Raised scar treatment in Massapequa
Firm, bumpy scars that sit above the skin after acne, an injury or a procedure. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we assess raised scars in person first, because the right approach depends on the type of scar, and some need a dermatologist before anything else.
Also known as hypertrophic scars and bumpy scars.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
This concern starts with an in-person assessment. Some raised scars, especially keloids, can grow or worsen with certain treatments, so we confirm the scar type before recommending anything.
What raised scars are
Too much collagen, rather than too little.
Most acne scars are indented because the skin lost collagen as it healed. Raised scars are the opposite: the skin overproduces collagen and builds a firm ridge or bump above the surface. They're most common on the chest, back, shoulders and jawline.
Raised scars often soften and flatten on their own over a year or two. Treatment can help speed that up and improve color and texture. The key first step is telling a hypertrophic scar apart from a keloid, which behaves differently and needs medical care.
Hypertrophic scars
Raised, firm scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound and often flatten over time.
Keloids
Scars that grow beyond the original wound, can keep enlarging and may itch. These need a dermatologist.
Bumpy acne scars
Small raised scars left by breakouts, most often on the jaw, chest and back.
Indented scars are covered in acne scars, and flat discoloration in dark marks after acne.
What causes it
An overactive healing response.
Raised scars form when the healing process keeps producing collagen after the wound has closed. A few things make that more likely.
- Deep or inflamed wounds, including cystic acne, burns, piercings and surgical incisions.
- Tension on the skin, which is why the chest, shoulders and back scar this way more often.
- Genetics and skin tone, since keloids are more common in people with deeper skin tones and run in families.
- Infection or slow healing, which prolongs inflammation in the wound.
- Age, with raised scars appearing more often in younger people, whose skin heals more actively.
Raised scar treatments at Skin Space
Recommended only after your Skin Space provider confirms the scar type and that it's suited to in-spa care.
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Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser treatment can help remodel the excess collagen in a hypertrophic scar, softening and flattening it and improving texture and color.
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Microneedling with Salmon DNA or PRP
Controlled microneedling with healing-focused add-ons can help break up and remodel scar tissue and blend the scar into the surrounding skin.
Also used alongside these
- TribellaLight-based treatment that can calm lingering redness in newer scars, combined with resurfacing for texture.
What to expect at Skin Space
Assessment comes first for raised scars.
In-person assessment
We examine the scar, ask how and when it formed and whether it has grown, and check your history of keloids.
Referral if needed
If the scar looks like a keloid or is still changing, we'll refer you to a dermatologist for medical treatment first.
Your plan
For suitable hypertrophic scars, your provider recommends a series of treatments and explains the timeline and downtime.
Treat and monitor
We check the scar at each visit and adjust or pause treatment if it reacts.
Caring for raised scars at home
Gentle, consistent care helps scars settle.
- Ask about silicone sheets or gel. Worn daily for several months, silicone is one of the most widely used at-home options for flattening raised scars.
- Protect from sun. Sun can darken scars and keep them red longer, so cover or use sunscreen on the area.
- Avoid friction and pressure from straps and tight clothing over scars on the chest, back and shoulders.
- Don't pick or irritate healing breakouts or new scars, since inflammation drives raised scarring.
- Plan around Long Island summers. Beach days, boating and summer sports undo progress fast, so schedule your most intensive treatments for fall and winter and protect your results when the weather warms up.
When to see a dermatologist
Raised scars often need medical treatment too.
See a dermatologist or your doctor before in-spa treatment if you have:
- A scar that is growing beyond the original wound, which may be a keloid
- A personal or family history of keloids
- Scars that itch, hurt or feel tight
- A scar that bleeds, changes color or develops an open sore
- Active cystic acne that is still forming new scars
Dermatologists can offer treatments such as steroid injections that may be combined with in-spa care. The Skin Space team is glad to coordinate with your dermatologist.
Common questions
What's the difference between a raised scar and a keloid?
A hypertrophic scar stays within the boundary of the original wound and often flattens over time. A keloid grows beyond it and can keep enlarging. Keloids need a dermatologist, and some treatments can make them worse.
Will a raised scar go away on its own?
Many hypertrophic scars soften and flatten over one to two years. Treatment can help them improve faster and look less noticeable.
Can microneedling make raised scars worse?
It can for people prone to keloids, which is why we assess the scar and your history first. For suitable hypertrophic scars, it can help remodel the scar tissue.
Are raised scars more common on certain skin tones?
Keloids are more common in people with deeper skin tones. That's one reason we take a cautious, assessment-first approach and choose settings carefully.
How long does treatment take?
Raised scars usually need a series of sessions over several months. Your provider will set expectations once they've seen the scar.
Where can I get raised scars assessed near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with an in-person consultation, and we'll refer you to a dermatologist if that's the right first step.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
