How To Reduce The Appearance Of Old Scars
Scars are often permanent, but their appearance can be significantly reduced with targeted treatments. Products like silicone scar sheets, tape, and topical gels are often used immediately after an injury to support better healing, and with the right approach, even old scars can improve over time.
Read on to learn how scars develop, what conditions encourage better healing, and how Nuvadermis products can help reduce the visibility of even older scars.
Understanding Scars
Scars typically progress through four distinct stages of healing:
Stage 1 - Homeostasis
This stage begins immediately after injury or incision (the hemostatic phase). Blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow, blood clots to stop bleeding, and a scab forms to stabilize the wound.
Stage 2 - Inflammation
The wound becomes red, swollen, and painful—signs of the body's inflammatory response. This stage is uncomfortable but critical for preventing infection and clearing debris from the wound site.
Stage 3 - Proliferation
During the proliferation stage, deeper healing begins and new tissue (including granulation tissue and collagen) forms. This is the best time to use products (for example, silicone sheets or topical gels) that encourage tissue to knit back together as neatly as possible.
Stage 4 - Maturation
During scar maturation, collagen fibers reorganize and scar tissue gradually remodels and firms up rather than abruptly solidifying. The scar may become a faint line or a raised keloid depending on the injury and care received. Although many believe maturation is the final, unchangeable state, scars can still improve with proper treatment and supportive conditions.
The Right Conditions for Healing
Even years after a scar has matured, you can take non-surgical steps to reduce its appearance. The key is to create conditions that help the skin return to a more stable, healthy state.
Silicone scar coverings (sheets and tape) and topical formulations are designed to:
- Regulate moisture and oxygen levels around the scar
- Encourage the scar to flatten and become less noticeable
- Support a return toward homeostasis at the scar site
This process takes time and consistent application: results are gradual and won’t appear immediately.
Final Notes
- No single method guarantees complete removal of a scar, but appropriate non invasive care can significantly reduce visibility, even for older scars.
- Patience and consistency are essential: improvements occur over weeks to months rather than immediately.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to take action on your old scars, Nuvadermis can help.
Nuvadermis Scar Sheets are great for large scars on areas of the body that are less active, such as a C-section scar.
Nuvadermis Scar Tape is ideal if you have a smaller scar because you can simply trim off a piece that’s the perfect size and shape. The textured surface of Nuvadermis Scar Tape helps it stay put, even on mobile body parts like your face or hands. They can even be used for acne scar treatment.
No matter which Nuvadermis product you choose to use, consider pairing them with Nuvadermis Scar Gel for advanced, concentrated healing and coverage. Just massage it into your skin and let it dry completely before applying scar sheets or tape.
