Every scar and every person heals differently.
Scar treatment isn’t only about appearance — it’s also about how your skin feels, moves, and functions. The right care can make a big difference to comfort, confidence, and mobility. There’s no single “best” treatment. The right approach depends on the type of scar, how long it’s been there, and what symptoms you’re experiencing (such as tightness, pain, or itchiness). In many cases, a combination of treatments works best.

NON-INVASIVE SCAR TREATMENT OPTIONS

MANUAL AND MOVEMENT BASED TREATMENTS

Scars can sometimes feel tight, painful, or restrict movement — not only where you see them on the surface, but also in the deeper layers of tissue underneath.
When a scar forms, it can connect to the fascia, muscles, or connective tissue, which in turn may influence posture, flexibility, or even organ function, especially with abdominal or larger surgical scars.
For this reason, treatments that gently mobilise the tissue can make a big difference to how your body feels and moves.

RESTORE SCAR THERAPY

At the heart of non-invasive management, Restore Scar Therapy is a specialised, evidence-informed approach that addresses the scar both locally and systemically.

Principles of the Method:

  • Gentle manual techniques that promote tissue glide, hydration, and elasticity.

  • Targeted work to release fascial and myofascial restrictions caused by scar adhesion.

  • Neuro-sensory stimulation to normalise altered sensation and reduce hypersensitivity.

  • Lymphatic and circulatory support to reduce congestion and improve healing environment.

  • Patient involvement through education and guided self-care.

Therapists trained in the Restore method work with a variety of scars — from surgical and traumatic to burn and post-radiation — always adapting the pressure, pace, and techniques to the individual’s stage of healing and tissue response.

Benefits:

  • Restores skin and fascial mobility

  • Reduces pain, tightness, and pulling sensations

  • Improves appearance and texture of scar tissue

  • Supports joint and postural alignment

  • Enhances overall body comfort and confidence

MANUAL MOBILISATION AND SCAR MASSAGE

 

While often used as part of the Restore approach, scar massage can also be a standalone method when performed by trained professionals.

Techniques include:

  • Surface mobilisation: light lifting and rolling of the skin to reintroduce movement.

  • Deep friction and cross-fibre work: once mature, to remodel dense collagen.

  • Stretch and glide mobilisation: restoring deeper fascial continuity.

Manual work encourages mechanical signalling within the scar and surrounding tissues, guiding collagen remodelling and improving skin elasticity.

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MOVEMENT THERAPY

Physiotherapists and movement specialists can help if a scar affects how you move, stretch, or exercise. Gentle movement, stretching, and posture retraining can support better body balance, reduce strain, and prevent pain or stiffness in other areas.

TOPICAL PRODUCTS AND SCAR SUPPORTS

While topical products cannot "erase" scars, they can support healing and improve the quality and appearance of scar tissue — especially when used alongside manual therapy and movement. These products mainly help by keeping the skin well-hydrated, supporting healthy production of collagen (the protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility), and easing any tightness or discomfort you might feel.

SILICONE GELS AND SHEETS

Silicone is one of the most widely recommended products for scar management by both therapists and medical professionals.

How it works:

Silicone creates a breathable but protective layer over your scar. This helps keep the area hydrated and soft, which can reduce scar thickness and improve texture over time.

You might benefit if your scar is:

  • Raised, thickened, or red (hypertrophic or keloid scars)

  • New and healing (post-surgical, post-burn, or injury)

  • Sensitive or itchy

Types:

  • Silicone gel: easy to apply and invisible once dry — good for facial scars or visible areas

  • Silicone sheets: reusable adhesive sheets worn on the scar for several hours a day

Tip: Ask your therapist for guidance based on your scar location and lifestyle.

CREAMS, OILS, SCAR-SPECIFIC MOISTURISERS

Keeping your scar tissue moisturised can help reduce dryness, irritation, and tightness — especially during the early stages of healing. Some products also contain ingredients that actively help early healing and formation of the scar.

Common options include:

  • Plant-based oils 

  • Creams 

  • Salves

How they can help:

  • Hydrate the scar and surrounding skin

  • Improve texture and elasticity

  • Make massage or self-treatment more comfortable

  • Help reduce feelings of pulling or irritation

Tip: A simple moisturising routine can make a big difference — and is often recommended by your therapist as part of your home care.

