Self-Harm Scar Treatment London – Effective, Discreet Solutions for Every Journey
At Borciani London, we understand that self harm scars can be a lasting reminder of a difficult chapter in your life. These scars may affect your confidence, relationships, and even your career. Whether they were the result of a moment of emotional overwhelm or a prolonged period of struggle, self-harm scars do not define who you are today.
Our Notting Hill clinic specialises in advanced treatments to reduce and soften the appearance of self-harm scars, empowering you to feel more confident in your skin. With a compassionate, judgement-free approach, we offer tailored solutions to address scars of all types and textures, helping you take a step toward healing.
— Jordan, CO2 Laser
Understanding Self-Harm Scars
Self-harm scars can carry deep emotional weight, far beyond what is visible on the skin. At Borciani London, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, and the courage it takes to address self-harm scars. Whether your scars are recent or years old, we recognise that each person’s journey is unique. Our team offers expert, compassionate support in a confidential, non-judgemental setting.
In the last few years, there has been a significant increase in self harm rates in adolescents, with rates now well beyond the 1 in 12 noted by Kings College, this is more prevalent in younger people than before, possibly related to the stress of lockdown and pressures of social media. The positive news is that over 90% stop by the time they are in young adulthood.
What are self-harm scars?
These marks are often linear or patterned, and are commonly found on the forearms, thighs, or other easily reached areas. Their appearance will vary, depending on how and when they were formed, as well as your individual skin type. Scars may be flat, raised, keloid pale, pink, deep red or pigmented. For many, they can lead to distress, low self-esteem and social anxiety.
At Borciani London, we specialise in highly personalised scar solutions for all skin types and tones, we have seen patients with every possible type of scar and on all parts of the body with numbers ranging from a few scars to many hundreds. We understand that showing these scars can be difficult and want you to feel as comfortable as possible during the process.
Is this treatment right for you?
This treatment is suitable for adults of all skin tones with visible self-harm scarring — including pale, raised, white, or textured scars. We welcome clients seeking discreet, judgment-free support, particularly those who may have struggled to access care elsewhere.
How does CO2 laser work for self-harm scars?
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Reduces raised or indented scars by ablating tissue and encouraging new collagen formation.
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Improves texture and pigmentation, helping scars to fade and blend in.
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Short sessions — the treatment is under 30 minutes.
Is CO2 laser safe?
Yes—when carried out by our highly trained team, risks are very low. We assess every patient for pigmentation risks and monitor the settings throughout the sessions.
“CO₂ laser remains one of our most effective treatments for linear self-harm scars. Many clients see a dramatic difference in both the look and feel of their skin.”
QuadroStarPRO Laser for Red Scars
If your self-harm scars are red or pink, the QuadroStarPRO laser is a highly advanced treatment designed to target persistent redness and visible blood vessels. This technology is particularly effective for scars that remain red long after healing, helping to restore a more natural skin tone.
How does QuadroStarPRO work?
The QuadroStarPRO uses a specific wavelength of yellow light to safely reduce redness, target broken capillaries, and calm inflammation in scar tissue—without damaging the surrounding skin.
Benefits of QuadroStarPRO for red scars:
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Rapidly reduces red or pink discolouration
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Safe for most skin types
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Minimal discomfort and downtime
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Can be combined with CO₂ laser, microneedling, or camouflage treatments
What to expect:
Treatment is quick, with most clients feeling only a mild warming sensation. You may need a short course of sessions for optimal results, and improvement in redness can often be seen within days.
“The QuadroStarPRO laser allows us to treat even stubborn red scars gently and effectively, giving skin a more even and natural appearance.”
Cortisone Therapy for Self-Harm Scars
Cortisone therapy, also known as corticosteroid injections, is a well established treatment for very raised or keloid scars. At Borciani London, cortisone injections or strips may be recommended as a standalone option or as part of a combination therapy with CO2 laser.
Benefits of cortisone injections
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Particularly effective for thick, raised, or itchy scars
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Can be used on both old and newer scars
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Minimally invasive with no downtime
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Often combined with other treatments (such as CO₂ laser or microneedling) for enhanced results
What can I expect during treatment?
