The Scar Regeneration Process in Hapjeong and Care by Stage: How Long Does It Take?

Hello.

I’m Dr. Wi Young-jin of Beauty’s Doctor.

Even after a wound has healed, if redness or a firm sensation remains,

You may worry, “Could the scar harden like this?”

Just because the scab has fallen off

does not mean that skin recovery is completely finished.

The scar regeneration process

continues from filling the damaged area with new tissue

to the stage of reorganizing its color and thickness.

Therefore, rather than judging the final scar

based only on how it looks now,

it is important to examine which stage it is currently in.

3-line summary

1. Scar regeneration

   goes through the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases,

   and it may take several months or longer

   for the color and thickness to settle.

2. Before the wound closes,

   protection comes first,

   while after it heals, reducing exposure to UV rays and friction

   and providing stage-appropriate care are important.

3. If the scar continues to become raised

   or remains indented,

   it is better to have the scar type checked

   rather than continuing with self-care alone.

1) How does the scar regeneration process proceed?

An inflammatory response appears first

immediately after a wound occurs.

Redness, warmth, and discharge may be visible,

and this is the stage in which damaged tissue is cleared

and wound healing begins.

This is followed by the proliferative phase,

when new tissue and blood vessels are formed.

This phase includes the period when

the wound is filled in and the skin surface closes.

During the final remodeling phase,

collagen formed in the early stages is rearranged,

so the scar’s color, firmness,

and thickness may gradually change.

This skin recovery process continues for several months,

and depending on the depth and location of the wound,

changes may continue for more than a year.

That is why redness remaining immediately after healing

does not necessarily mean

that the scar has permanently set in that form.

2) How should care be provided at each stage of wound recovery?

In the early stage, while the wound has not yet closed,

it is better not to forcibly remove the scab

or repeatedly use strong disinfectants.

Rather than touching it arbitrarily,

protecting the wound area

according to the instructions you received

should take priority.

Whether dressings or ointments should be used

may vary depending on the depth and condition of the wound.

Rather than adding products based only on reviews,

it is better to follow the instructions provided during your consultation.

Once the wound has completely closed,

scar care focused on sun protection

and reducing friction becomes important.

Newly formed skin is sensitive to irritation,

so after exposure to sunlight or repeated friction,

the mark may appear darker.

For exposed areas,

use sunscreen,

and if the area is continually rubbed by clothing

or joint movement,

also consider ways to reduce pulling and pressure.

Silicone gels or sheets

are often considered after the wound has completely healed.

If discharge or a scab remains,

check when to begin first

rather than covering it and using the product on your own.

3) When should scar treatment be considered?

Even as scar regeneration progresses,

not all scars

become lighter in the same way.

Keloids that rise beyond the original wound area

or hypertrophic scars

that become thick and firm within the original wound

may require an evaluation appropriate to their current stage.

If itching and pain continue,

or if, over time,

the scar grows in thickness and area,

it is better to have its condition checked

rather than simply waiting longer.

Indented scars, such as acne scars,

require examination of both the surface color

and the structures beneath the skin.

Depending on the scar’s depth and shape,

approaches using devices or injections

may also differ.

Rather than starting scar treatment as soon as possible in every case,

the first step is to determine whether the wound has completely closed,

whether inflammation remains,

and what form the scar is developing into.

In closing

The speed of scar regeneration and the extent to which a scar remains

may vary depending on age, skin characteristics,

and the depth and location of the wound.

Rather than applying someone else’s

scar recovery period directly to your own case,

observe whether the color and thickness are gradually decreasing,

or, conversely, whether the scar is becoming raised

or discomfort is increasing.

If a mark remains for a long time

or the scar appears to be becoming thicker,

have its current stage assessed

and discuss the appropriate care for each stage.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. How long does scar regeneration usually take?

The remodeling phase may continue

for several months to more than a year.

Because the duration varies greatly depending on the depth and location of the wound,

rather than setting a fixed timeframe,

it is better to observe changes in both color and thickness.

Q2. When can silicone products be used?

They are generally considered

after the wound has completely closed

and there is no discharge or scab.

For surgical sites or deep wounds,

it is better to confirm

when to begin before using them.

Q3. Can I apply a brightening product to a red scar?

Redness and brown pigmentation may have different causes.

Rather than using irritating ingredients

while the wound is still sensitive,

it is better to first check the condition of the mark

and then decide on an appropriate care approach.

Q4. When should I start scar massage?

Even after the wound has healed sufficiently,

the appropriate method may vary

depending on the location and type of scar.

Rather than rubbing delicate tissue vigorously,

it is better to start after receiving guidance

on whether massage is needed and what pressure is appropriate.

Thank you for reading this lengthy post today.

This was Dr. Wi Young-jin of Beauty’s Doctor.