Self-Harm Scars
At a glanceIt is not uncommon for adolescents and young adults to have cutting or self-harm scars, with a prevalence of over 10%. Fortunately, lasers can be used to minimise the appearance of these scars and help them blend in with the surrounding skin. Lasers are effective in targeting the colour, particularly red, and can also assist in blending the scars into the surrounding area.
- For optimal results, lasers are recommended to be used on early cutting scars.
- Vascular lasers are typically spaced out 4-6 weeks apart and can effectively decrease redness and promote collagen remodeling.
- Fractional lasers are suitable for treating both early and established cutting scars. Examples of fractional devices include Acclaro UltraClear, Candela PicoWay®, Fraxel®, and Alma Hybrid™ lasers.
- The goal of using lasers on self-harm scars is to address both colour and contour of the scar tissue.
The Science Behind It
Self-harm scars develop when repeated, sharp injuries cut into the deeper layers of the skin. This disrupts normal healing and triggers the body to rapidly produce collagen in thick, disorganised bundles. Because the same area is often injured multiple times, inflammation lasts longer and the skin repairs unevenly, leading to linear or grouped scars that may be raised, indented, red, white, or darker than surrounding skin.
These injuries also affect pigment cells, blood vessels, and nerve endings, which is why self-harm scars can remain sensitive, discoloured, or texturally irregular for years. Modern laser and energy-based treatments work by remodelling abnormal collagen, reducing redness, and stimulating healthier skin regeneration.
What are the best lasers for self-harm scars?
The best lasers for self-harm scars use a range of technologies to improve scar appearance, texture, and colour. In general, resurfacing-style treatments are best for improving texture and blending (e.g., Alma Hybrid™ and Acclaro UltraClear), vascular-focused treatments are best when scars are still red/pink (e.g., Candela VBeam®), and pigment-focused treatments can help when there’s brown discolouration (e.g., PicoWay®). Often, the strongest results come from a combination approach matched to scar type and skin response.
Treatment at a Glance
| Treatment Type | Number of Sessions | Procedure Time | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaro UltraClear® | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Alma Hybrid™ | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Fraxel® Dual Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Picosecond laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Vbeam® Pulse Dye Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Steroids, Anti-Metabolites, Sonophoresis & Advanced Laser Combination Therapy | 2 - 5 sessions | 5 - 10 minutes | 0 |
Self-harm Scars
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary goals of scar treatment are to improve colour and contour. When redness is reduced and the texture becomes smoother or flatter, scars become far less visible. Lasers can address both aspects effectively, but each scar has unique clinical features that determine the best treatment pathway.
For self-harm scars specifically, an additional aim is to break up the recognisable patterning of parallel lines that often identify cutting scars. In some cases, this involves combining laser therapy with surgical techniques to disrupt these patterns and create a more natural appearance.
Lasers are highly effective at treating colour changes, especially persistent redness caused by dilated blood vessels. While white (hypopigmented) scars are more challenging because pigment cells in the scar are reduced, lasers can still help by improving the surrounding skin and enhancing overall blending.
Fractional and resurfacing lasers can also:
- Stimulate collagen remodelling, improving texture
- Soften raised areas and reduce thickness
- Increase penetration and effectiveness of topical anti-inflammatory treatments
- Create smoother, more uniform skin contours
Lasers cannot fully correct every type of scar. Deep or wide scars, especially those that extend into the lower dermis, are often beyond what lasers can achieve. These may require surgical repair or, in select cases, skin grafting.
As a general guide, scars that are:
- Palpable or significantly raised
- Wider than 2.75 mm
- Lacking pigment (white scars)
may respond less predictably to laser treatment. Exceptions do exist, but results vary from person to person.
Redness generally responds extremely well to vascular lasers, such as Excel® V+, VBeam® Perfecta, and Laser Genesis. These treatments target the tiny blood vessels responsible for persistent redness.
Key points:
- Treatments are quick, comfortable, and require no downtime
- Most patients need 3 to 5 sessions over 3 to 5 months
- For raised scars, vascular lasers can be combined with silicone therapy, steroid drops, or intralesional injections to optimise results
Fractional lasers (e.g., Fraxel®, Acclaro UltraClear, Alma Hybrid™ and picosecond lasers) work by creating controlled microscopic channels in the skin. This stimulates the body to remodel abnormal collagen and smooth scar tissue.
Different fractional lasers are selected depending on the scar’s characteristics and treatment goals. They can:
- Improve collagen quality and scar architecture
- Increase absorption of topical anti-inflammatories
- Soften edges and help the scar blend more naturally with surrounding skin
Most patients require 3 to 5 sessions, depending on the:
- Location of the scars
- Depth and width
- Age of the scars
- Individual skin type
Treatments are typically spaced 3 to 5 weeks apart, with deeper or wider scars often needing more sessions for optimal improvement.
Self-harm scars often appear as linear or parallel lines, sometimes in recognisable patterns. They may vary in depth—from fine superficial marks to deeper cuts—and can create noticeable changes in contour or visibility depending on how the skin healed.
These scars can show:
- Different depths of scarring depending on injury severity
- Altered texture, such as raised, indented, firm, or uneven areas
- Colour variation, including scars that are lighter, darker, or persistently red compared with surrounding skin These differences relate to the nature of the injury, individual healing responses, and skin type.
Yes. Self-harm scars may have changes in sensation, including numbness, sensitivity, or reduced feeling. Some scars feel tight or tethered, particularly when the skin moves or stretches, making textural irregularities more noticeable during motion.
If you have self-harm scars and wish to explore whether treatment may be covered by ACC, you should first see your GP or an urgent care service so that an ACC45 form can be completed and an ACC claim number issued. Once you have your ACC claim number, please contact Scars & Lasers directly.
As an ACC-accredited provider, Scars & Lasers will carry out the specialist assessment, obtain the necessary clinical photographs, and prepare the ACC treatment request and ARTP documentation on your behalf. It is important that further treatment applications are made through Scars & Lasers rather than through your GP or urgent care service, as this ensures the claim is presented appropriately and accurately for specialist scar treatment. If ACC approves the application, your consultation at Scars & Lasers will be covered by ACC.
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Important ACC & Treatment Disclaimer
ACC funding eligibility is determined by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a case-by-case basis. Approval is dependent on injury acceptance, clinical indication, and ACC policy at the time of application. If you have a valid ACC claim accepted by ACC and relevant to the consultation, reception will confirm it before your appointment so the consultation fee can be submitted to ACC with no surcharge. Any proposed treatment requires separate ACC approval, and private fees may apply for care that is not funded.
Learn more about ACC IncidentsCompassionate specialist care for self-harm scars through advanced skin restoration and precision scar remodelling.
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