Scar Treatment Market

Market Overview

The global scar treatment market size was valued at USD 9,206 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 21,007 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period (2022–2030). Factors such as rising number of road accidents and burn cases, significantly drives the scar treatment market demand by 2030.

Scarring is a natural part of the recovery process after an injury. Its appearance and treatment depend on multiple factors like the depth and size of the wound or cut, the location of the damage, age, genes, sex, and ethnicity. Women are more concerned with beauty than males, making up most of those seeking scarring treatment. The scar treatment market growth is mainly driven by the increasing need for improving esthetic appeal in individuals and complete skin rejuvenation. The rising number of road accidents and burn injuries has also resulted in rising demand for cosmetic procedures on a global scale. A global increase in hypertrophic burn marks, wherein the victim’s appearance has become distorted, is also boosting the demand for scar treatment products.

Market Dynamics

Global Scar Treatment Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Esthetics

The global market is developing rapidly due to growing awareness among people regarding esthetics. In the current scenario, all demographic segments of the population greatly emphasize enhancing their esthetic appearance. In addition, unsightly scars often have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Scar treatment helps in achieving complete skin rejuvenation, which improves the aesthetic appeal of a person. The demand for esthetics mainly exists among women owing to their more significant concern for appearance, rendering this population group the largest market contributor.

Scars due to acne are the most common concern among women. These scars often disturb their esthetic appeal, which makes affected patients uncomfortable about their appearance. The demand for greater esthetic appeal plays a vital role in increasing the number of reconstructive surgical cases for scar revision. In addition to skin-corrective surgeries, scar treatment products are also widely adopted.

Rising Number of Road Accidents and Burn Cases

One of the significant factors driving up the demand for scar treatment solutions is the increase in road accidents. Around 50 million people are wounded due to road accidents yearly, and the scars left in most cases require surgical treatment. Patients who undergo such surgeries also develop surgical scars and are provided topical products to improve and reduce their appearance. The growing incidence of burn injuries is also expected to contribute to the scar treatment market growth. Burn injuries cause noticeable hypertrophic burn scars, a common complication associated with burn injuries, which stay even after the pain has subsided. Plastic surgeries or resurfacing laser therapies are commonly performed to remove these marks.

Global Scar Treatment Market Restraint

High Cost of Laser-Based Products

Scar removal treatments involving laser-based instruments are expensive. A laser instrument with CO2 fractional technology costs approximately USD 5,000 to 15,000. The instrument costs increase initial investments, raising the cost of laser therapy for consumers undergoing scar treatment. The exorbitant prices of laser products are anticipated to impede the growth of the scar treatment industry. In developing countries, such as India, the affordability of these laser-based machines is low. Hence, plastic and reconstructive surgeries performed using laser instruments are less accessible in middle- and low-income countries due to their cost-intensive nature.

Global Scar Treatment Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

The global market is witnessing considerable technological developments with laser therapies. Laser therapies are of two forms—ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative laser therapy destroys scar tissue through vascularization with the help of a functional pulse-dyed laser. Moreover, developing advanced compression therapy garments is expected to contribute to market growth. Due to growing esthetic consciousness, manufacturers are developing a wide range of topical compression therapy garments in different colors, designs, and shapes. Moreover, the growing development of integrated products for providing more scar treatment options with one product is expected to boost its adoption.

Regional Analysis

The global scar treatment market share is segmented into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant shareholder in the scar treatment market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% over the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of burn injuries, skin-related disorders, and trauma, the availability and adoption of advanced treatment options for scars, such as laser treatment, and awareness about esthetic appeal and outward appearance are contributing to the growth of the market in North America. The U.S. holds the largest share of North America's market. Scar treatments for burn injuries are covered under reimbursement policies in the U.S. Growing incidence of road accidents that require intensive care and wound management is accelerating market growth. The growing esthetic consciousness and awareness among the population have resulted in greater adoption of scar revision treatment procedures. Canada's market is expected to display steady growth over the forecast period, owing primarily to technological advancements.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% generating USD 3,476 million during the forecast period. According to the European Commission's decision, 85% to 100% of reimbursement can be provided in case of plastic surgery, post a severe illness, accident, or deformity. A drawback of this policy is that plastic surgery, which is purely cosmetic, will not be reimbursed. Even though there is no reimbursement for cosmetic plastic surgeries, the demand for esthetic procedures in Europe is rising, owing to increasing disposable income and healthcare expenditure. Awareness created through digital conferences and webinars held by the European Association of Plastic Surgeons to implement standard regulations for plastic surgery procedures is expected to propel regional market growth. The UK is a significant contributor to the Europe market. Plastic surgery for reconstructive purposes is free under the National Health Services (NHS). These factors are responsible for boosting the market in the country.

