Hypertrophic Scar Specialists in Karnataka
A hypertrophic scar is a raised, thickened scar that forms at the site of a skin injury due to an excessive amount of collagen being produced during the wound h…
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What is Hypertrophic Scar?
A hypertrophic scar is a raised, thickened scar that forms at the site of a skin injury due to an excessive amount of collagen being produced during the wound healing process, but which remains confined within the boundaries of the original wound, distinguishing it from a keloid that extends beyond the wound margins. It commonly develops after burns, surgical incisions, piercings, or other significant skin trauma, and tends to be more common in areas of high skin tension such as the chest, shoulders, and joints. While not medically dangerous, hypertrophic scars can cause discomfort, itching, and cosmetic concern.
Mild
Common — develops in a meaningful proportion of surgical and burn wounds, particularly in younger patients and darker skin types
No
Causes of Hypertrophic Scar
Results from an overactive wound healing response in which excessive collagen is deposited during tissue repair, often triggered by wound infection, prolonged inflammation, tension across the wound during healing, or delayed wound closure. Risk factors include burns, surgical incisions across joints or high-tension areas, deep or large wounds, and individual variation in scarring tendency, which can run in families.
Symptoms of Hypertrophic Scar
Raised, thickened area of scar tissue confined to the original wound boundary, red or pink discoloration that may fade over time, itching or tenderness at the scar site, tightness or restricted movement if the scar crosses a joint, firm or rubbery texture on palpation
Treatment & Types of Hypertrophic Scar in Karnataka
Treatment options include silicone gel sheets or ointments applied consistently to soften and flatten the scar, corticosteroid injections directly into the scar tissue to reduce its size and symptoms, and pressure garments particularly for burn-related scars. Laser therapy can help reduce redness and improve texture, while surgical revision is considered for scars causing significant functional restriction, though it carries a risk of scar recurrence.
Hypertrophic scars are distinguished from keloids by remaining confined within the boundaries of the original wound and often improving somewhat over one to two years, whereas keloids extend beyond the original wound edges and rarely regress on their own. They are also classified by cause, such as post-surgical, post-burn, or post-traumatic, which influences the specific prevention and treatment strategy used.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Specialists in Karnataka (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid?
A hypertrophic scar stays within the boundaries of the original wound and often improves over time, while a keloid grows beyond the wound edges and tends to persist or enlarge, requiring different treatment approaches.
Will a hypertrophic scar go away on its own?
Many hypertrophic scars soften, flatten, and fade somewhat over one to two years without treatment, though active treatments like silicone sheeting or steroid injections can speed and improve this process.
Can hypertrophic scars be prevented?
Proper wound care, avoiding tension across a healing wound, early use of silicone sheeting on high-risk wounds like burns or surgical incisions, and protecting the area from sun exposure can all reduce the risk of a prominent scar forming.
Do steroid injections hurt and how many are needed?
Injections can cause brief discomfort, and most hypertrophic scars need a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to see significant flattening and symptom improvement.
Is surgery a good option for hypertrophic scars?
Surgical revision is generally reserved for scars causing significant functional restriction, such as across a joint, since surgery itself carries some risk of the scar recurring or worsening.