Can Old Scars Still Be Treated? Improving 5-, 10-, or Even 20-Year-Old Scars
Many people assume that once a scar has been on the skin for years, nothing can be done to change it. Whether the scar came from acne, surgery, injury, or a burn, it’s common to believe that older scars are “set in place” and no longer respond to treatment. In reality, this is one of the biggest myths in scar care. Even scars that are 5, 10, or 20 years old can show remarkable improvement with modern techniques. Scar tissue does not simply stop responding—it can remodel at any age with the right approach.
Scars that have been present for many years tend to feel firmer and appear more defined because the collagen within them has matured. Instead of aligning like healthy skin, the collagen fibres stack densely and irregularly, making the scar more noticeable. Some older scars may be tethered to deeper tissue, creating depressions. Others may appear raised, wide, or discoloured. While the age of a scar can influence how it behaves, it does not prevent meaningful improvement. What matters most is selecting treatments that address the specific characteristics of the scar.
Modern scar revision uses a combination of targeted techniques to break down old scar tissue and stimulate healthier, more organized collagen. Subcision releases deep fibrous bands that pull older scars downward. Fractional laser resurfacing and RF microneedling help soften the surface, blend edges, and encourage new collagen production. Chemical peels can lighten long-standing pigmentation, while TCA CROSS treats deep, narrow scars that have remained unchanged for years. In some cases, fillers can restore volume to depressions that never improved on their own. Even surgical excision can refine sharply defined or resistant scars that persist despite previous treatments.
Older scars often benefit from a staged approach, with treatments spaced over several months. Because mature scar tissue is dense and less flexible, improvement occurs gradually as the skin remodels. Many patients begin noticing early softening or blending after a few sessions, with more visible changes appearing steadily over time. The goal is not to erase the scar completely—which is not possible for any scar—but to make it significantly less noticeable, smoother in texture, and more harmonious with the surrounding skin.
What surprises many people is how well older scars can respond compared with newer scars. In some cases, older scars are actually easier to treat because they are stable and no longer inflamed. Their defined structure makes it easier to target the exact issue—whether that is depth, width, colour, or surface texture. With modern techniques, even long-standing scars can be softened, lifted, narrowed, or blended more seamlessly into the skin.
If you’ve been living with an old scar and assumed it was too late to make a difference, there is genuine hope. With today’s advanced methods, scars that once felt permanent can be improved in ways that were not possible a decade ago. Whether the scar has been with you for years or decades, improvement is still achievable with the right treatment plan.
At Canada Scar Clinic, we assess the unique features of every scar and design personalized treatment plans based on its age, depth, texture, and location. If you’re ready to explore how even long-standing scars can be improved, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can build a customized plan that supports smoother texture, reduced visibility, and renewed confidence in your skin.
FAQs
1. Can scars that are 5, 10, or 20 years old still improve with treatment?
Yes. Even very old scars respond well to modern treatments such as subcision, laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, chemical peels, fillers, and surgical refinement. Scar tissue can remodel at any age.
2. Are older scars harder to treat than newer scars?
Older scars can be firmer and more structured, but that doesn’t make them untreatable. They often require a staged combination of treatments, but results can be significant and long-lasting.
3. What is the best treatment for an old depressed or sunken scar?
Depressed scars often respond best to subcision to release deep tethering, followed by resurfacing or fillers to refine texture and restore contour.
4. Can old surgical scars or C-section scars still be improved?
Yes. Long-standing surgical scars can be softened, flattened, narrowed, or resurfaced using techniques like lasers, subcision, and targeted peels. Even wide or firm scars can show excellent progress.
5. How long does it take to see results for older scars?
Most patients begin noticing early improvement within a few weeks, but full results appear gradually over two to six months as new collagen forms and the scar continues to remodel.
6. Is it ever too late to start scar treatment?
No. Scar tissue does not stop responding with age. Whether your scar is one year old or twenty years old, modern treatments can still make it smoother, softer, and less visible.