The procedure involves a series of tiny injections directly into the scar. The treatment is usually quick and most clients experience only mild discomfort—numbing can be included but most patients find the treatment very tolerable. Multiple sessions may be needed for the best results, with intervals of around 6 weeks between treatments.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary redness, hypopigmentation, tenderness, or slight skin thinning at the injection site. Our dermatologist will always discuss any potential risks and ensure you are a suitable candidate before proceeding.
“Cortisone therapy offers a safe, effective option for flattening and softening certain self-harm scars, and is extremely effective when combined with CO2 laser.”
Benefits of scar camouflage
Our scar camouflage tattoo treatment is available at our Notting Hill Clinic
Long lasting, results can last several years, with only minimal maintenance required
Waterproof, weatherproof and activity proof, the camouflage is under the skin so will not rub off.
What to expect:
A series of gentle tattooing sessions, usually 2-3 for full coverage. You will see an improvement in colour after each session.
Learn about camouflage hereCamouflage Tattooing
Microneedling & Combined Therapies
Microneedling is another excellent technique for improving self-harm scars, either as a standalone treatment or combined with laser or camouflage. By creating tiny, controlled injuries in the scar tissue, microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural repair process, encouraging collagen production and better texture.
Benefits of combined therapies
Microneedling can be an excellent option for those who are unable to have Co2 or Cortisone Treatments
Further softening and blending of scars
Enhanced pigment results when paired with camouflage
Suitable for virtually all areas, including more sensitive skin
Let us know what works for you
It’s really important that you feel as comfortable as possible when you visit the clinic, our first session is usually a consultation and these are very informal – during this time we will assess your scars and talk through the treatment options and likely outcomes and perform any necessary patch tests.
You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to your appointment and they can be present during the consultation, but we often find that people are more open and able to talk freely when it is just the patient and practitioner in the room.
We do understand that you may be nervous and possible triggered so please do let us know if you have any anxiety and how we can best manage this for you. Please try not to worry too much ahead of time, we really have seen every type of scar and our only goal is to improve your scars without judgement.
THESE RESULTS SHOW HOW DIFFERENT PEOPLE RESPOND TO TREATMENT, SOME ARE ONLY PART WAY THROUGH THEIR SESSIONS
Self harm scars before and after treatment
Why Choose Borciani London for Scar Treatments?
- Trusted expertise: Over a decade of experience in advanced scar treatments
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Committed to the highest standards of care and safety
- Investment in the latest technologies and techniques
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Specialists in self-harm scarring: We’ve worked with thousands of people on their scar reduction journey
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Central London location: Discreet and easily accessible, with your privacy assured
We combine compassion with clinical excellence, always aiming for the results that matter most to you.
Am I a good candidate?
The ideal candidate is anyone over 18 who would like to reduce their scars, it is important to have a realistic expectation of the outcome and to be patient with the results. Regenerating skin is a complex process.
For safety reasons, you may not be able to get this treatment if you have/are:
- If you are under 18 – please get in touch
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you are in an active harm cycle
- Treating over tattoos or permanent makeup – but please check with us
- Excessively tanned – recent sun exposure
We will have an informal consultation with you to assess your scars and explain the treatments in detail, we can then recommend a treatment plan that fits with your lifestyle.
Self Harm Scar Treatment FAQ
How long does it take?
Treatments last around 30-40 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
This really depends on the age of the scars, the severity of the scars and your age and general health. Generally we provide 4-8 sessions for CO2 laser and 2-3 for Camoufage.
What does the treatment feel like?
The CO2 laser feels very warm and for around 30 minutes post treatment you will feel as if you have sunburn. Most patients tolerate it very well but you can apply topical numbing cream ahead of your treatment if you prefer.
The Quadrostar is very well tolerated and feels like a warm heat. We will numb the area before providing camouflage services.
How will I look afterwards, is there any downtime?
Following the CO2 laser, you can expect around 7-10 days of redness and the skin will have a sandpaper texture which will slough off after around a week. For sensitive patients the skin may continue to be pink for several weeks post treatment.
We will provide aftercare instructions for you.
How long do the results last?
Results for all laser treatments are permanent and the scars, once healed will not regress in any way. Camouflage generally needs to be refreshed every 5 years or so.
What are the costs?
The costs will depend on the size and number of scars we are treating. We heavily subsidise all self harm scar treatments – most will start at £350 per session.
Self Harm Scar Blog
Read our blog about Self Harm scars and treatments
