Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
Published 13 October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr Sin Yong
Hypertrophic scar is a raised, often red scar caused by collagen overproduction during healing, which stays within the borders of the original wound, peaks, and often regresses partly over a year or two. That border rule separates it from a keloid, which grows beyond the wound, rarely regresses and tends to recur if simply cut out. Treatment usually starts with silicone sheeting or gel and pressure, then intralesional corticosteroid injection for established scars, with laser as an adjunct.
Key facts
ICD-10
L91.0
Defining feature
Raised scar confined to the original wound's borders; healing that overshot
Versus keloid
A keloid invades beyond the wound, rarely regresses and can keep expanding for years
Treatment ladder
Silicone and pressure; intralesional corticosteroid, with 5-FU in resistant scars; vascular laser for redness and fractional approaches for texture as adjuncts
Where it fits
Both hypertrophic scars and keloids are collagen overproduction: fibroblasts that kept building after the repair was done. The distinction is made by behaviour at the border and by history, and it changes the whole plan, because a keloid answers excision alone with a larger keloid while a hypertrophic scar may settle partly on its own. Tension zones such as the chest, shoulders and jawline lead the statistics, and the tendency is more common in Asian skin. Itch and pain are real features of active raised scars. Full page: keloids and hypertrophic scars; the programme on keloid treatment; the injection on keloid steroid injection.
Frequently Asked Questions
By the border. A hypertrophic scar stays within the outline of the original wound; a keloid grows beyond it, often months or years after the injury. Dr Sin Yong assesses the border and the history personally, because the two are treated differently.
Often partly. Hypertrophic scars tend to rise, peak and regress over a year or two, which keloids do not. Silicone and pressure support that course; established, persistent scars are treated with corticosteroid injection and laser adjuncts.
