Pale or Flat Scars

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As suggested, pale or flat scars are of a lighter pigment to your natural skin colour, often appearing white in colour.  Once the skin has healed they are on the same level as the rest of your skin, neither raised or dipped.  For the beginning of the scars development a pale scar might be raised, or slightly red.  Over time these scars gradually grow paler, and their height will correct itself so that it is in line with the rest of your skin.  It might take over a year for this to occur, which is one of the reasons that you ought to leave your scars until they have settled in size and appearance before you have them treated.  Stretch marks are a form of this scar, although generally not thought of as a scar at all. 

When pale/flat scars are most likely to form

Pale scars are incredibly common, and are the usual form of scar that most people would expect to occur after a wound.  They are a typical reaction to surgery, often appearing more visible if surgical wounds are stretched.  Stretch marks tend to occur after pregnancy or when you have put on weight quickly.  

Why pale/flat scars occur

Pale scars are the normal reaction from your body to a wound; it is the healthiest form of scar, and generally the least noticeable.  The increased production of collagen in the skin formed over the wound gives the scar its pale colour,

Where these scars occur

Pale/flat scars are likely to occur all over the body.  They will appear worse if they are positioned near to a joint, as there they are likely to be stretched and made bigger. 

How best to reduce these scars

If flat/pale scars are small there is often no need for any reduction method to occur.  They are the most subtle of all the scar groups, and occur so frequently that people are very accustomed to their appearance.  If, however, they become stretched and so widened, you may wish to have some form of reduction performed.  Widened scars can be lessened through the use of scar reduction surgery, this can even help to reposition the scar in order to make it less visible.  Laser treatment can also help with your pale, flat scar, helping to slightly darken its colour, and even help to blend it into your skin better. 

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