What makes scar tissue different from the skin around it?

A scar tells the world of injuries past – but why does scar tissue look and feel so different? Jason G Goldman investigates. read more

The scar tissue has very different characteristics than the surrounding normal tissue. Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after injury. The scar is the result of the biological process of wound healing in the skin and tissues in the body. So, scar formation is a natural part of the recovery and healing process. read more

Scars form when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. The body forms new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein in the body) to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. The new scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue. Scars form after a wound is completely healed. read more

It could be a dark scar, shiny scar or indented scar all of these are a normal part of the skin’s natural healing process, but for many of us, those little telltale marks can hang around for a while as an unwelcome cicatrix. read more