to heal?

Scars can take up to 2 years to mature fully and go through stages of healing. This slow process may explain why some people do not experience scar tissue pain immediately. Initially, the scarring may look minimal, but the scar may get bigger over many weeks or become raised, firm, and thick.

How to make scar tissue heal faster?

By focusing on the things you have control over you'll be giving your body the best chance for successful surgical scar healing.
  1. Taping the scar area. ...
  2. Use silicone sheets or rolls. ...
  3. Don't smoke. ...
  4. Get enough Sleep. ...
  5. Be mindful of your diet. ...
  6. Limit sun exposure. ...
  7. Bathing. ...
  8. Movement.

Will scar tissue heal on its own?

A scar is a mark on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. 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.

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.

Proven Ways to Heal a Scar Quickly - Avoiding Scar Tissue after Surgery - By a Physical Therapist

What does internal scar tissue feel like?

Indications of Internal Scar Tissue:

Persistent or recurrent pain in a specific area, particularly after surgery, trauma, or inflammation. Changes in organ function or symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or gastrointestinal issues. Restricted range of motion or stiffness in joints or muscles.

What is the fastest way to dissolve scar tissue?

There are many types of therapies for scar tissue, but the standard treatment commonly involves exercise and massage — specifically, stretching and pulling the scar tissue to soften, align and elongate it.

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.

What are the stages of scar healing?

Numerous products are available that claim to decrease postoperative scar formation and improve wound healing. These products attempt to create an ideal environment for wound healing by targeting the three phases of wound healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

What speeds up scar healing?

Use recommended products: Silicone strips, Arnica gel, medications, and supplements are among the products that may be recommended to speed up your healing process and soften your scars. 5. Avoid sun exposure: The delicate new skin that is forming as your incisions heal is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

What is the best thing to put on scar tissue?

Applying a silicone dressing such as Scarguard™, or any variety of silicone sheet “Scar Treatment” bandage (available at most drugstores) at night will help many scars flatten out and soften. Silicone sheets can be purchased at any local pharmacy, grocery store, Walmart, etc.

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

Everyone is different, but remodeling generally takes 6-8 weeks to complete. Problems can occur when scar tissues doesn't remodel correctly.

What causes scar tissue to flare up?

The most common cause of surgical scar pain after surgery is a nerve that is injured or stuck in scar tissue. You may not only experience pain from scar tissue, but may also have swelling, itching, and increased sensitivity.

Does fasting heal 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.

Does heat break up scar tissue?

Increased temperature is a common physiological effect that helps to break down scar tissue. Increased temperature involves both superficial and deep tissues increasing in temperature. Increasing temperature of tissues within the body helps to loosen scar tissue.

How to fade a scar quickly?

The following are some of the more common scar-minimizing procedures:
  1. Dermabrasion. ...
  2. Chemical peels. ...
  3. Collagen injections. ...
  4. Cortisone injections. ...
  5. Cryosurgery. ...
  6. Laser resurfacing. ...
  7. Punch grafts. ...
  8. Surgical scar revision.

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.

Does neosporin help with scars?

Customers find that the medication provides pain relief and helps with scar closure. They say it works well, is a good value for money, and provides antibacterial protection. Many customers mention that it's the best product for cuts and wounds, as it eases pain and redness and helps heal faster.

Does stretching break up 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.

How long does it take for scar tissue to shrink?

Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait to have surgery until the scar lightens in color. This can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures or longer.

Does scar tissue hurt as it heals?

Because the body wants to heal the tissue as quickly as possible, it lays the collagen fibres down haphazardly instead of in neat rows as with the surrounding healthy tissue. This causes the scar tissue to be thicker and less tensile than healthy tissue and often becomes a source of pain.

Will an MRI show scar tissue?

Contrast‐enhanced MRI is a reliable and reproducible technique that allows precise quantification of the amount of scar tissue2,3; moreover, the spatial resolution of MRI allows delineation of the transmurality of the infarction.

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