Types of Scars

There are many different types of scars. Scars are defined by their appearance, shape and location and can occur on all parts of the body. The three main types of scars are atrophic, hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Atrophic Scar

Depressed scar that forms a valley or sunken recess in the skin.

Hypertrophic Scar

These types of scars typically are thickened raised red scars on the skin that do not extend beyond the boundary of the incision or injury area.

Keloid (Keloidal) Scar

These types of scars are elevated scars that protrude from the skin and extend beyond the boundaries of the original incision or injury. This scar may affect mobility and may continue to grow into a large tumor or abnormal mass of tissue.

Contracture Scars

These types of scars are typically scars resulting from burns. These scars may impair mobility and tighten the skin and affect muscles and nerves.

Acne scars

Scars produced from acne ranging in appearance from deep pits in the skin to scars that have a wavelike appearance.

Surgical Scars

Permanent scars resulting from surgical incisions. These types of scars seem to heal the best because of the precise alignment of the skin edges and lack of tension on the wound.

Questions About Different Types of Scars 

1. How do you treat scars?
   Different treatment procedures work better with different types of scars. See 10 Tips to Make Scars Fade Faster.

2. What makes hypertrophic scars different than atrophic scars?
   These types of scars often grow larger than the original wound area or incision area.

3. What Is A Scar?
   A scar is fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue during the healing process. The fibrous tissue (or scar tissue) that remains after the healing process is competed is usually inferior to the original tissue (skin) and has less function and possibly different color.

4. How Do You Get Rid Of A Scar?
   You can never get rid of the scar completely, however, there are a number of things that you can do to minimize, reduce or fade a scar. Your degree of success will depend on the wound, your health, your ability to heal and your dedication to treatment and aftercare of the wound and scar area. Your best remedy for getting rid of scars will likely require a trip to the dermatologist.

Related Links

1. 10 Tips to Make Scars Fade Faster
2. Best Scar Creams
3. Body Lift Scars
4. Tummy Tuck Scars
5. Types of Scars