Can hypertrophic scars regress on their own?

Generally speaking, whether hypertrophic scars can regress spontaneously mainly depends on the severity of the hypertrophic scar. Mild hypertrophic scars may regress spontaneously, while severe hypertrophic scars might not. If the scar has been present for a prolonged period, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the hypertrophic scar is mild, located superficially, the wound has not become inflamed or infected, and the scar was formed recently with good wound healing, it usually has the potential to fade naturally. Subsequently, the scar's texture will gradually soften, the affected area will flatten over time, and eventually it may leave only a faint mark, which has minimal impact on appearance.

However, if the hypertrophic scar is severe, located deeper, and has affected the dermal layer, particularly if the scar has existed for a long time and the wound experienced inflammation or infection during healing, accompanied by symptoms such as redness, pain, and pus discharge, it generally will not fade spontaneously. In such cases, treatment under a doctor's guidance is recommended, including laser therapy, cryotherapy, scar excision surgery, and other appropriate interventions.

In addition, patients with hypertrophic scars should pay attention to daily skincare, such as maintaining skin cleanliness and applying sun protection measures, to promote recovery. Also, dietary intake should be light in the short term, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.