What Does a Hypertrophic Scar Look Like?
Every scar is unique, but hypertrophic scars usually have these key features:
✧ 1. Raised and Firm Texture
The scar may feel bumpy, thick, or firm to the touch. It can look like a ridge along the skin, especially along surgical incisions.
💡 Many clients describe it as “a rope under the skin” or “a swollen line.”
For raised or thickened scars, our Scar Revision Treatments can help improve the texture and reduce discomfort.
✧ 2. Color Changes
The scar often appears red, pink, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. In darker skin, it may look even more pigmented and noticeable — a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Over time, the color may begin to fade on its own, but not always.
If your scar appears discolored, explore our Stretch Mark Camouflage and Regeneration techniques that help restore a natural tone.
✧ 3. Defined Edges
Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars don’t spread out. They’re usually neatly aligned with the original wound or incision. For example, if you had a tummy tuck, the scar might follow the same surgical line — just raised and darker.
Learn the difference between hypertrophic and keloid scars in our Keloid Healing Guide.
✧ 4. Itchiness or Sensitivity
Some hypertrophic scars can feel tight, itchy, or even slightly painful — especially in the early stages. If the scar crosses a joint or high-movement area, it may also feel stiff.
✧ 5. No Expansion Beyond the Wound
This is one of the most important signs: hypertrophic scars stay within the size of the injury. If the scar is spreading or forming irregular borders, it may be a keloid, which requires a different treatment approach.
How Long Do Hypertrophic Scars Last?
These scars often appear within weeks of the injury and can take 12 to 18 months to soften a bit, but not always get flat. Most of the time they need help.
Many clients come to me after a year or more, saying:
“It just stopped improving… and I don’t know what else to try.”
That’s where professional care can make a difference.
What Causes Hypertrophic Scars to Form?
There are a few common risk factors:
Tension on the wound while healing
Infection or delayed healing
Genetics (some people are naturally more prone)
Darker skin tones, which are more reactive to inflammation
Lack of scar care early in healing
But remember: this is not your fault. Scar formation is your body’s way of trying to protect you — it just sometimes needs a little help refining the result.
Can Hypertrophic Scars Be Improved?
Yes.
And at Natalia Mejia Skin, I’ve helped many clients see significant improvements in both color and texture.
✧ Our Approach
I focus on regeneration first — rather than covering the scar, we work to restore the skin’s natural balance, reduce the thickness, and soften pigmentation.
Depending on your case, I may recommend:
🌿 Microneedling with growth factors or stem cells
💧 Topical regenerative treatments to improve texture and color
🔬 Plasma energy to stimulate cellular repair
🌱 Peels or scar massage therapy
🎨 Scar camouflage tattooing — only after the scar is stable
✧ When Can We Start?
✨ I begin treating hypertrophic scars at Natalia Mejia Skin from month 4 after the wound has fully closed.
This is the window when the scar is stable enough to respond, but still active enough to benefit from regenerative support.
Even if your scar is many years old, don’t worry — I’ve seen beautiful changes in long-standing scars as well.
We treat scars of all ages. Learn more about our approach in Scar Revision by Specialist.
How to Know If You Need Help
You may benefit from scar treatment if:
✔️ Your scar is raised and firm
✔️ It’s been more than 4 months since healing
✔️ The color is darker than the surrounding skin
✔️ It hasn’t improved in several months
✔️ It makes you feel uncomfortable, self-conscious, or limited in how you dress or move
You don’t need to live with that discomfort, and you’re not alone.
Your Scar Is Not a Flaw — It’s a Starting Point
If your scar is affecting how you feel in your own skin, I want you to know there is a path forward. With the right care, attention, and love, your skin can change — and so can the way you relate to it.
At Natalia Mejia Skin, I hold space for every story, and I treat every scar with the respect it deserves.
You deserve to feel good in your body, and I’m here to help you get there.
Let’s talk about your scar. Book a consultation and begin your journey toward healing, confidence, and transformation.
—
With love,
Natalia Mejia
Scar Specialist and Paramedical Tattoo Artist in NYC
✨ Scar Regeneration • Camouflage • Confidence Restored
📍 www.nataliamejia.com