Do Self-Harm Scars Go Away?
Many people who struggle with poor mental health turn to self-harm as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions.
Once they enter a recovery program and begin building healthier habits, a common question emerges: do self-harm scars go away?
Understanding what to expect — and what options exist — can be an important part of the healing process.
The Meadowglade offers comprehensive care for people who self-harm and want help controlling their behaviors.
Learn more about our Los Angeles mental health programs or all us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is the act of a person purposely hurting themselves, and it usually presents as a symptom of a mental health disorder.
A person can harm themselves by the act of:
- Cutting
- Burning
- Scratching
- Biting
- Hair pulling
- Banging their head
- Breaking or otherwise damaging their bones
People who self-harm usually feel shame about what they do, and often wear clothing to hide their injuries and scars, such as long sleeves, coats, and pants.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
While self-harm scars can frighten or confuse other people, the action is done with the intention of relieving emotional pain, fears, and bad memories.
People often cut to distract themselves from painful emotions, like anxiety and depression, because it gives them an activity they find self-soothing. Other people self-harm as a way of trying to demonstrate that they need help but aren’t necessarily able to put it into words.
Some people feel emotionally numb so much of the time that they hurt themselves just to feel something. Even if someone cannot pinpoint a reason their loved one self-harms, it’s important to recognize that they should speak to a therapist and enter a treatment plan that helps them gain control of their actions.
Do Self-Harm Scars Go Away?
Whether self-harm scars fade or disappear depends on several factors, including the depth and type of the original wound, how long ago it occurred, and how well the skin was cared for during healing.
Shallow or surface-level scars often fade significantly over time and may become barely noticeable. Deeper wounds, however, are more likely to leave permanent marks.
Skin type and genetics also play a role — some people naturally scar more prominently than others, and factors like age, sun exposure, and overall skin health can affect how visible a scar remains over time.
For those looking to reduce the appearance of scars, there are options worth discussing with a dermatologist or physician, including:
- Topical treatments, such as silicone gels or creams designed to minimize scar tissue
- Laser therapy, which can reduce redness and smooth uneven skin texture
- Microneedling or chemical peels, which promote skin regeneration
- Cosmetic tattooing, which some people use to cover scarred areas
It’s worth noting that while some scars can be significantly minimized, others may not fully disappear. For many people in recovery, learning to accept and reframe how they see their scars becomes an equally important part of the healing process.
How to Reframe How a Person Sees Their Self-Harm Scars
People with self-harm scars typically feel bad about how they look and either hide their scars as much as possible or avoid social outings or being around people they don’t know well.
Someone who self-harms is trying to soothe or express themselves, but doesn’t yet have healthy coping skills in place. Scars are proof that a person has suffered and tried to handle it, which means they have strength, even if it’s misdirected.
If asked about their scars, the individual can come up with a short phrase, such as saying how they got them is a long story, and the person doesn’t feel like getting into details.
If they want to be more direct, they can say something like how they have struggled in the past, but are in a better place now. When the person feels more comfortable exposing their arms, legs, or other parts of themselves that bear scars, it can feel liberating. After all, there is no need to feel shame, because everyone has scars, even if they aren’t always visible.
Does Therapy Help People Stop Self-Harming?
Going into therapy helps people who have self-harm scars talk about the past and current challenges that cause them to resort to hurting themselves.
Common individual, group, and holistic therapies include the following:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Group Therapy
- EMDR Therapy
- Psychological Diagnosis
- Equine Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Stress Reduction Therapy
- Psychiatry + Medication Management
- Education & Career Counseling
A person entering a program for mental health disorders will be assessed to understand any current prescription medications they are taking and if a change could be helpful.
Begin Treatment for Self-Harm in Los Angeles Today
Do you have self-harm scars and feel afraid you will continue to generate them if you don’t enroll in a licensed treatment program to help you stop the urge to hurt yourself?
The Meadowglade understands it can prove difficult to explain self-harm scars to others, and we offer ways for you to ease your urges and come to peace with the scars you have.
Call us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.