Scars are not considered mature until 8-12 months after the wound has healed. This is because there continue to be changes on the cellular level during this time. Typically, the scar will fade in color, flatten and soften. Therefore, most scars improve in appearance and texture over time, and is why Dr. Albright will typically have patients wait at least 1 year prior to offering a surgical scar revision. Patients may also become more accepting of the scar with time, and may eventually "forget about it". However there are exceptions (see section below)!

Some scars may not improve much, if at all, with time! These include hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Both of these scar types appear similar at first, but have some very key differences particularly in treatment strategies. A hypertrophic scar may improve or resolve with steroid injections alone, whereas a keloid scar is much less likely to do so. This is why it is important to figure out which type of scar we are dealing with.

Keloid scarring runs in families, and most patients will have other family members with these troublesome scars. Keloids can continue to GROW even without additional injury. Furthermore, surgery may stimulate them to grow again or even grow faster. Therefore, the treatment for keloid scars is more aggressive and will typically involve steroid injections with surgical excision. Together, you and Dr. Albright will come up with a plan that fits your goals.