Hypertrophic scars: What they are and how to flatten them

Published: January 2021

Last Reviewed: October 2025

Many people have developed a scar after one of life’s unfortunate events, like surgery, a car accident or another type of injury. After a skin injury has occurred, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. Only wounds that do not affect the dermis can heal without scars. Hypertrophic scars raise above the surrounding skin level and may continue to thicken for up to six months but are limited to the original wound area.

This article will explain how hypertrophic scars occur and how you can visibly reduce their appearance as well as other healing and prevention tips.

A hypertrophic scar is a result of an abnormal response to an injury or skin trauma. Scar tissue forms as wounds heal, which usually becomes flat and pale, whereas hypertrophic scars appear red and raised, sometimes remaining like this for several years. They are characterised by an excess of collagen, which is caused by a dysregulated healing process.

Hypertrophic scars aren't life-threatening or contagious, but they can cause cosmetic or body confidence issues. Here are some common symptoms:

• slight itching where the scar meets normal skin
• some pain in the centre
• restricted movement as the skin is no longer as flexible
• eventually becoming paler and flatter
• gradually flattening out over time

Wounds from burns are more likely to result in hypertrophic scarring, especially more severe cases of burning. Other risk factors include: 

• General inflammation
• Infection
• Genetics and history of hypertrophic scarring
• Issues with wound healing

While they affect men and women from any racial group equally, those aged between 10 and 30 are more at risk. It is believed that the elasticity in younger skin leads to a higher production of collagen.

Piercings are a type of wound which can also result in hypertrophic scars. The scar can appear as a bump on the piercing site during the healing process and may be mistaken for an irritation bump or a keloid scar.

This type of scar can appear on piercings anywhere on the body, but they are most common on nose and ear cartilage piercings, as cartilage doesn’t heal as well as other tissues due to reduced blood flow.

Like keloids, hypertrophic scars develop as a result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound, although more collagen is produced for keloid scars. Whereas keloid scars extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, hypertrophic scars do not, and tend to be easier to treat.

In general, hypertrophic scars are rarely more than four millimetres above the skin, tend to be pink or red and can grow anywhere on the body. In comparison, keloids can grow to more than four millimetres and can be red, purple or darker than the surrounding skin. These are usually located on the shoulders, upper chest, cheeks or earlobes (especially after piercings).

We often seek to reduce or hide the appearance of scars, as they can impact quality of life. Individuals may suffer from psychological impairment and reduced self-confidence, as well as the physical discomfort. For this reason, someone may want to reduce a scar, especially if it’s located on a visible part of the body.

Elastoplast Scar Reducer is a convenient and non-invasive option for improving the appearance of hypertrophic scars.

These silicone-based strips work by creating an optimal healing environment that helps flatten, soften, and reduce the redness of raised scars over time. Clinically proven and easy to apply, they can be worn discreetly under clothing and are suitable for both new and old scars.

By maintaining consistent pressure and hydration on the scar tissue, Elastoplast Scar Reducer can significantly enhance the skin’s natural healing process, offering a practical solution without the need for surgical or more intensive treatments.

Hypertrophic scars usually continue to thicken for a while after the initial wound has healed, but after this period, they tend to fade and flatten. While they do not disappear entirely, they can become less prominent over time, especially when cared for with Elastoplast Scar Reducer.

Scars are formed in the last phase of wound healing, and the scar's appearance will depend on how successfully the wound has healed. To reduce the risk of scars and ensure a safe and fast healing, it is recommended to follow some basic wound care principles:

1. Wound cleansing: As infections may increase the risk of abnormal scarring, always make sure that the wound is properly cleansed from particles, dirt and bacteria. Use the Elastoplast Wound Spray to clean the wound fast and easily.
2. Wound protection: Make sure the wound is covered with an appropriate plaster or sterile wound dressing from Elastoplast. This will protect the wound from germs and bacteria which might enter and delay healing, possibly causing infection.
3. Moist wound healing: To reduce the risk of scarring and support a faster wound healing, experts recommend moist healing conditions. Apply the Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment to create optimal healing conditions and support a fast wound healing with reduced risk of scarring.

There are ways scars can be reduced both during the healing process and after:

• Protect wounds and newly formed scars from the sun's rays.
• Do not expose wounds and newly formed scars to extreme temperatures.
• Avoid exercises or activities that cause tension in the scar tissue.
• Only have stitches removed when suitable, because taking them out too early or delaying the process can interfere with wound healing.