Most scars are not fully healed when the skin surface closes. While a wound may appear healed within weeks, scar remodeling often continues for 12 to 18 months and sometimes longer. During this period, the scar continues changing in color, texture, thickness, and flexibility (Monstrey et al., 2014).

What Are the Stages of Scar Healing?

Scar healing occurs in three overlapping phases.

Inflammatory Phase

Immediately after injury, the body works to stop bleeding and begin repair.

Proliferative Phase

New tissue forms and collagen production increases. The wound closes and the scar begins developing.

Remodeling Phase

The body reorganizes collagen and strengthens the scar. This phase lasts the longest and can continue for more than a year (Monstrey et al., 2014).

How Do You Know a Scar Is Still Healing?

A scar may still be healing if it is:

• Red or pink

• Raised

• Firm

• Itchy

• Sensitive

• Continuing to change in appearance

These changes are often signs that remodeling is still occurring.

What Does a Mature Scar Look Like?

A mature scar is typically:

• Flatter

• Softer

• Less noticeable

• Closer in color to surrounding skin

• More stable in appearance

While scars rarely disappear completely, many become significantly less visible over time.

Can a Scar Change After One Year?

Yes.

Although most remodeling occurs during the first 12 to 18 months, some scars continue changing beyond that timeframe, particularly larger scars, burn scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids (Berman et al., 2017).

When Should Scar Care Begin?

Scar care should generally begin after the wound is fully closed and there are no open areas, scabs, or drainage.

At that point, silicone-based scar care may be introduced according to product instructions or healthcare provider recommendations (Gold et al., 2014).

Why Does Scar Maturation Matter?

Understanding scar maturation helps set realistic expectations.

Many people assume a scar's appearance at two or three months is permanent. In reality, scars often continue improving for many months after the initial injury.

Patience and consistent scar care are important parts of the process.

FAQ

How long does it take for a scar to fully heal?

Most scars continue remodeling for 12 to 18 months, although some may continue changing longer.

Is a scar healed when the skin closes?

No. Skin closure is only one step in the healing process. Internal remodeling continues long afterward.

Can scars improve after one year?

Yes. Some scars continue softening, flattening, and fading beyond the first year.

When should I start using silicone scar products?

Generally after the wound has fully closed and according to product instructions or healthcare provider guidance.

Will my scar ever completely disappear?

Most scars become less noticeable over time, but few disappear entirely.

References

Berman, B., Maderal, A., & Raphael, B. (2017). Keloids and hypertrophic scars: Pathophysiology, classification, and treatment. Dermatologic Surgery, 43(Suppl. 1), S3–S18. Link

Gold, M. H., et al. (2014). Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management. Dermatologic Surgery, 40(8), 825–831. Link

Monstrey, S., et al. (2014). Updated scar management practical guidelines. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 67(8), 1017–1025. Link

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals with questions about a scar or persistent symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional.