Topical Scar Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Creams, Gels, Silicone), By Scar Type (Atrophic Scars, Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Topical Scar Treatment Market Size & Trends

The global topical scar treatment market size was estimated at USD 1.52 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2024 to 2030. The market is expected to grow due to several factors, such as the growing concern among people regarding their aesthetic appearance, the increasing number of road accidents and burn injuries, and technological advancements supplementing new device launches. The first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic were marked by the rapid adoption of telemedicine in all domains of the healthcare sector. Skincare, being non-emergency, requires minimal hospital visits. Even though final procedures require a patient to visit the hospital or doctor’s office, pre-planning and post-procedure management were largely preferred through telemedicine.

Topical products refer to various substances, compounds, or formulations that are applied to the surface of the skin, hair, or nails for various purposes. These products are designed to have localized effects on the area of application and are commonly used in skincare, haircare, and other personal care routines. A model was determined by analyzing the prevalence of scars for each region and country. It was seen that most of the patients sought topical treatment for scar management. The adoption rate of creams vs. gels vs. silicon sheets vs. others was then analyzed. In addition, average product prices, usability, and treatment duration were considered for determining the market size and assigning the segment split for each product type.

Technological advancements in the market are significant, with the advent of laser therapy such as the Q-switched laser-based instrument, MedLite C6, designed for acne treatment. These laser tools aids in the destruction of scar tissue, thus facilitating scar treatment procedures.

Both surgical and non-surgical procedures are involved in treatment using laser products. Plastic and reconstructive surgery also form part of the surgical laser treatment process. For instance, in June 2022, Cynosure launched PicoSure Pro Device to treat wrinkles, acne scars, and pores. As per a 2022 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 50,930 scar revision procedures were carried out in the U.S. in 2022. The increasing demand for aesthetic appeal significantly contributes to the rise in reconstructive surgical cases for scar revision. Besides skin corrective surgeries, scar treatment products are also extensively used.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The growing number of road accidents is one of the high-impact rendering factors, raising the demand for scar treatment products. According to the Population Reference Bureau, around 50 million people are injured due to road accidents every year, which frequently leads to scars requiring surgical treatment. In addition, patients who undergo such surgeries develop surgical scars and are provided topical products to improve & reduce their appearance. Hence, the rising number of road accidents and the increasing number of cosmetic surgeries are expected to propel the need for topical products for scar treatment.

The market is highly innovative, with patients increasingly opting for scar treatment methods that are less invasive and offer quicker recovery. This trend is fueling the creation of enhanced injectables, technologies, and creams. For instance, fractional laser skin resurfacing, a minimally invasive procedure, can enhance the look of scars by promoting collagen production. In line with current trends and social media platforms, maintaining youthfulness and beauty has become essential, prompting companies to develop new products that meet customer needs. For instance, Lumenis Be Ltd. introduced the Stellar M22 platform, which offers treatments for improving skin texture, vascular lesions, hair removal, and skin tone.

Companies can broaden their product range and offer a more extensive selection of scar treatment options to patients through mergers and acquisitions. To expand their market share, market players are strategically merging with and acquiring other companies. For instance, in January 2021, Smith & Nephew acquired the extremity orthopedics division of Integra LifeSciences. The acquisition was valued at USD 240 million and is expected to strengthen the company’s product portfolio in the upper & lower extremities segment.

Regulations significantly influence the market’s growth. They can increase innovation by encouraging manufacturers to create safer and more effective scar treatments. The Medical Device Regulation (MDR), enacted in 2021, imposes stricter safety and performance standards on medical devices, including lasers and injectables used for scar treatment. Furthermore, regulatory bodies categorize scar treatments as medical devices, cosmetics, or drugs based on their intended use and claims.

The introduction of new products caters to a variety of consumer needs and preferences, attracting new customer segments and expanding the overall market size. New technologies and formulations can enhance treatment efficiency and meet unmet needs, drawing patients seeking more advanced solutions. The market is experiencing significant technological advancements with the introduction of laser therapies. The increasing development of integrated products that offer multiple scar treatment options is expected to stimulate market growth. For example, Silon-TEX provides a comprehensive treatment that combines pressure and silicone, thereby enhancing scar treatment.

Expansion into new regions enlarges the potential customer base, leading to a larger overall market size and increased demand for scar treatment products and services. Efficient logistics and distribution networks are required for regional expansion to ensure prompt and cost-effective delivery of products and services across various locations. For instance, CYNOSURE formed a distribution partnership with Jeisys Medical KK, granting Jeisys Medical KK exclusive distribution rights to Cynosure’s laser product portfolio in Japan. This partnership was expected to broaden Cynosure’s geographic reach.

End-use Insights

Hospitals dominated the market with a share of 42.1% in 2023 owing to the usage of sophisticated infrastructure and the presence of technologically advanced products in these settings for scar treatment. Most of the scar treatment is available in hospitals, giving patients a variety of options for reducing or removing the scar. In most cases, hospitals provide initial emergency care to patients, who frequently have cuts, burn injuries, wounds, and other severe injuries. Hospitals also provide treatment, to prevent further scar formation in patients. Large hospitals frequently have a plethora of sophisticated equipment and technically advanced procedures for patient care. In hospitals, non-invasive techniques are used such as gels, creams, and silicone sheets, as well as laser therapy.

