Scars & Stretch Marks Treatments in Calgary

Atrophic scars form when the skin heals with less tissue than it had before the injury or inflammation. During normal healing, the skin produces collagen to rebuild its supporting structure. If too little collagen is produced, or if deeper tissue has been damaged, the repaired area can remain lower than the surrounding skin, creating a visible depression. This is common after inflammatory acne, but it can also happen after other injuries or skin conditions. Atrophic scars can be shallow or deep, with different shapes and edges, and these differences help determine which treatment approach may be most appropriate.

Hypertrophic scars form when the skin produces more collagen than it needs during healing. Instead of rebuilding the damaged area to the level of the surrounding skin, this excess collagen creates a thick, raised scar. Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars stay within the boundaries of the original injury. They may gradually flatten and soften as the healing process continues, although some remain raised, firm or different in colour and texture from the surrounding skin.

Keloid scars form when the healing response continues producing collagen beyond what is needed to repair the skin. The scar tissue becomes raised and, unlike a hypertrophic scar, extends beyond the boundaries of the original injury into the surrounding skin. Keloids can continue to grow even after the wound itself has healed and may cause itching, tenderness or discomfort. Because they behave differently from other raised scars, identifying a keloid correctly is important before determining which treatment approach may be appropriate.

In their early stage, stretch marks often appear red, pink or purple. Known as striae rubrae, they are still in an active phase, with inflammatory and vascular changes occurring within the skin. They may also feel slightly raised or itchy. Over time, these changes settle and the marks gradually become lighter.

Over time, stretch marks usually fade and become lighter, often white or silvery. These are known as striae albae. They may also appear slightly indented or have a different texture from the surrounding skin. Because the tissue has changed over time, mature stretch marks may require a different treatment approach.