KINESIOTAPING

Kinesiology tape is a stretchy, skin-friendly tape that can be applied over or around a scar to support movement and reduce discomfort.

How it works:

  • Gently lifts the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage

  • Reduces tension and pulling on the scar during movement

  • May help reduce hypersensitivity or irritation

You might benefit if:

  • Your scar feels tight or painful during daily movement

  • You’ve had surgery on joints, chest or  abdomen

  • Your scar is healing but you want extra support during activity

Tip: Your Restore Scar Therapy practitioner can teach you how to use tape safely or apply it for you in sessions.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES (DEVICES & MACHINES)

Some therapists may use specialised machines to complement your scar care. These tools help improve circulation, soften tight tissue, reduce swelling, and prepare the area for manual therapy. They are gentle, non-invasive, and often very relaxing.

These are usually used in clinics by trained professionals, not at home.

NEGATIVE PRESSURE THERAPY

Also called suction massage, this therapy lifts the skin gently to promote circulation and break up stiffness.

How it helps:

  • Loosens scar tissue and adhesions

  • Improves skin glide and flexibility

  • Supports lymphatic flow and reduces congestion

You might benefit if:

  • Your scar feels tight or “stuck” to deeper layers

  • You’ve had radiation, burns, or trauma causing stiffness

What it feels like:

A gentle suction sensation, like a soft vacuum — not painful, but a little unusual at first.

T.E.C.A.R. THERAPY

TECAR therapy uses gentle radiofrequency energy to warm deep tissues and improve healing.

How it helps:

  • Increases blood flow and tissue temperature

  • Helps soften tight or fibrotic scars

  • Reduces discomfort or restriction during movement

You might benefit if:

  • Your scar is older and feels stuck or dense

  • You’ve had surgery or trauma deep in the body (e.g. abdominal, spinal)

  • You experience stiffness or limited range of motion

What it feels like:

A comfortable warmth applied through a metal probe, similar to a therapeutic heat massage.

THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND

This therapy uses sound waves (not audible to the ear) to create tiny vibrations that warm and mobilise deep tissue layers.

How it helps:

  • Softens tough or hardened scar tissue

  • Increases mobility in areas with limited stretch

  • Prepares the scar for hands-on therapy

You might benefit if:

  • You have a mature or very firm scar

  • Your scar is affecting surrounding muscles or fascia

What it feels like:

Gentle movement of a probe over the skin with gel — often described as soothing, without discomfort.

DEEP OSCILATION THERAPY

This uses a device that creates a gentle pulsing or vibrating effect deep within the skin and tissue layers.

How it helps:

  • Calms irritated or hypersensitive scars

  • Reduces swelling and discomfort

  • Supports healing in post-surgery or post-radiation areas

You might benefit if:

  • Your scar is very sensitive or painful

  • You’ve recently had surgery or are recovering from cancer treatment

  • You have lymphoedema or fluid build-up around the area

What it feels like:

A soft “buzzing” or humming sensation through a gloved hand or applicator — deeply relaxing and gentle enough for fragile tissue.

INVASIVE SCAR TREATMENT OPTIONS

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF SCARS

Sometimes, scars can be improved through surgery—especially if they are tight, raised, sunken, painful, or limit movement. Scar surgery doesn’t remove a scar completely (no treatment can), but it can make it smaller, flatter, softer, or less noticeable. The aim is to improve both the appearance and the comfort of the scar.

Below are the main types of scar-related surgeries

1. Scar Revision Surgery

This is the most common type of scar operation. It involves removing the old scar and carefully re-closing the skin to make the new scar finer and less visible.

When it’s used:

  • For wide or thick scars that healed poorly.

  • For scars that are very noticeable, uneven, or in a visible area (like the face).

  • For scars that are tight and restrict movement.

How it’s done:

  • The surgeon numbs the area with local anaesthetic (or uses general anaesthetic for larger scars).

  • The old scar is cut out.

  • The wound edges are repositioned and closed using very fine stitches.

  • Sometimes special techniques (like “Z-plasty”) are used to change the direction of the scar or release tightness.

Recovery:

  • Stitches are removed in about a week (sometimes they dissolve on their own).

