What Are the Stages of Hypertrophic Scar Healing? Understanding the Journey and How We Can Help
When you’re dealing with a raised or dark scar after surgery, an accident, or even acne, it’s natural to wonder:
“Is this going to go away?”
“How long will it take to heal?”
At Natalia Mejia Skin, one of the most common types of scars I work on is the hypertrophic scar — a thick, raised scar that forms as part of your body’s natural healing response.
The good news?
Hypertrophic scars often go through distinct stages of healing — and with the right support, their texture and appearance can improve dramatically.
Let’s walk through these stages together so you can better understand what’s happening in your skin — and how I can help you along the way.
First: What Is a Hypertrophic Scar?
A hypertrophic scar forms when your body produces too much collagen during healing. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars stay within the wound’s borders, but they can still be:
Thick or raised
Red, pink, or dark brown
Itchy, tight, or sensitive
Emotionally difficult to deal with, especially in visible areas
They are especially common after surgeries like C-sections, tummy tucks, breast lifts, and trauma.
The 4 Stages of Hypertrophic Scar Healing
1. Inflammatory Phase (0 to 2 weeks)
🩹 What’s happening:
Initial inflammation and early collagen production.
🧠 What you may notice:
Redness, swelling
Tenderness
Wound still closing
💛 Support at this stage:
Wound care and hydration. Treatments begin only when skin is fully closed — not here yet.
2. Proliferative Phase (2 to 6 weeks)
🌱 What’s happening:
Tissue forms rapidly. This is when hypertrophic scars often begin to appear.
🧠 What you may notice:
Raised texture
Red or pink appearance
Tightness or itchiness
💛 Support at this stage:
We may recommend silicone or hydration. At Natalia Mejia Skin, hands-on regenerative treatments typically begin after month 4, once tissue is more stable.
3. Maturation Phase (6 weeks to 12+ months)
🌿 What’s happening:
Collagen reorganizes, and the scar starts to soften. Some scars plateau.
🧠 What you may notice:
Continued raised appearance
Changes in pigmentation
Uneven texture
💛 Support at this stage:
✨ This is our ideal window to start treatment.
Using a customized plan of:
Microneedling with growth factors
Enzymatic peels
Plasma energy
We typically recommend 4+ sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart.
4. Resolution Phase (12 months and beyond)
🌸 What’s happening:
The scar stabilizes — it’s no longer changing much on its own.
🧠 What you may notice:
Color inconsistencies
Firm or thick texture
Emotional discomfort when seeing the scar
💛 Support at this stage:
Even older scars respond to care. We combine texture treatments with camouflage tattooing if needed — blending color and softening appearance.
How Long Does It Take for a Hypertrophic Scar to Fully Heal?
Without help, a hypertrophic scar may take 12–18 months to soften — and some never do.
But with targeted treatment, we can:
Shorten healing time
Improve texture and color
Reduce discomfort
Some clients see results in just a few sessions. Others, especially with dark or thick scars, may require a longer plan — always tailored to your skin.
Can Hypertrophic Scars Disappear Completely?
Sometimes yes — particularly when treated early and consistently. But even if they remain:
They can soften
Become less visible
Feel more flexible
No longer emotionally burden you
The goal is not perfection — it’s comfort, confidence, and self-acceptance.
How Do I Know If I’m in the Right Stage for Treatment?
You may be ready if:
✔️ The wound closed 4+ months ago
✔️ The scar feels raised, tight, or dark
✔️ It has plateaued or stopped changing
✔️ You’re ready for the next step
And if you’re unsure? I’ll assess it with honesty and care.
How I Can Help at Natalia Mejia Skin
Whether your scar is new or old, I offer:
🌿 Regenerative scar treatments for all skin tones
🧬 Non-invasive support for your skin’s natural healing
🎨 Camouflage tattooing once the skin is ready
💛 A safe, compassionate space to heal at your pace
Your Scar Is Not the End of the Story
You didn’t choose your scar — but you can choose how you care for it.
With the right support, hypertrophic scars can transform not only in texture and color — but in how they make you feel.
If you’re ready to start — or just curious what’s possible — I’d love to guide you.
—
With care,
Natalia Mejia
Scar Specialist and Paramedical Tattoo Artist in NYC
✨ Regeneration • Camouflage • Confidence Restored