Published on June 3, 2025 • Last Updated on June 3, 2025
Imagine healing from surgery or a nasty burn—only to watch your skin bubble up into a thick, raised scar that refuses to fade.
Hypertrophic scars aren’t just physical—they carry shame, discomfort, and confusion.
Most people think scars are permanent. But what if some don’t have to be?
Let’s pull back the curtain on the scars that grow back louder than the injury itself… and what you can actually do about them.
⚡ QUICK OVERVIEW
- Hypertrophic scars can grow thicker than the original wound—and most treatments ignore why.
- They’re not the same as keloids (but almost everyone confuses them).
- If you catch them early, you might stop them cold—without lasers or needles.
- And that’s not even the weirdest part.
🎥 Do Hypertrophic Scars Ever Go Away?
What if your scar isn’t just stuck—it’s still evolving beneath the surface?
In this insightful clip, Dr. Angela Sturm breaks down exactly what makes hypertrophic scars different… and whether they ever truly disappear.
Let’s go deeper into the biology, the myths, and the overlooked treatments that might just change everything.
⏳ The Scar That Didn’t Know When to Quit
For most wounds, healing is a quiet, behind-the-scenes process. Your body knits tissue together, smooths things out, and fades the damage into the background.
But hypertrophic scars don’t know when to stop.
They form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing phase. Instead of laying down neat, flat skin, your body piles up scar tissue like bricks in a panic.
The term hypertrophic comes from the Greek “hyper” (too much) and “trophe” (growth or nourishment). These scars can appear as early as 3–4 weeks after an injury, often rising thick, red, and itchy—especially over joints, the chest, or shoulders.
Historically, they’ve been mistaken for keloids (and vice versa), leading to countless misdiagnoses and wrong treatments.
👉 But while keloids grow beyond the boundary of the original wound, hypertrophic scars stay within the lines—but grow tall.
And that distinction matters more than you think…
🎭 The Hidden Weight of a Raised Scar
This isn’t just cosmetic.
Hypertrophic scars can hurt. They can itch. They can pull your skin tight until you can’t stretch properly or sleep comfortably.
Some patients report feeling isolated or embarrassed—especially if the scar’s on the face, neck, or hands.
And the biggest twist?
These scars might be avoidable… if you act fast.
Early treatment can drastically reduce scar height and color—but most people don’t even realize they’re developing a hypertrophic scar until it’s already hardened and visible.
That’s why this matters: What you do in the first few weeks after an injury could shape your skin for life.
And we’re just getting to the part nobody talks about…
🔥 Everyone Gets This Wrong About Hypertrophic Scars
Here’s what most people think:
“It’s just a scar. It’ll flatten over time.”
But that’s not always true—and that belief could be the reason your scar sticks around longer… or gets worse.
Studies show that up to 70% of surgical patients develop hypertrophic scars—especially if they’re under 30, have darker skin tones, or are genetically predisposed.
And yet, most over-the-counter scar products don’t even mention hypertrophic scarring on the label.
Here’s the real kicker:
➡️ Hypertrophic scars are biologically active. They’re not “done healing” when the wound closes—they’re still inflamed, still overproducing collagen, and still responding to movement, sun, and even stress.
And the most commonly recommended treatments?
- Vitamin E? Can actually worsen scarring in some cases
- Massage alone? Not enough
- Steroid injections? Effective, but painful and not without risks
So if you’re slathering on a random cream hoping for the best—you might just be feeding the fire.
But what does work? That’s where science, silicone, and consistency collide…
💡 Theories Behind the Scar That Refuses to Settle
Ask five dermatologists what causes hypertrophic scars, and you might get five different answers—each pointing to a different piece of the puzzle.
👩⚕️ Theory 1: Mechanical Tension = More Scar
One leading hypothesis is that constant tension on a healing wound triggers excess collagen production.
This explains why hypertrophic scars often form over joints, shoulders, or the chest—areas that stretch, twist, and flex during recovery.
💬 “Wounds under high tension are more likely to form raised scars, even if they’re closed cleanly,” says Dr. H. Ogawa in a landmark study on scar mechanics.
🌡️ Theory 2: Heat, Hormones & Histamines
Newer research suggests that heat, hormonal fluctuations, and histamine levels all play a role in making a scar go rogue.
That’s why hypertrophic scars are more common during puberty, pregnancy, or stress, and why they often itch or burn during flare-ups.
🌐 Reddit & TikTok Say…
Internet forums are filled with homebrew scar “hacks”—from onion extract gels to microneedling at home. Some swear by them.
