Types of Scars

There are several different types of scars that may be sustained, depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the patient's age, overall health and individual healing properties.

• Hypertrophic scars are red, raised scars filled with excessive amounts of collagen that may be itchy or slightly painful, although they are considered harmless and do not grow beyond the boundaries of the initial wound.
• Keloids are overgrown areas of scar tissue that appear as irregularly-shaped, raised, pink or red areas that may continue to grow over time. While they can occur anywhere on the body, they are most common on the face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders.
• Contractures are more severe scars that restrict movement as a result of the tissue in the area pulling together during the healing process. This type of scar most commonly occurs after large amounts of tissue loss or in wounds that occur on a joint.