Scar Treatment
Treatment for surgical scars, injury scars and stretch marks, helping to soften their texture, colour and visibility over time.
RQIA Registered | Doctor- and Nurse-Led | Complimentary Consultation
WHO IT AFFECTS
Adults of all skin types
COMMON CAUSES
Surgery, injury, stretching
TREATMENT OPTIONS
5 in-clinic options
FIRST STEP
Complimentary consultation
What are scars?
A scar is the mark left when the skin repairs itself after an injury. Whenever a wound reaches the deeper layer of the skin, the body lays down new collagen to close it, and this repair tissue looks and feels different from the skin around it. Almost everyone has at least one scar, and most fade gradually over one to two years, although they rarely disappear completely.
Scars come in several forms. Flat scars from surgery or cuts may stay pink, red or darker than the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars are raised but stay within the original wound, while keloid scars grow beyond it and are more common in darker skin tones. Stretch marks are a type of scarring in the deeper skin, caused by rapid stretching, for example during pregnancy, growth or weight change. For pitted scars left by spots, see our guide to acne scarring.
At our clinics in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry, our medical team assesses the type, age and location of your scar before recommending treatment. The aim is to soften texture and colour so the scar blends better with your skin, with realistic expectations agreed from the start.
What causes scarring?
How a scar looks depends on the depth of the injury, where it is on the body and how your skin heals. Some people are simply more prone to raised or noticeable scars.
Surgery and injury
Cuts, burns, grazes and surgical incisions that reach the deeper skin heal with new collagen, leaving a visible line or patch.
Rapid stretching
When skin stretches quickly during pregnancy, growth spurts, weight change or muscle gain, the supporting fibres can tear and form stretch marks.
Inflammation and infection
Wounds that become infected or stay inflamed for longer, as well as skin conditions such as chickenpox, are more likely to scar.
Genetics and skin type
Family history and skin tone affect how you heal. Darker skin is more prone to keloids and pigment changes, and tension across joints can widen scars.
Treatments for scarring at A Aesthetics
Every plan starts with a medical assessment, because scars need to be fully healed and correctly identified before treatment. These are the options our team most often recommends for surgical scars, injury scars and stretch marks.
Secret RF
Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates new collagen beneath the surface, which may help improve the texture of surgical scars and stretch marks. It is suitable for many skin tones after assessment.
Secret PRO
Secret PRO combines fractional CO2 laser with radiofrequency microneedling to help resurface uneven or textured scars. It suits established, flat or indented scars and involves a few days of recovery.
Excel V+
This Cutera laser targets the redness in newer pink or red scars, helping them blend with the surrounding skin. It is often used on healed surgical and injury scars.
Laser Genesis
A gentle laser that can soften texture and redness gradually, with no downtime. It suits people wanting a subtle improvement or maintenance between other treatments.
Polynucleotides
Injectable polynucleotides are designed to support skin repair and quality, and may be used to improve thin, crepey skin around scars and stretch marks. They are often combined with other treatments.
Caring for your skin with scarring
Protect scars from the sun
New scars can darken with sun exposure. Cover them or use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for at least the first year.
Keep the skin moisturised
Once a wound has closed, gently massaging in a simple moisturiser can help keep the scar soft and supple. Follow any advice from your surgeon.
Let wounds heal fully
Avoid picking scabs and give the skin time. Most treatments start once a scar has fully healed, often several months after surgery or injury.
Look after stretching skin
Gradual weight change and a good moisturiser may help skin cope with stretching, although genetics play a large part in who develops stretch marks.
Scarring FAQs
Why do some scars heal better than others?
Scar appearance depends on the depth and location of the wound, whether it became infected, how much tension is on the skin and your genetics. Areas such as the chest, shoulders and joints are more prone to noticeable scars.
Can scarring be prevented?
Not always, but good wound care, avoiding picking, following your surgeon’s advice and protecting new scars from the sun can all help a scar settle as well as possible.
Which treatment is best for my scar?
It depends on whether the scar is red, raised, indented or textured, and on your skin tone. Red scars may suit Excel V+, while textured scars and stretch marks often respond to Secret RF or Secret PRO. For acne scars, see our guide to acne scarring.
When can I start treatment after surgery?
Most scars should be fully healed first, which usually means waiting several months after surgery or injury. We may ask for your surgeon’s advice for recent or complex scars.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a course of three or more sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Scars and stretch marks improve gradually, and results continue to develop for months after treatment.
Can stretch marks be treated?
Treatment can help improve the texture and colour of stretch marks, particularly newer red or purple ones, but it is realistic to expect softening rather than removal. Older silvery stretch marks usually respond more slowly.
Is treatment suitable for my skin type?
Many of our treatments can be adapted for different skin tones, but darker skin has a higher risk of pigment changes and keloids. We choose treatments and settings carefully, and raised keloid scars are referred for specialist care.
How do I book?
Start with a complimentary consultation at our Coleraine or Derry/Londonderry clinic, or call us on 028 7051 2101.
Related concerns
YOUR FIRST STEP
Begin with a complimentary consultation
Sit down with one of our medical team, talk through what you would like to change, and leave with an honest, personalised plan. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are only offered after a face-to-face consultation.
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
50 Victoria Gate
Derry, BT47 2TP
07702 529535
COLERAINE
6–8 Dunmore Street
Coleraine, BT52 1EL
028 7051 2101
RQIA Registered | contact@aaesthetics.net
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