Others show horrifying before-and-after shots of DIY treatments gone wrong.
➡️ The truth? Some natural remedies can help—but only if the scar is in its early, pliable stage and the treatment is targeted.
Most “miracle fixes” just delay proper care.
And according to new clinical reviews, combining silicone sheets + gentle pressure therapy often yields the best results.
Still… there’s one more twist.
Some hypertrophic scars just fade on their own—years later.
But do you really want to gamble on that?
🚀 What Happens If You Ignore a Hypertrophic Scar?
Some hypertrophic scars shrink down naturally over 6 to 18 months.
Others? They calcify, discolor, and stick around like a raised badge you didn’t ask for.
If untreated, they can:
- Harden and lose flexibility, making movement uncomfortable
- Darken in color, especially on darker skin tones or with sun exposure
- Become itchy, inflamed, or emotionally distressing
In surgical cases, the scar itself can cause enough pain or dysfunction that revision surgery is needed—which carries the risk of forming yet another hypertrophic scar.
So what’s the way out?
💉 Future Fixes: Scar Science Is Evolving
The last five years have seen massive advances in scar therapy, including:
- Laser-assisted drug delivery: Resurfaces skin and improves treatment absorption
- Botox for scars: Reduces tension and inflammation
- Growth factor creams and peptides: Targeted cell signaling to normalize collagen
But here’s what’s actually working right now:
✅ Silicone sheeting
✅ Silicone-based gels (like the ones we recommend here)
✅ Pressure garments for surgical patients
✅ Microneedling with professional guidance
And the most important factor of all?
Start early. Be consistent. And use the right product for your scar type.
Want to know which cream actually works for hypertrophic scars?
We’ve ranked the best of them in this buying guide — and one pick might surprise you.
😈 The Scar Isn’t the Problem—Your Doctor Might Be
Let’s get controversial:
What if your scar isn’t stubborn—what if you were misled about how to treat it from day one?
Doctors often dismiss raised scars with vague advice like “just keep it clean” or “use some cream.”
But science now shows that starting silicone therapy within 2 weeks of wound closure dramatically reduces hypertrophic scarring.
💥 One 2022 clinical study even revealed that delayed scar intervention increases hypertrophic formation risk by 72%.
So why don’t more people hear this early?
Because most post-op protocols don’t include preventive scar care—despite mounting evidence.
And here’s the kicker:
Some “scar creams” at drugstores contain irritants, alcohols, or perfumes—making the problem worse, not better.
So… what if your scar isn’t the result of your body failing—
But the system failing to warn you in time?
🧩 So… Can a Scar Really Be Outgrown?
If your scar keeps growing long after your wound has healed, maybe it’s not just a scar—it’s a signal your body isn’t done yet.
What if we stopped treating scars like passive memories—and started seeing them as ongoing reactions we can intervene in?
The truth is, hypertrophic scars aren’t destiny.
They’re stories still being written—and sometimes, rewritten.
Want to know which products actually make a difference?
➡️ Head to our full guide on scar treatment creams to see what works—and what to avoid.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between hypertrophic scars and keloids?
Hypertrophic scars stay within the original wound boundary and often shrink over time, while keloids grow beyond it and rarely regress without treatment.
Do hypertrophic scars go away on their own?
Some fade naturally over 6–18 months, especially if small. But without early treatment, many remain thick and raised for years.
What’s the best treatment for a hypertrophic scar?
Silicone-based gels or sheets, pressure therapy, and consistent care starting within weeks of injury tend to work best.
Can I treat hypertrophic scars at home?
Yes—especially early on. But avoid alcohol-based creams or abrasive treatments that can irritate healing tissue.
Are hypertrophic scars dangerous?
Not medically dangerous, but they can impair movement, cause discomfort, and affect confidence or body image.
Dermefface FX7 Scar Cream
Advanced full-spectrum scar treatment that fades acne, surgery, injury, and burn scars with 7 clinically proven active ingredients. Designed to restore smoother, clearer skin.
💼 Tools You’ll Actually Use
These are trusted platforms we personally use and recommend. They can help you level up your listening, freelancing, or online privacy.
🔒 This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the site!
Jonathan Gron is the founder of OwlRatings.com, where he reviews and ranks the best products to help smart shoppers make informed decisions. With years of experience in content strategy, consumer research, and SEO, Jonathan specializes in turning complex comparisons into clear, trustworthy guides. When he’s not analyzing gear, you’ll find him deep in a rabbit hole of emerging tech or brewing a perfect cup of coffee.
