08/03/2026
Not everyone scars the same way, and understanding why starts with recognising the individual factors unique to you.
Your age, genetics, skin type, overall health, and even where on your body a wound occurs all play significant roles in determining how scars form and heal.
Some of these factors we can't control—like our genetic predisposition to keloid formation or our ethnicity.
Others, like managing underlying health conditions, we can influence with proper medical care.
Younger skin tends to produce more collagen during healing, which can lead to raised scars, whilst conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders can affect your healing capacity.
Your skin type matters too. Darker skin tones are more prone to keloid scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is why scar treatment approaches need to be carefully tailored to individual characteristics.
The location of your wound also influences outcomes—areas under constant tension like the chest, shoulders, or joints are more likely to develop widened or raised scars.
Understanding these individual factors helps you and your healthcare team anticipate potential challenges and plan appropriate early interventions.
Whilst you can't change your genetics or age, knowing your risk factors empowers you to optimise the factors you can control.
If you have a family history of problematic scarring or know you're at higher risk, discussing early scar management strategies with a specialist before or immediately after surgery can make a significant difference in your final outcome.
