Scars: Types, Causes, and Treatment Options
Scars… almost everyone gets them at some point. Whether caused by an accident, surgery, or a persistent form of acne, scars can be visible and sometimes cause discomfort. But did you know that there are different types of scars? And that there are many professional treatments available to improve their appearance?
In this blog, we explain the different types of scars, how they form, and how the skin therapists at Huidzorg West in Delft and Rijswijk can help you make your scars less visible. Curious? Keep reading!
Types of Scars
Not all scars are the same. The way your skin heals determines what the scar will look like and which treatment is most suitable. We distinguish between the following types of scars:
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Atrophic scars
These are indented scars that occur when the skin produces too little collagen during the healing process. They are common after acne or chickenpox. -
Hypertrophic scars
These are thickened scars that can be red or purple in color. They remain within the boundaries of the original wound and may itch or feel painful. -
Keloid scars
Keloids grow beyond the original wound and form thick, often shiny scars. People with a genetic predisposition are more likely to develop keloids. -
Stretch marks (striae)
Although stretch marks are technically not traditional scars, they fall under skin damage. They appear when the skin stretches rapidly, such as during pregnancy or growth spurts.
How Do Scars Form?
Scars are the result of the skin’s natural healing process after an injury. When the skin is deeply damaged — by a cut, surgery, or inflammation — the body replaces normal skin tissue with scar tissue. This scar tissue is less flexible and has a different structure, giving scars their characteristic appearance.
The larger or deeper the wound, the greater the chance of a visible scar. For example, a superficial scrape may heal without leaving a mark, while deep cuts or burns almost always result in a scar.
Treatment Options at Huidzorg West
At Huidzorg West, we understand that scars are not just visible marks — they can also affect how you feel about yourself. That’s why we offer several professional treatments to improve your skin. While we can’t completely remove scars, we can soften, smooth, and reduce their visibility.
Here’s an overview of the treatment options we offer:
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Microneedling
Using tiny needles, we gently perforate the skin, stimulating collagen production. This treatment is especially effective for atrophic scars, such as acne scars. -
Fractional laser treatment
This laser stimulates the production of new collagen in the deeper skin layers. It’s effective for both atrophic scars and stretch marks. -
Chemical peels
A peel removes the top layer of skin, encourages cell renewal, and helps create smoother, more even skin. Especially effective for acne scars and post-inflammatory redness. -
Silicone gel or patches
For hypertrophic and keloid scars, silicone products can be beneficial. With consistent use, they improve scar texture and color. -
Endermotherapy & scar massage
These techniques improve blood circulation, soften scar tissue, and relieve discomfort such as itching or tightness. They are ideal for stiff or restrictive scars. -
Camouflage therapy
Using specialized medical make-up, we can temporarily cover scars. Our skin therapists will help you find the perfect shade.
Personalized Treatment Plan
At Huidzorg West in Delft and Rijswijk, we know that every scar — and every skin — is unique. That’s why our experienced skin therapists always create a personalized treatment plan. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and expectations, and advise which treatment (or combination of treatments) suits your skin type, scar type, and location.
Sometimes a single treatment is sufficient, but often we combine techniques to achieve the best possible result. For example, we might combine microneedling with chemical peels, or add scar massage to a laser treatment. This tailored approach ensures optimal skin recovery and the most even result possible.
Realistic Expectations
It’s important to know that scars never fully disappear. Our goal at Huidzorg West is to improve your skin, making the scar less noticeable so you can feel more confident. By setting realistic expectations, we ensure you’re happy with the outcome.
Schedule an appointment?
Do you suffer from unwanted hair growth and would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our skin therapists after reading this blog? Simply click the button below! You can also contact us by phone or email to book your appointment.
If you have any questions after reading this information, feel free to contact us at info@huidzorgwest.nl or call us at +31 15 2561 806. Our team is happy to assist you and answer all your questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice soon!
Team Huidzorg West