The countries in the Asia-Pacific region are mainly developing economies that are moving toward faster adoption of technological advancements. The number of women concerned about their esthetic appeal has increased significantly, likely driving Asia-Pacific's market. Topical treatment options such as creams and gels are available to the general population as OTC products and allow easy management of scars. Thus, their usage has been recorded at high rates in this region. This region has witnessed a substantial increase in disposable incomes, allowing individuals to cater to their dermatological needs. In addition, China's contemporary culture greatly values women's physical appearance and strongly emphasizes ideal beauty standards. Therefore, the country has become a hub for esthetic procedures. A significant factor driving this market is increasing workplace competition.

Latin America is also showcasing significant growth opportunities for non-invasive treatments. This market is growing at a lucrative pace because of the availability of procedures such as laser resurfacing and scar revision at cheaper costs than those in North America or Europe. Brazil has become a hotspot for medical tourism due to the presence of trained professionals, good infrastructure, and low treatment costs. Moreover, investments from international players, improving disposable income, increasing number of esthetic procedures, growing middle-aged population, and clinical advancements will likely drive the market further.

Segmental Analysis

The global scar treatment market is segmented by products, scar type, and end-user.

Based on product, the global market is segmented into topical, laser, injectables, and others.

The topical product segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. Scars can be treated swiftly and affordably with over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications applied to the skin directly. They are segmented into creams, gels, silicone sheets, and others. Treatment of this kind does not require individuals to visit physicians for medication. Therefore, they prove to be a more accessible alternative, which is expected to boost its demand. Different formulation creams are available for treating different scars. Other topical products include pressure garments, oils, sprays, and ointments.

Laser scar treatment is considered a painless treatment for scar removal. Laser products take around 30 minutes to treat scars and lead to minimal discomfort. Cosmetic laser surgeries are also adopted on a large scale by patients with scars such as acne, keloid, and stretch marks. Laser devices for scar treatment include CO2 lasers and pulse-dyed lasers.

Collagen injections replace the skin's natural collagen, which has been lost. These injectables are applied to wrinkles, facial lines, and acne scars. Facial collagen injections are most commonly used as a treatment for scars. Although this type of injection facilitates rapid, safe, and easy administration for scar treatment, it requires prior doctor consultation. Collagen injectables are considered the safest way to enhance a person's esthetic appearance as they constitute a natural substance and require no surgery.

Based on scar type, the global market is segmented into hypertrophic and keloid scars, atrophic scars, contracture scars, and stretch marks.

The atrophic scars segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. Atrophic scars result from muscle and fat loss from the body over an injured area. They form when the skin produces insufficient collagen to heal the infection site. The treatment of such scars usually revolves around topical creams, gels, and ointments. The treatment used for these scars helps stimulate the skin's natural healing process to replace elastin, collagen, and other fibrous tissues.

A hypertrophic scar is characterized by the deposits of an extreme amount of collagen that results in the formation of a raised scar. They are usually formed due to thermal, traumatic injury, or mechanical tension that has reached the deep layers of the skin, exhibiting high levels of transforming growth factor beta. Keloid scars, on the other hand, are more severe than hypertrophic scars and often grow larger than the original wound. Keloid scars are formed because of burns, chickenpox scars, surgical incision sites, and vaccination sites. Both types of scars usually involve non-invasive treatment, such as creams, gels, and silicone sheets in minor injury cases and laser products in adverse circumstances.

Based on end-user, the market for scar treatment is segmented into hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and e-commerce (online retailing).

The hospital segment is the highest contributor and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Several scar treatment methods are available at hospitals, allowing patients to choose from various options. Hospitals often have sophisticated equipment and technically advanced procedures for patient care. Non-invasive techniques such as creams, gels, silicone sheets, and laser therapy are performed at hospitals. Hospitals also offer a generalized treatment for the majority of emergency care services and further provide care during the recovery period.

Dermatology clinics provide core assistance that aids in the removal and reduction of scars. In most cases, patients visit hospitals for primary care and treatment and later follow up at specialty clinics. When the scar treatment begins, an individual usually visits a scar treatment dermatologist for an initial consultation. The expertise offered by dermatologists is often more specific and allows patients to evaluate the various options available for treating scars.

Recent Developments

• June 2022- University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson scientists added a drug to standard wound treatments to promote healthy tissue regeneration and reduce excessive scarring.
• May 2022- At Perth's Fiona Stanley Hospital, renowned burns expert Professor Fiona Wood is working with her team and the Australian clinical research company Pharmaxis on a world-first clinical trial of a new product that has the potential to prevent or reduce debilitating scars that develop after trauma, particularly after burn injury.