  • Mild swelling or redness is normal at first.

  • The new scar usually looks better over the next few months as it matures.

2. Z-Plasty 

Z-plasty is a specific surgical method used when a scar causes tightness or pulls the skin, especially near joints or the mouth.

How it works:

  • The surgeon makes small, zigzag-shaped cuts around the scar.

  • The nearby skin “flaps” are rearranged and stitched in a new position.

  • This helps lengthen the scar area, release tension, and blend the scar into natural skin lines.

Benefits:

  • Freer movement in the area.

  • Less visible, smoother scar lines.

  • Often used for scars after burns or injuries that cross joints.

3. Skin Grafting

A skin graft is used when a large area of skin is missing—often after burns, trauma, or previous surgery.

How it’s done:

  • A thin layer of healthy skin is taken from another part of the body (called the donor site, often the thigh or buttock).

  • This layer is placed over the scarred or raw area.

  • The graft helps cover wounds, reduce tightness, and improve movement.

Recovery:

  • The graft and donor sites both need to heal.

  • The new skin may look slightly different in colour or texture but usually blends better over time.

4. Skin Flap Surgery

Instead of taking a thin piece of skin, a flap includes skin plus underlying fat, tissue, and sometimes blood vessels. It’s used when better blood supply or thicker coverage is needed.

When it’s used:

  • For deep scars or after removal of thick scar tissue (like keloids).

  • When the area needs healthy tissue to restore shape and function.

How it’s done:

  • A piece of tissue from a nearby area (still connected to its blood supply) is moved into place to cover the scar.

  • The flap is stitched into position.

Benefits:

  • Natural colour and texture match.

  • Can restore contour and movement.

5. Keloid or Hypertrophic Scar Excision

These are thick, raised scars that grow beyond or above the original wound.

Treatment approach:

  • The scar is surgically removed.

  • To reduce the risk of regrowth, the surgeon may:

    • Inject steroids during or after surgery.

    • Use pressure garments.

    • Apply silicone sheets or gels.

    • Recommend radiotherapy in resistant cases (used only in severe cases).

Goal:

To flatten the scar, stop it from thickening again, and make it less itchy or painful.

6. Tissue Expansion

Used mainly for larger scars or areas where matching skin tone and texture are very important (like the face or neck).

How it works:

  • A small balloon (called an expander) is placed under the nearby healthy skin.

  • Over weeks, the balloon is slowly filled with saline (salt water) to stretch the skin.

  • Once enough extra skin has grown, it’s used to replace the scarred area.

Benefits:

  • Uses the person’s own skin for a perfect match.

  • Permanent improvement once healed.

Downside:

  • Requires several visits and a longer treatment time.

OTHER INVASIVE TREATMENTS FOR SCAR

Not all scar treatments need surgery. Some procedures can improve a scar’s look, texture, and comfort using injections or specialised devices instead of cutting the skin.
These treatments can be used on their own or after surgery to enhance results.

1. Steroid Injections (Corticosteroid Therapy)

What it is:
A medication (usually triamcinolone) is injected directly into the scar to reduce inflammation, redness, and thickness.

Best for:

  • Raised scars (hypertrophic scars and keloids).

  • Itchy or painful scars.

  • New or old scars that are firm or swollen.

How it works:

  • The steroid softens and flattens the scar tissue by reducing collagen build-up.

  • Injections are done every 4–6 weeks until the scar improves.

What to expect:

  • The area may feel tender for a day or two.

  • The scar gradually becomes flatter, softer, and paler over several weeks.

  • Sometimes combined with silicone therapy or laser for best results.

5. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)

What it is:
A treatment that freezes scar tissue using liquid nitrogen.

Best for:

  • Keloids and hypertrophic scars, especially small ones.

How it works:

  • A jet or cotton swab of liquid nitrogen is applied to the scar.

  • The extreme cold destroys the excess scar tissue, which then flattens over time.

What to expect:

  • The treated area may blister or crust before healing.

  • Sometimes combined with steroid injections for better results.

  • May lighten the skin in darker tones.

2. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or Bleomycin Injections

What they are:
Medications originally used for other conditions (like cancer therapy) but effective in controlling abnormal scar growth.

Best for:

  • Stubborn keloids or hypertrophic scars that didn’t respond to steroids alone.

