How long does it take for scar tissue to shrink?

Author: Mayra Fritsch MD  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 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 scar tissue take to go away?

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.

Will a scar tissue lump disappear?

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 scar tissue get smaller?

Deeper wounds heal by forming scar tissue which shrinks and tightens as it forms. When scar tissue forma over or near a joint, this “shrinking” (or contraction) pulls nearby tissues inwards. This tightening can cause movement at a joint to be limited.

What helps scar tissue go down?

The following are some of the more common scar-minimizing procedures:
  • Dermabrasion. ...
  • Chemical peels. ...
  • Collagen injections. ...
  • Cortisone injections. ...
  • Cryosurgery. ...
  • Laser resurfacing. ...
  • Punch grafts. ...
  • Surgical scar revision.

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 destroys scar tissue?

Laser therapy

There are two types of laser therapies for treating scar tissue: ablative and nonablative. A doctor will use ablative laser therapy to flatten scar tissue. Nonablative laser therapy can disrupt the blood supply in the scar tissue, which will eventually kill off the abnormal tissue.

Does fasting help scar tissue?

Our study provided the first evidence that two times of 24-h fasting in a week before or after wound injury was sufficient to induce faster wound closure, enhance re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration, and reduce scar formation in mice with diabetic or burn wounds.

When does scar tissue peak?

Factors That Impact Healing and Scarring

While the initial scarring can appear within a few weeks, full scar maturation takes much longer. Typically, scars can take 6 months to a year to fully settle and reach their final appearance.

Does scar tissue bump go away?

As scar tissue begins to form, it may appear red, raised, and hard, but over time it fades, flattens, and softens.

Can scar tissue go away without surgery?

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 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 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.

When do scars look their worst?

Scars seem to get worse before they get better. For about six weeks after surgery the scar becomes red, firm and hard. This is the body's way of making a very strong and solid scar. Over the next four months the scar will soften and lose the redness.

How to dissolve adhesions without surgery?

Non-surgical treatments for adhesions
  1. medication – this is often the first treatment choice for acute pain and forms part of the treatment for chronic pain.
  2. exercise.
  3. physical therapy.
  4. lifestyle changes.
  5. soft tissue mobilisation (Wasserman et al 2019)

Does going through scar tissue hurt more?

Excessive scar tissue, or fibrosis, can lead to ongoing pain and inflammation. If the fibrosis becomes excessive enough, it can cause a loss of tissue function. Fibrosis can lead to a vicious cycle. It prevents normal movement, which leads to ongoing pain.

How to break up internal scar tissue?

Physical therapy can be a viable option for scar tissue treatment and associated pain. Physical therapists use a combination of active and passive motion to break down and retrain scar tissue. Active motion refers to a patient moving the affected area under his or her own power.

How long do you need to fast for stem cell regeneration?

Typically, to see any cellular benefits, one must fast for a minimum of 24 - 48 hours. During a fasting period, a person should not consume any calories but may continuously drink water, caffeine-free coffee, or tea to remain hydrated. One should always consult their doctor before starting a fasting program.

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.

Does drinking water help with scar tissue?

The restoration of oxygen and nutrient flow to the damaged area allows for scar tissue to lie down. Without proper hydration levels, the oxygen and nutrient content needed to allow for normal scar tissue will not be available to your body.

What vitamin dissolves scar tissue?

Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.

What is the fastest way to get rid of 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.

Previous article
Is walking good for fat pad atrophy?
Next article
Can melanin be restored?