[Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon] When is the Golden Time for Scar Treatment? A Guide by Period

After an injury heals, the first concern is often, "Will this leave a scar?" To get straight to the point, better results are reported when scars are managed before they fully form, rather than after. The stage where a wound has healed but has not yet become a fully mature scar is called PreScar in dermatology, and how this period is managed largely determines the final appearance of the scar.

PreScar refers to the stage before a wound hardens into a complete scar. The skin at this stage still has room for change, so the degree and condition of the scar can vary depending on how the same wound is cared for.

In the clinic, we often see that many people with deep scars simply overlooked this period, thinking, "It's healed, so it'll be fine." Healing and scar stabilization are different matters.

PreScar typically corresponds to about 2 weeks to 2 months after an injury. Since the extent of the scar is determined by how it is treated during this period, this is considered the golden time for scar treatment.

During this golden time, the focus is on preventing the scar from worsening rather than eliminating it. Reversing an existing scar and halting its progression before it fully forms are fundamentally different starting points.

PreScar, which requires preventive scar treatment, can be broadly understood as any wound expected to form a scar. If you have any of the following, it is advisable to monitor it from the time it starts to heal:

• If a sutured or surgically treated area is still red and firm
• If the skin is deeply damaged by burns or abrasions
• If acne or boil marks remain red and do not subside
• If a thick scab forms as exudate dries
• If the same area is repeatedly irritated, healing and then reopening

If you have any questions about scars, you can easily ask through chat consultation regarding scar prevention treatment.

Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon performs a three-step treatment during the PreScar golden time. Each step plays a different role in collectively halting scar progression.

STEP 1. V-Beam Perfecta is a laser used to reduce red skin or dilated blood vessels. It is applied to the scar area to suppress the proliferation of vascular tissue and prevent further scar progression. This also aligns with calming prominent red scars and is used for skin concerns with noticeable redness, such as facial redness.

STEP 2. DNA Injection Treatment is a step that aids regeneration. The injured area may have insufficient regenerative factors, leading to lower cell regeneration capacity than normal tissue, which can make scar treatment difficult. To prevent this, it is injected directly into the scar tissue to assist recovery.

STEP 3. Scar Patch absorbs exudate and maintains moisture during the cell proliferation phase, aiding epithelial cell restoration. It helps prevent secondary infections and protects the scar area from contaminants.

Not all scars look the same. Red, raised scars, deeply depressed scars, and thick, swollen scars have different characteristics, and thus, different management approaches. Halting progression during the PreScar stage can help reduce the burden of treating established scars, such as cosmetic surgery scars or burn scars later on.

Having addressed PreScar since 2002, even before the concept of scar prevention treatment was established, Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon tailors treatment directions according to the scar's stage of progression. The triple treatment performed during the golden time is primarily composed of low-burden lasers, resulting in a relatively short recovery period, and is reported to have less bleeding and pain, causing minimal disruption to daily life.

If you are concerned about an already established scar, methods such as Surgical Scar Revision or Triamcinolone Scar Injection can be considered depending on the scar's shape. However, the appropriate direction is determined after directly examining the scar's condition.

The time your wound is healing now is the period when you can change the nature of your scar. If you are wondering if your wound falls within the golden time, check it right away below.

• Temporary swelling, redness, scabs, or exfoliation may occur depending on individual characteristics, so it is recommended to proceed with treatment after sufficient consultation with medical staff.

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 2021-11-11 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This content provides general information about scar management, and the course of the same wound may vary from person to person. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, please consult with medical staff through a consultation.