How it works:

  • The medicine is injected directly into the scar tissue.

  • It stops excessive cell growth and collagen production.

  • Often combined with steroid injections to increase success.

What to expect:

  • Treatments are repeated every few weeks.

  • Some mild stinging or redness can occur after each session.

  • Gradual flattening and fading of the scar.

6. Radiotherapy (Low-Dose Radiation)

What it is:
Used only in severe, resistant keloids when other options fail.
A very low dose of targeted radiation prevents the scar from regrowing after it’s surgically removed.

Best for:

  • Recurrent keloids, especially on the chest, shoulders, or earlobes.

How it works:

  • Given within 24 hours after surgical excision.

  • Aimed precisely at the scar tissue only.

  • Reduces the chance of recurrence.

What to expect:

  • Short, painless treatment sessions.

  • Usually no downtime.

  • Only used under strict medical supervision

3. Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

What it is:
A handheld device with tiny, fine needles makes controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
This triggers the body’s natural healing process and new collagen formation.

Best for:

  • Acne scars.

  • Fine, uneven, or sunken scars.

  • Stretch marks and general texture improvement.

How it works:

  • The treatment stimulates healthy collagen and elastin to remodel the scar.

  • Topical serums (like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C) are sometimes applied to boost results.

What to expect:

  • Mild redness, warmth, or swelling for 1–2 days.

  • Usually done as a course of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.

  • Scars gradually look smoother and softer.

7. Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

What it is:
A procedure where your own fat is taken (usually from the abdomen or thighs), processed, and injected into or under a scar.

Best for:

  • Indented or sunken scars.

  • Scars that feel tight or stuck to underlying tissue.

How it works:

  • The added fat smooths and fills out uneven areas.

  • The stem cells in fat may also help improve skin quality and reduce tightness.

What to expect:

  • Mild swelling or bruising for a few days.

  • Results can last for years, though sometimes a second session is needed.

4. Laser Therapy

What it is:
Lasers use focused light to target redness, uneven texture, or thickness in scars.

Different laser types treat different issues:

  • Vascular lasers (like pulsed dye) reduce redness and visible blood vessels.

  • Fractional lasers resurface the skin to smooth uneven or pitted scars.

  • Ablative lasers (like CO₂ or Er:YAG) remove outer scar layers to encourage new skin growth.

Best for:

  • Red or dark scars.

  • Acne scars, surgical scars, or burn scars.

  • Scars that are firm, thick, or uneven.

What to expect:

  • You may feel mild heat or tingling.

  • Redness or swelling for a few days after treatment.

  • Several sessions are usually needed for the best outcome

8. Subcision

What it is:
A minor procedure where a tiny needle or blade is inserted under a depressed scar to break the fibrous bands that pull the skin down.

Best for:

  • Deep acne scars or trauma scars that look tethered or dimpled.

How it works:

  • Once the tight scar tissue is released, the skin lifts up and looks smoother.

  • Often combined with microneedling or fillers.

What to expect:

  • Some bruising or swelling for a few days.

  • Usually only local anaesthetic is needed.

9. Injectable Fillers

What it is:
Soft gels (like hyaluronic acid) are injected beneath a scar to raise it to skin level.

Best for:

  • Indented scars (acne, surgical, or traumatic).

How it works:

  • The filler instantly plumps the area and smooths the skin surface.

  • Some fillers also stimulate new collagen over time.

What to expect

  • Immediate results with little downtime.

  • Effects may last 6–18 months, depending on the filler used.

10. Combination Therapies

In many cases, combining different treatments gives the best results.
For example:

  • Steroid injections + laser for red, thick scars.

  • Subcision + filler for indented scars.

  • Surgery + silicone + microneedling for long-term improvement.

Your specialist will recommend a plan tailored to your scar type, skin type, and comfort level.

Research into scar treatment is expanding quickly.
Most early studies focused on burn scars, but recent research includes surgical, traumatic, and acne scars too.
Strong evidence supports silicone gels, steroid injections, and some laser treatments, while newer methods like manual therapy, TECAR, or deep oscillation are evidence-informed — promising but still being studied.

Scar care is evolving. Combining professional treatment, self-care, and patience gives you the best chance for comfort, mobility, and confident healing.