Unsure how to treat your raised, red hypertrophic scar? You’re not alone.
Hypertrophic scars can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness for many individuals. While they may fade over time, some scars remain prominent, leading people to seek effective treatment options.
At Dr Shane’s clinic in Singapore, we specialise in personalised scar treatments—because no two scars heal the same way.
Before considering any treatment, it’s crucial to understand:
Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that form as a result of excessive collagen production during the wound healing process. Unlike keoid scars, they do not extend beyond the original wound area but both can be red, firm, and sometimes itchy or painful.
Hypertrophic scars typically form due to an overactive healing response. Several factors contribute to their development:
While both hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised and thickened, they have key differences:
Growth: Stays within wound
Pain / Itch: Common
Fading: May improve over the years
Recurrence: Lower after treatment
Growth: Spreads beyond the wound
Pain / Itch: More intense
Fading: Rarely fades
Recurrence: High chance
Why expertise matters:Expectations from outcome of therapy and the longevity of result will depend on the identification of the scar type.
There are several effective treatments available to reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars. The best approach depends on factors such as scar size, age, location, initial cause, individual skin type, and response to previous treatments.
Common treatments include:
A first-line treatment performed at 4 to 6 weekly intervals, these steroid injections help to shrink the size of hypertrophic scars after several sessions.
These injections can be applied to the scar to reduce the tension across the wound; this tension is theoretically a contributing factor the hypertrophic scar formation, so reducing this tension potentially reduces the chance of scar growth or recurrence.
Also considered a first-line modality for hypertrophic scars, this simple-to-apply technique help improve hydration and elasticity of the scar. This involves the application of a silicone sheet or gel for 12 to 24 hours per day over 2 to 3 months.
A well studied, cheap and effective means of reducing hypertrophic scar tissue, massaging effectively helps weaken scar tissue and improve the appearance of the scar over time.
Helps break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen remodelling, and prevent further growth of newly formed hypertrophic scars.
More about Hypertrophic Scar Treatments
Laser therapy is a popular and effective option for reducing the thickness, redness, and stiffness of hypertrophic scars. It works by breaking down excess collagen and promoting skin regeneration.
Benefits of laser treatment:
Corticosteroid injections help flatten hypertrophic scars by reducing collagen production and inflammation. This treatment is the gold standard and typically the first line for hypertrophic/keloid scars
What to expect:
Silicone gel sheets create a protective barrier that hydrates the scar and reduces collagen overproduction. Regular use can lead to a flatter, softer scar appearance over time. For best results, silicone gel sheets should be worn consistently for several hours a day—ideally for at least 12 hours—over a period of weeks or months.
However, results vary, and some scars may require additional treatments like laser therapy or steroid injections for optimal improvement.
The number of sessions varies depending on the the age, size, location, and the treatment method used.
Most scar treatments are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Some procedures, such as laser therapy and microneedling, may cause mild redness or swelling, which typically subsides within a few days.
At Dr Shane’s clinic, we maximise comfort with:
Preparation steps depend on the type of treatment, but general recommendations include:
The cost depends on the type of treatment, severity of the scar, and the clinic’s expertise. Estimated prices:
Surgical removal of such scars are associated with high recurrence rates (up to 50%) in spite of it’s associated surgical risks and are therefore reserved for highly resistant scars or scars that affect daily function or mobility.
Non-surgical procedures are first-line therapies as they are safer, more predictable, and more hassle-free. Some treatments can improve certain aspects but make others worse (like steroids reducing volume of scars but worsening it’s redness temporarily), so a combination of tools are usually required to reach an adequate outcome.
While treatments significantly improve the appearance of hypertrophic scars, no treatment can guarantee 100% removal. The goal is to reduce thickness, redness, and discomfort to make the scar less noticeable.
While most treatments are safe, some potential side effects include:
Common & Temporary:
Rare but Serious:
Improvements can be seen within a few weeks to months, depending on the treatment method. Laser therapy and steroid injections often show visible changes within 2-3 sessions.
To ensure the best results and minimise complications, avoid:
While professional treatments are more effective, some natural remedies with limited evidence that may help support scar healing:
Selecting an experienced aesthetic doctor ensures safe and effective results. Look for:
Choosing a treatment isn’t about finding the “best device” – it’s about finding the right expertise.
At Dr Shane’s clinic, we believe remarkable results begin with three fundamentals: medical precision, honest advice, and customised care.
While many clinics focus on selling treatments, we prioritise:
✔ Doctor-Led Consultations
Every treatment plan begins with a medical evaluation of your skin’s needs – not a sales conversation.
✔ Safety-First Philosophy
We use only HSA-approved devices and disclose all potential risks transparently.
✔ No Pressure, Just Professional Advice
You’ll leave your consultation either:
✔ Natural-Looking Results
Our treatment plans prioritise gradual, authentic improvement over dramatic but short-lived changes.
✔ Continued Aftercare
Post-treatment guidance to help maintain and optimise your results
Many patients discover during consultation that their skin concerns actually require:
→ A different treatment approach
→ Combination therapies
→ Or simply more time before considering procedures
Book a skin health assessment to get professional insights before deciding on any treatment.
Let us help you find what’s right for your skin—not just what’s trending.
To schedule a consultation, please fill the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you are welcome to drop us a Whatsapp message and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
All Rights Reserved
Website by Heroes of Digital
