Scars from self-harm are marks left not only on the skin's surface but also on the mind. Those who decide to seek treatment and visit a clinic often ask the same question first: "How many treatments will it take to get better?" To answer directly, the number of sessions depends on the depth of the scar and your personal goal.
In a previous article, we summarized the characteristics and treatment methods for self-harm scars, advising that non-surgical methods like laser or injection treatments are generally more suitable than surgery for most self-harm scar removal. This time, we will look more specifically at the number of laser treatments and how the actual effects appear.
Define Your Treatment Goal First to Determine the Number of Sessions
Even for the same self-harm scar, the number of necessary treatments can vary significantly depending on whether you desire "some improvement from the current state" or "fading to a satisfactory level." The gap between these two goals is wider than you might think, so it's important to clarify your desired outcome before treatment.
If your goal is a certain degree of improvement from the current state, you can usually see the scar fade after about 3-5 laser treatments. On the other hand, if you hope to reach a level you are personally satisfied with, you should consider at least 10 sessions.
The Standard of Satisfaction Varies for Each Person
In self-harm scar treatment, patients' standards of satisfaction generally fall into three categories:
- 100% disappearance of the scar
- Fading of the scar
- The scar appearing like a common, non-self-harm-related scar
Among these, the first goal is realistically difficult to achieve. While dozens of treatments can accumulate to make the scar almost invisible, this is generally not an easy expectation.
Assuming a realistic goal and proceeding with about 10-20 treatments, it is usually possible to make the scar fade or appear like a different type of scar. However, the degree of improvement may vary from person to person.
The Scar May Appear More Noticeable During Treatment
During the laser treatment process, there may be a period when the scar temporarily appears more prominent. This is because changes such as laser marks, temporary skin discoloration, or localized skin depressions can occur.
These changes generally subside naturally after about 6 months to 1 year. While problems are rare, it's important to be aware of this beforehand to avoid anxiety during treatment. In the consultation room, we often observe that those who have been informed of this process in advance tend to continue treatment much more calmly.
It's Good to Calculate the Treatment Period in Advance
Treatment effects are not achieved all at once but emerge slowly over time. If you assume 10 sessions at one-month intervals, the treatment itself will take about 1 year. Additionally, it may take another year for any temporarily noticeable areas to subside after the last treatment.
| Stage | Estimated Period |
|---|---|
| Laser Treatment (10 sessions, once a month) | Approx. 1 year |
| Stabilization after final treatment | Approx. 1 year |
| Until final effect confirmation | Approx. 2 years |
Therefore, if you are considering treatment before important life events like employment or marriage, we recommend starting about 3 years in advance. The more time you allow, the more at ease you will feel.
If you are curious about the direction of scar treatment, it may be helpful to also review Surgical Scar Information, including self-harm scars.
Results Vary Depending on Scar Depth
Self-harm scars may look similar on the surface, but the treatment progress varies with depth. If the scar is shallow, Laser Lesion Removal for self-harm scars proceeds relatively smoothly.
Conversely, if deep damage is involved, affecting muscles or ligaments, or if self-harm is ongoing, treatment may progress slowly, and the effects may be reduced. In such cases, methods like Surgical Scar Revision may be considered, or an S.T.P Solution tailored to the scar type may be an option.
If you are curious about the depth of your scar or suitable methods, you can easily inquire through chat consultation regarding self-harm scar treatment.
Post-Treatment Care and Mindset
Post-treatment care is simpler than you might think. No particularly complex process is required.
- Apply enough moisturizer to keep the skin from drying out
- Gently manage the treated area with a regenerating cream
- Protect the treated area from direct exposure to strong UV rays
- Observe the progress without rushing due to temporary changes
More important than this care is a patient mindset. Self-harm scar treatment fundamentally takes a long time. If you approach treatment with impatience, it's easy to give up midway, and stress can increase. We recommend taking ample time from the beginning and proceeding calmly.
Depending on the scar type, an approach similar to Cosmetic Surgery Scar may be helpful, so it's best to decide on the appropriate direction with medical staff based on your condition.
As you continue treatment, there will come a moment when you yourself feel the scar has significantly faded. Today, we summarized the number of treatments and actual effects of Laser Lesion Removal for self-harm scars.
If you are concerned about when to start treatment or which method is right for you, 💬 Consult Now
Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo's Profile First published 2024-01-30 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This content is for general information purposes only, and as treatment progress and number of sessions may vary individually, please confirm an accurate diagnosis and plan through consultation with medical staff.