Self-harm scars are visible wounds that also leave emotional memories. The first question people ask when they visit the clinic for self-harm scars is simple: "Can this really disappear?" To put it simply, it is possible to gradually fade scars with laser treatment, but it requires sufficient time and sessions.
How many treatments are needed for improvement?
One of the most frequently asked questions in self-harm scar treatment is, "How many treatments do I need?" What's important here is where you set your standards. The number of necessary sessions can vary greatly depending on whether you aim for a simple improvement from the current state or an improvement that satisfies you personally. If you base it on feeling a noticeable change, you can see the scars gradually fading compared to before treatment with just 3 to 5 laser treatments.
Results vary depending on the standard of satisfaction
On the other hand, if you set your standard at a level that you personally find satisfying, the story changes. In clinical practice, the standard of satisfaction varies greatly from person to person, and in such cases, at least 10 or more treatments are typically needed. When treating self-harm scars, the standard of satisfaction generally falls into three categories:
- Complete disappearance of the scar
- Fading to the point where it is barely visible at a glance
- Slightly visible, but appearing to be a scar from another cause, not self-harm
Among these, the first goal is realistically difficult to achieve. While dozens of treatments can make scars almost invisible, it is generally not easy to expect.
Rather than aiming to completely erase scars, setting a realistic goal of changing the scar's impression to feel free from everyday scrutiny can help protect your mental well-being.
Therefore, the realistic goals are the second or third, and while there can be individual differences, this level can generally be achieved with about 10 to 20 treatments. Depending on the nature and depth of the scar, approaches used in surgical scar or cosmetic surgery scar treatment may also be considered.
Scars may appear more prominent during treatment
There's something good to know in advance when treating self-harm scars with lasers. There may be a period during the treatment process when the scars appear even more prominent. Laser marks, changes in skin color, and skin depressions may appear, making them temporarily more noticeable. These changes generally fade naturally after about 6 months to 1 year. While not a major problem, knowing this in advance can prevent anxiety during the treatment process. If you're curious about the treatment process and recovery period, please inquire via chat consultation for scar treatment to receive guidance tailored to your condition.
How long does the treatment take?
Considering all these points, the treatment period for self-harm scars can be estimated at approximately 1 year, assuming 10 treatments at one-month intervals. Adding about another year for the temporary prominence to subside after the last treatment, it takes about 2 years to confirm the final results. Therefore, if you are considering treatment before important life events like employment or marriage, it is advisable to start at least 3 years in advance. The more time you allow, the more at ease you can feel throughout the process.
Treatment response varies with scar depth
Even if self-harm scars look similar on the surface, the treatment response can vary significantly depending on the depth of the damage.
| Scar Type | Treatment Response |
|---|---|
| Superficial skin damage | Relatively good treatment response as scars are not deep |
| Deep damage with muscle/ligament involvement | Slow treatment speed and often reduced effectiveness |
| Numerous scars from continuous self-harm | Tendency for slow treatment progression |
Depending on the type and extent of the scar, methods such as Surgical Scar Revision or Triamcinolone Scar Injection for keloids and hypertrophic scars may also be considered.
Post-treatment care and mindset
There is nothing special about post-treatment care. You just need to apply moisturizer or regenerative cream. However, what's more important than this is a patient mindset.
- Consistently use a gentle moisturizer or regenerative cream
- Avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area vigorously
- Pay attention to UV protection to minimize pigment changes
- Do not be impatient even if changes feel slow
Since this is a long-term treatment, impatience can easily lead to giving up midway and increased stress. If you start with ample time and a relaxed mindset, you will eventually see significant improvement. If you are curious about which treatment is suitable for your scar, please use chat consultation for self-harm scar treatment.
Author · Dr. Lee Sang-Joo, Chief Director (Dermatologist). Chief Director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon and adjunct professor at Yonsei University College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, with extensive experience in scar treatment. Dr. Lee Sang-Joo's Profile First published 2024-06-04 / Last reviewed July 23, 2026
This article provides general medical information, and the number of treatments and results may vary individually depending on the depth and number of scars. Please consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.