[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] Most Frequently Asked Questions About Erasing Self-Harm Scars at the Clinic

Self-harm scars are not just simple wounds; they often remain as traces of difficult times endured. Even if not always felt in daily life, many people, more than one might think, suffer emotional wounds for various reasons and repeatedly go through that process, eventually knocking on the clinic's door with self-harm scars. The first question is always similar: "These are old scars; will treatment still be effective if I start now?"

Let's go through the frequently asked questions at the clinic about erasing traces that have become scars over time. To help reduce vague worries, I will focus on the questions that most commonly arise during actual consultations.

Many people worry that treatment for self-harm scars might be more difficult because they are old. To put it simply, the treatment itself does not become more complicated just because a long time has passed.

Generally, regardless of type, if a scar is not an early scar (within 6 months), the treatment approach is similar for scars that have been present for a longer period. It is difficult to say that the effectiveness significantly decreases just because more time has passed. Therefore, do not give up on old self-harm scars prematurely; we recommend starting now to alleviate both the traces and your worries. If the scar is a depressed type, understanding the Treatment Principles for Depressed Acne Scars may be helpful.

For early scars, as mentioned earlier, home care with ointments can provide some help. Even if the marks do not completely disappear, it is meaningful for managing them to prevent the scars from developing deeper.

However, due to the nature of self-harm scars, they are often old or repeatedly injured in the same area, making it highly likely for them to solidify into deep scars. In this process, it is not uncommon for the color to turn white.

If such changes have occurred, it is considered that full-scale laser treatment, rather than ointment, is necessary. The clinic will proceed with treatment to reactivate the regenerative power of the affected area. Useful resources to review include Juvelook to Fill Depressed Scars and Pinhole Alpha to Precisely Refine Scar Surfaces.

If you are unsure whether your scars require ointment management or laser treatment, checking their condition is paramount over self-diagnosis. You can easily ask any questions you have via Chat Consultation Regarding Self-Harm Scar Treatment Stages.

To put it simply, yes, it is possible. The number of scars does not significantly alter the treatment method itself. The only difference is that the more scars there are, the longer the overall treatment period may be.

Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the number of scars, it is more practical to assess the areas and conditions together and prioritize.

Many people believe that laser treatment effectiveness decreases during hot, high-UV seasons like summer. This caution applies specifically to laser treatments that form scabs.

Treatment methods used for scars generally have little to do with UV or seasons, so it is reasonable to consider that earlier treatment is better. However, a few things to keep in mind for post-treatment care can help with the results:

• Avoid strenuous exercise that causes a lot of sweating immediately after treatment.
• Keep the treated area clean and free from irritation.
• Consistently use UV protection when going out.
• Do not forcibly remove scabs or dead skin if they form.
• If you notice changes during the recovery period, consult with your doctor instead of making arbitrary judgments.

It is realistically difficult to completely erase all scars, including self-harm scars. In the consultation room, many patients feel a great sense of relief just by receiving honest guidance on this point.

However, through consistent treatment, the traces gradually fade step by step, and cases are reported where recovery reaches a point where they are no longer a significant concern in daily life. The degree and speed of recovery can vary individually, so if you start with the goal of reducing the burden in your daily life rather than complete disappearance, you can expect satisfactory progress. If you are curious about approaches for different scar types, Treatment Directions for Cosmetic Surgery Scars can also be a helpful reference.

Self-harm scars often carry not only visible marks but also a heavy emotional burden. This can make taking the first step feel even more difficult. However, scars are not a problem where the path is blocked just because treatment starts late; recovery begins with assessing the condition and setting a direction.

Getting your condition checked, rather than worrying alone, is the starting point for alleviating the burden.

Check Your Current Self-Harm Scar Condition via Chat Now

Dr. Sang-Joo Lee · Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Sang-Joo Lee is the Chief Director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. He will serve as the President of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and is also an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine. He has extensive experience in treating pigment and scar conditions. View Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile · First Published 2025-09-15 · Last Reviewed July 23, 2026

This article provides general medical information, and treatment methods and outcomes may vary depending on individual skin conditions. For an accurate diagnosis, please consult with a board-certified dermatologist.