Stages of Scar Healing & What to Expect

Whether your scar is from surgery or a small injury, understanding how it heals can help you support your skin at every step.

All scars heal at different rates. Minor non-surgical scars often heal relatively quickly — within a few weeks to a couple of months — while surgical scars can take up to two years to reach maturity. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least a year before evaluating the final appearance of a scar.

Time and care heal all scars

Scars go through four distinct stages of healing, and their appearance will evolve at each stage. Everyone heals differently. Your timeline will depend on factors like age, genetics, skin type, overall health, and how your wound was treated.

The table below outlines the typical progression of a scar and provides indicative timelines across the healing journey.

Indicative surgical scar healing timeline

Phases	Timeframe	Healing Milestones
Phase 1: 🔹 Wound Healing	0 to 2–10 weeks	The incision closes, and the surface begins to seal Most wounds close in 2–6 weeks Complex incisions may take 6–10 weeks
Phase 2: 🔹 Immature Scar	2–10 weeks to 3 months	By 12 weeks, most wounds are healed New scar tissue begins forming Skin may appear red, raised or itchy
Phase 3: 🔹 Maturing Scar	3 to 12–18 months	The skin is 80% as strong as before the incision The scar gradually flattens and softens Redness typically begins to fade
Phase 4: 🔹 Mature Scar	12–18 to 24+ months	Most scars stabilise after 10–12 months Problematic scars may take up to 24 months to fully mature

What to remember

Scars don’t heal in a straight line — it’s normal for them to look worse before they look better
Redness, itching, and firmness are common in early stages
Scars often start out pink or red, and fade gradually over time
New scars are very sensitive to sunlight — cover them up or use high SPF
Your skin’s strength returns gradually — it may take time to feel ‘normal’ again
If you’re ever unsure, speak to your medical team — it’s always OK to ask.

What affects your healing?

Some of the factors that can influence how your scar heals include:

Your age
Skin type and tone
The location, depth, and size of your incision
How the wound was closed (e.g. stitches, glue)
Nutrition, hydration and rest
Stress and immune function
Whether you smoke
How well you protect and care for the scar

What is a problematic scar?

Scars are often red, firm or itchy at first — this is normal.
However, a scar might be considered problematic if it:

Remains red, raised or itchy after a few months
Extends beyond the edges of the incision
Becomes painful or restricts your movement
Continues to grow or change after 6–12 months

If you're concerned, consult your medical team — they’ll help determine the best next step.

A little tip from the Nokori Team

If you feel you’re dealing with a problematic scar, it’s best to speak with your medical team before deciding how to move forward. They’ll be able to assess your scar and recommend the most appropriate next step for an optimal recovery.

Healing is a journey — give your scar the time and support it needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help along the way.

The Nokori Team.