Does Scar Tissue Ever Go Away After Surgery? Here's What You Need to Know

Understanding Scar Tissue: What is it and why does it form?

Well, if you've had surgery, you've probably noticed the scar that forms after the wound heals. But have you ever wondered why this happens? Scar tissue is actually part of the body’s natural healing process. When the skin or internal tissue is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the damage. This collagen forms a thickened tissue layer, which becomes the scar you see.

I remember when I had a minor surgery a few years ago, I was so worried about the scar afterward. My doctor explained that the formation of scar tissue is inevitable—it's the body's way of patching things up. Honestly, it gave me some peace of mind, but it didn’t stop me from wondering: “Does this scar tissue ever go away?”

Does Scar Tissue Ever Completely Disappear?

The Truth: Scar Tissue Doesn't Fully Go Away

Here’s the thing. Scar tissue never completely disappears. It may fade, flatten, and become less noticeable over time, but it’s not going to vanish entirely. For example, after my surgery, I remember asking the surgeon if the scar would eventually be gone. They explained that while the scar might soften and blend with the surrounding skin, the tissue would still be there. It might not look as prominent, but it’s permanent.

Scar tissue is different from normal skin, in that it's made up of dense collagen fibers and lacks the same structures and flexibility of healthy skin. Over time, the body may remodel the scar, and it can become less rigid and more flexible, but it doesn’t fully revert to its original state.

Why Scar Tissue Doesn't Fully Go Away

Okay, so why doesn’t scar tissue just disappear? The short answer: it’s a byproduct of the body's healing process. When tissue is damaged, the body doesn’t heal the wound exactly as it was before. Instead, it forms a scar to close the wound as quickly as possible. Think of it like a temporary fix that stabilizes things, but it doesn't fully restore the area to its pre-injury state.

That said, the appearance of scar tissue does improve over time as the collagen fibers reorganize. So, it won’t be as obvious as when it first forms, but it’s still there, albeit in a softer and less noticeable form.

Can You Speed Up the Healing of Scar Tissue?

Treatments to Help Fade Scar Tissue

Honestly, if you’re hoping for that scar to magically disappear, it’s probably not going to happen. But there are treatments that can help the scar tissue fade faster and look better. For instance, applying silicone gel sheets or silicone creams can help flatten and reduce the appearance of scars. I've tried this with one of my own scars (after a minor procedure), and it definitely helped the scar flatten out.

There are also laser treatments available, which can improve the texture and color of scar tissue by stimulating collagen production and promoting healing. Of course, these treatments vary in effectiveness depending on the type and severity of the scar.

Another thing my friend did after surgery was massage the area gently with a moisturizing lotion. She said it made the scar softer and less noticeable. It’s a simple trick, but it might help reduce the appearance of a scar over time.

Will Scar Tissue Affect My Movement?

Sometimes, scar tissue can cause tightness or discomfort, especially if it's formed near joints or muscles. In some cases, it might even limit your range of motion, especially if the scar is large or located in a critical area. For me, when I had surgery near my shoulder, the scar tissue initially made movement a little stiff, but with time and physical therapy, I regained most of my flexibility.

If you’re experiencing stiffness or discomfort, it might be a good idea to consult with a physical therapist. They can help guide you through specific exercises to help improve flexibility and reduce the tightness caused by scar tissue.

Final Thoughts: Accepting Scar Tissue and Moving On

So, does scar tissue ever really go away? In short, no, but it does change over time. It will never be exactly like the skin it replaced, but with time, patience, and a little care, it can become less noticeable and more flexible.

Honestly, at first, I was really bothered by my scar. But now, I’ve accepted it as part of my journey. It’s a reminder of how resilient the body is and how it can heal itself. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal—scar tissue and all.

If you're dealing with scar tissue, remember you're not alone. Lots of people go through it, and most of us learn to embrace the scars we collect along the way. They might never completely go away, but they don’t define us.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.