Types of burn scars
Burn scars vary in appearance, depth and how difficult they are to treat — depending on the burn's severity and how healing progressed.
- Flat, discoloured scar — follows first- or second-degree burns, usually flat; moderately difficult to treat
- Atrophic scar — sunken, follows a deeper burn; difficult to treat
- Hypertrophic scar — raised above the skin, pink or red; difficult to treat
- Keloid scar — extends beyond the original wound; very difficult to treat
- Post-burn contracture — restricts movement (for example, near a joint); requires a surgical and rehabilitation approach
When can you start treatment?
- Early healing (0–3 months): protection, silicone, UV protection, massage
- Active scar — red, raised (3–12 months): silicone, compression, massage; laser therapy may be indicated for hypertrophic scars
- Mature scar (over 12–18 months): corrective treatments — laser, fractional microneedling RF, Dermapen
Care protocol during healing
Corrective treatments for a mature scar
Once a scar is mature, remodelling treatments can be considered. The choice of method depends on the scar type, its depth and how the skin responded to earlier care.
Keloid scars — a separate protocol
Keloids are scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound — they require treatment by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
- Corticosteroid injections (triamcinolone)
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical excision combined with corticosteroids and silicone