Will my indented scars go away?

Author: Zella Ledner  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

Unless the fibers that attach the depressed area of skin to the muscle underneath are released, the indentation will remain no matter what types of surface treatments are performed. Subcision is the treatment that cuts the fibrous tethers pulling the scar down.

Can you get rid of indented scars?

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.

Do sunken scars go away?

It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.

How do you fix indented surgical scars?

Scar-Revision Treatments
  1. Subcision. Subcision is a procedure for treating scars that are indented. ...
  2. Excision. ...
  3. Punch Elevation. ...
  4. Surface Treatments. ...
  5. Laser Treatments. ...
  6. Fillers.

How to cover indented scars?

For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi.

How to FADE PITTED SCARS | Dr Dray

Will my scar stay indented?

Unless the fibers that attach the depressed area of skin to the muscle underneath are released, the indentation will remain no matter what types of surface treatments are performed. Subcision is the treatment that cuts the fibrous tethers pulling the scar down.

How to hide depressed scars?

There are special creams and powders (called skin camouflage) that you can apply to your skin to cover your scar so it's less noticeable. A GP can refer you for an appointment to get skin camouflage products, or you can refer yourself online.

Should you massage an indented scar?

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.

Does vitamin C help indented scars?

And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.

Why is my scar sinking in?

Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.

Does retinol help with indented scars?

Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.

Why do scars leave dents?

Indentation scarring – more common with severe acne, occurs when the top layer of skin doesn't fully heal and regenerate — leaving an indentation in the skin.

Do sunken scars fade?

Whether they're from childhood accidents, surgery or illness, some scars will fade over time but it's unlikely they'll completely disappear by themselves. If you're looking to reduce their appearance, you'll need to look into scar treatment. Keloids and sunken acne scars are least likely to fade.

Can laser remove indented scars?

Injectable fillers are able to replenish the indentation, producing a smooth complexion. However, even for these types of scars, laser skin therapy is the best option because of its ability to treat indented scars by using heat to resurface the top layer of skin and produce a smoother, more even complexion.

Will chickenpox scars ever go away?

Chickenpox scars can fade over time, but this process can be slow and may not eliminate the scars. For many individuals, professional treatments are necessary to achieve significant improvement. Factors such as skin type, age, and the severity of the scars can influence how quickly they fade.

What causes atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars happen when the body does not make enough collagen while healing, which causes the loss of tissue. Acne, chickenpox or injuries involving loss of skin tissue are the usual causes of these scars. Several types of atrophic scars exist, including ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars.

Do indented scars flatten over time?

While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time. Atrophic scar treatment helps fill in the indentation and fade the appearance of your previous wound for a smooth, balanced appearance.

Is it ever too late to get rid of scar tissue?

Once you have a scar, you can never completely remove it, but in many cases it can be made to look better. If your scar is not satisfactory after an adequate period of healing (usually at least six months) you should discus this with your doctor.

How to remove deep chicken pox scars naturally?

There are many different ways to help reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars. These include aloe vera, vitamin E, and laser treatment. Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus. Most people will experience it once during their lifetime, usually as a child.

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.

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