Scars form when cells on the surface of the skin are injured or damaged causing the breakdown of collagen. As a result, scarring can occur from a cut, burn, puncture, acne, or after a surgical procedure. We can thus conclude that the formation of the scars is a result of body’s natural healing process.

Even though the scar tissue is made up of the same protein called Collagen it differs in composition from the normal healthy tissue. Normal healthy collagen fibers are seen as a basketweave formation while in scar tissue the collagen fibers align in a single direction.

The scars can be classified as Hypertrophic when they appear raised red lump on the skin.
They are caused by the overproduction of collagen. They are usually seen 4-8 weeks after the incidence following the infection and do not grow beyond this time.

Keloidscars can be seen on anyone but are more frequently seen on people with darker skin. These are more serious kinds of scars as they can grow indefinitely taking a tumorous form. They are seen usually after surgery, body piercing, acne or any sort of injury.

Atrophic scars are caused due to the breakdown of underlying collagen or fat taking a sunken or pitted appearance. This is the common kind of scars seen on people suffering from acne, small pox or any other kind of injury.

Although only aesthetic in nature the scars can affect an individual psychologically. The scars cannot be erased completely but there is an improvement in the appearance over time. A variety of treatment options are available today to soften and improve the extent of scarring. Laser Skin Resurfacing, Microdermabrasion, Peels being a few which can improve the scars.