A scar is a piece of tissue that develops as the body's natural response to injury, replacing skin that has been lost or damaged.
When the skin's integrity is disrupted by cuts, burns, abrasions, surgical incisions, or certain inflammatory conditions (acne, folliculitis, discoid lupus, etc.), the body initiates a complex healing process.
Specialised cells known as fibroblasts produce collagen, the main structural protein that forms new tissue to close the wound.
While this newly formed scar tissue provides the necessary structural support and protection, it generally differs from the surrounding skin in appearance and texture.
It generally contains fewer sweat glands, hair follicles and pigment cells, resulting in an area that is less flexible, paler or thicker compared with normal skin. This tissue looks visually different from normal skin. The main factors affecting a scar's appearance are the severity and depth of the original damage, and the individual's skin characteristics. The treatment plan is made based on these factors. Methods such as topical creams, injectable treatments, microneedling, microneedling radiofrequency, laser treatment or surgical revision can be used.