If you’ve ever wondered why one cut seems to disappear while another leaves a lasting mark, the answer lies in how your skin heals. Scarring is a natural part of the repair process, but not all scars behave the same way. Below, the team (led by Dr. Fiona Wright) at Skin MD and Beyond in Plano, TX, explains why certain scars persist — and what can be done to improve their appearance safely and effectively.
How the Body Forms a Scar
When your skin is injured, your body immediately begins a healing response. Collagen fibers rush to the area to close the wound and rebuild tissue. In an ideal scenario, this collagen is laid down evenly and gradually remodels over time, allowing the scar to fade and flatten. However, healing doesn’t always follow a perfect pattern. The depth of the injury, inflammation, genetics, and even the location on your body can influence the final scar’s appearance.
Why Some Scars Become Raised or Thick
Raised scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids, occur when the body produces excess collagen during healing. Instead of flattening over time, the scar thickens and becomes elevated. These are more common in areas with tension, such as the chest, shoulders, and jawline. Genetics also plays a role, making some individuals more prone to this type of scarring.
Why Other Scars Become Indented
Indented or atrophic scars, often seen after acne, form when there isn’t enough collagen produced during healing. This leaves depressions in the skin’s surface. Because these scars involve structural collagen loss, they typically don’t fade on their own without targeted treatment.
The Role of Inflammation and Skin Type
Prolonged inflammation during healing can worsen scar formation. Picking at acne lesions or wounds increases inflammation and disrupts collagen balance, raising the likelihood of visible scarring. Skin tone can also affect how scars appear, with some patients experiencing long-lasting discoloration even after the scar flattens.
Solutions for Improving Scar Appearance
While scars are permanent changes in the skin, their appearance can often be significantly improved. At Skin MD and Beyond, Dr. Wright offers customized treatment plans that may include microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling such as Secret RF, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. These treatments stimulate collagen remodeling, smooth texture, and help blend scars more seamlessly with surrounding skin. For raised scars, targeted therapies may help soften and flatten the area over time.
Seek Cosmetic Care for Scars
With more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Fiona Wright combines advanced technology with clinical expertise to design scar treatment plans tailored to your skin type and scar pattern. Patients throughout Plano, Frisco, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area trust her evidence-based approach to deliver safe, natural-looking results. If you’re ready to explore scar improvement options, contact 972-608-0808 to schedule your consultation.