Hypertrophic surgical scar: what to know

After surgery, the body builds collagen to close the incision. A hypertrophic scar forms when this repair tissue becomes unusually thick but remains inside the original surgical boundary. The line may be red, purple, brown, or pale, and may feel firm, itchy, tight, or tender while it matures.

Follow the surgeon's wound instructions and avoid stretching, rubbing, or picking the incision. Once the skin is fully closed, moisturising and protection from sunlight can reduce irritation and visible colour contrast. Do not massage an open or infected wound. If the scar stays raised, options may include steroid injection into the skin, fractional laser treatment, or scar revision surgery. Surgical excision needs careful planning because a new incision can also develop excess scar tissue.

Contact the surgical team for worsening pain, warmth, drainage, wound separation, or redness that spreads beyond the incision. Fever or a rapidly enlarging swelling needs prompt assessment. Arrange a non-urgent review if itch, tightness, or tenderness limits movement or sleep.

Ask whether the scar is healing as expected, when scar massage or silicone care is appropriate, and which treatment best fits its thickness, position, and surgical history.