![[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] How to Make Self-Harm Scars Disappear Unnoticeably with Laser Treatment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fagqdgbuateknhwpocrgu.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fsources%2Fbbf3bebe-45b6-4415-bd04-bda18b2cac0f%2Fblog-images%2F222950941344_00_bb2a9f8d057f.jpg%3Ftype%3Dw966&w=3840&q=75)
Long, thin, linear scars on the arms or neck, even if covered by clothing, continue to weigh on one's mind. The first question that usually comes to mind regarding self-harm scars (hesitation marks) is often one: "Can these disappear cleanly without a trace?" To get straight to the point, while complete disappearance cannot be guaranteed, correcting them to be less noticeable with laser treatment is definitely worth trying.
Why are self-harm scars particularly noticeable?
When feelings of depression deepen, some individuals may cut their arms or neck with sharp objects, leaving scars. Depression is often called the 'common cold of the mind,' meaning it can affect anyone.
The characteristic of self-harm scars lies in their form. Because multiple red or white linear scars are arranged side by side, they attract more attention than other scars of similar depth. The more the color and texture of the scars contrast with the surrounding skin, the deeper the concern.
How far can ointments, cover-up tattoos, and surgery go?
When looking into treatments, you usually encounter three options. Let's first outline the limitations of each.
| Method | Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Scar ointment | Relatively easy to try | Limited improvement for deep linear scars |
| Cover-up tattoo | Covers scars with color | Not permanent, requires repetition, possibility of creating new scars |
| Scar surgery | Sutures the scar area | Suture site may open due to tension |
Cover-up tattoos are not permanent and require continuous reapplication, and in the process, they can create new scars, making the original scars deeper. If actual treatment is desired later, there is the burden of undergoing both tattoo removal and scar treatment.
Surgery involves suturing the self-harm area to make it invisible, but in cases where multiple long, linear scars are arranged side by side, suturing itself can be difficult. Even if sutured, the suture site may open over time due to tension, making a fundamental solution challenging.
Self-harm scar laser treatment with Pinhole Technique
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon approaches self-harm scars with the 'Pinhole Technique,' a scar laser treatment method that complements the shortcomings of cover-up tattoos and surgery. This method corrects the distinctive long linear shape to be less noticeable with a laser and induces skin regeneration by creating microscopic holes in the scar area.
Since the depth, color, and texture of scars vary from person to person, the treatment approach may also vary. Depending on the condition of the scar, Pinhole Alpha, which complements the Pinhole Technique, or Mild Pinhole, which reduces the burden, may also be considered.
Self-harm scars vary in shape and depth, so even with the same Pinhole Technique, the intensity and spacing of the approach determine the results.
For questions, inquire via chat consultation regarding self-harm scar laser treatment
Things to know before treatment
In the consultation room, patients who have realistically set their expectations before starting scar treatment tend to have higher satisfaction. We recommend keeping the following points in mind:
- The goal is to correct the scar to be less noticeable rather than to make it completely disappear.
- Treatment may be divided into several sessions depending on the depth and color of the scar.
- It is good to plan the recovery period and schedule between treatments in advance.
- Daily care, such as sun exposure and UV protection, affects the results.
- Do not arbitrarily stop treatment even if changes seem slow.
Treatment approaches may also differ depending on the type of scar. For scars with different forms, such as scars remaining after cosmetic surgery or scars caused by surgery, Surgical Scar Revision may be considered in addition to the Pinhole Technique.
Healing the mind is also part of the treatment
Self-harm scar treatment is a process of refining the skin's texture and, at the same time, facing the past a little more lightly. Some patients say that as their scars become less visible, they gain the courage to return to daily life.
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon has been treating scars for a long time with dermatologists and has reported its experience in treating self-harm scars to domestic and international dermatology societies. If you have been struggling with this concern alone, you may start by exploring possible directions with us.
💬 Consult Now
Representative 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) Representative Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2022-12-09 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16
This article contains general information about self-harm scar treatment, and the condition of scars and recovery patterns may vary from person to person. Please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.