Self harm scars are more common than many realise, impacting thousands of people from all walks of life, cutting across socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions.
This is not an issue confined to one group; it’s a universal experience that can touch anyone, regardless of background.
Imagine if every mistake, every challenging moment from our teenage years, was permanently marked on our bodies
Why People Self Harm
Most scars are the product of early to mid-teen years—a turbulent period for many. As teenagers, we face a whirlwind of challenges: hormonal shifts, identity struggles, and a constant need to fit in. Add in life’s other pressures, like family issues, divorce, or personal trauma, and it’s no surprise that some may turn to coping mechanisms that leave lasting marks.
For some, this might be experimenting with alcohol, drugs, or eating disorders to regain some control. For others, the approach was self-harm—a way to manage overwhelming emotions, albeit leaving a permanent reminder on their skin.
The Impact
While the choices we make in our teens may not define who we are in our 20’s, 30’s 40’s and beyond, self-harm scars can remain as a visible marker from a difficult chapter in life.
Sadly, these scars often attract stares or judgement, leading many individuals to cover them up or avoid certain social situations altogether. This judgement creates a sense of shame around something that was a coping mechanism during a challenging period—a time that the person has likely grown beyond.
We at Borciani London encounter hundreds of people each year who feel the weight of this stigma. For many, these scars affect not only confidence but also relationships and even career prospects. Clients have shared stories of strangers assuming they know their story simply by the marks on their arms or legs, leading to a sense of isolation and embarrassment.
Imagine if every mistake, every challenging moment from our teenage years, was permanently marked on our bodies. Would we be so quick to judge others if our own past choices were as visible – every dumb decision, every action that was made without a thought to long term consequences – if we were all walking around with these in plain view, even for a day it would perhaps change our perspective for the better.
Removing the Stigma
The stigma around self-harm scars is unfair and unwarranted. Instead, we should recognise the strength and courage it takes to grow from those experiences and the bravery it takes to expose the scars and seek treatment.
Thankfully, scar reduction treatments, including CO2 laser therapy, offer options to reduce and soften the appearance of these scars. At Borciani London, we’re committed to helping individuals feel comfortable in their own skin. We offer a subsidised treatment service specifically for self-harm scars
If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We believe in a compassionate approach to care, aiming to support every client.
Read more about our treatments here
If you are experiencing mental health diffculites or feel as though you may harm yourself or others then please use the links below for help.
Urgent Care Call 999
Free Support Services
Samaritans
- www.samaritans.org
- 116 123 (free to call from within the UK and Ireland), 24 hours a day
- Email: jo@samaritans.org
Shout
- https://giveusashout.org/
- text SHOUT to 85258
Mind
- Support line: 0300 102 1234
- Mind Org.
Rethink Org
- www.rethink.org
- National Advice Service: 0300 5000 927 (Open 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
- Email advice@rethink.org
If you are under 18, please contact
childline
- www.childline.org.uk
- Call us free on 0800 1111