Homecare is anticipated to witness fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising cases of acne scars and increased accessibility to at-home scar treatments. As many of the scar treatments do not require individuals to visit physicians for medication, home health care is widely adopted in many countries; hence, it proves to be an easier alternative, which is expected to boost its demand. Moreover, there is a wide range of OTC products in the market that patients can buy from online or offline pharmacies.

Product Insights

Creams segment dominated the market accounted for a share of 35.9% in 2023. Topical creams have specific vitamins and other skincare ingredients that help reduce a scar's appearance. Topical creams are available as OTC products; however, these OTC creams have minimal active ingredients required for adequate treatment. Therefore, patients can be prescribed skincare products specifically designed for their requirements and contain a higher proportion of the active ingredient. For instance, doctors typically prescribe imiquimod cream to people with keloids post-surgical removal.

Silicon sheets is anticipated to witness fastest growth over the forecast period, owing to their property to make scars less noticeable. Silicone gel sheets are widely used for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. They are a low-cost, noninvasive treatment to dull and flatten scarring. These are available with self-drying technology and dry within 4 to 5 minutes. According to NCBI, silicone gel sheets can effectively reduce 86% texture, 84% color, and 68% height of the scars. For instance, CICA-CARE, a silicone gel sheet manufactured by Smith & Nephew, is up to 90% effective in reducing dark, red, or raised scars. The company reported that this product has been used by more than 1 million patients worldwide, including for scars as old as 20 years.

Scar Type Insights

Atrophic scars dominated the market with a revenue share of 36.1% in 2023 due to the rising prevalence of acne scars. This segment is also expected to growth at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Topical creams and gels are commonly used to treat these scars. The keloid and hypertrophic scars are expected to grow significantly over the forecast period due to the prevalence among people with wound injuries. Atrophic scars are commonly caused by muscle and fat loss in the body over an injured area. Atrophic scars form when the skin does not produce enough collagen to heal the infection site. This type of scar looks like a pit and is typically caused by staphylococcus infections, acne, chickenpox, and surgery.

Treating such scars typically entails the application of topical gels, creams, and ointments that are widely available. The scar treatment stimulates the skin's natural healing process by replacing collagen, elastin, and other fibrous tissues. This allows the healed lesion's surface to grow around the surrounding area, as most of such scars result from acne; using these creams reduces the visibility of the scars. As the demand for aesthetic appeal grows, the need for topical products to treat atrophic scars also increases.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 24.8% in 2023 owing to the high aesthetic consciousness among people and the rapid adoption of advanced products. The increasing prevalence of burn injuries, skin-related disorders, and trauma is a major factor likely to contribute to market growth in this region. Moreover, the availability and adoption of advanced treatment options for scars, such as laser treatment, have been widely accepted in North America. Furthermore, awareness about esthetic appeal and outward appearance contributes to the growth of this market in North America.

U.S. Topical Scar Treatment Market Trends

U.S. topical scar treatment market held the largest share with 93% in 2023, in the North American region, owing to the high demand for advanced laser scar treatment instruments. The American Burn Association (ABA) reports that there are 486,000 burn cases each year. Scar treatment for burn injuries is covered by government reimbursement policies in the U.S. Scar treatment for acne may not be reimbursed unless a healthcare professional provides a Letter of medical necessity. Patients' increased healthcare spending is another major driver in the U.S. market.

Europe Topical Scar Treatment Market Trends

Topical scar treatment market in Europe is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period, owing to favorable reimbursement policies. According to the European Commission’s decision, 85% to 100% of reimbursement can be provided in case of plastic surgery, post a serious illness, accident, or deformity. Even though there is no reimbursement for cosmetic plastic surgeries, the demand for esthetic procedures in Europe is rising, owing to increasing disposable income & 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 topical scar treatment market is a major contributor to the European market. According to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the demand for esthetic plastic surgeries and scar treatment is increasing because of the increasing number of the National Health Services (NHS) plastic surgery units and centers in the UK. Moreover, plastic surgery for reconstructive purposes is free under NHS. These factors are responsible for boosting the market in the country. Smith & Nephew is a major player in the UK’s scar treatment market.

Topical scar treatment market in Germany is expected to grow significantly owing to factors such as rising adoption and awareness about esthetic procedures, technological advancements, growing product collaborations, and a rise in the number of beauty-conscious people are expected to drive market growth in the country.  Furthermore, the growing urban population, increasing lifestyle changes, advancements in noninvasive procedures, and availability of skilled professionals are likely to fuel the market. However, high costs associated with esthetic procedures are likely to create a hurdle in market growth.

France topical scar treatment market is anticipated to witness significant growth attributing to the high esthetic & fashion consciousness in the country. According to the ISAPS, in 2019, around 17,615 face grafting procedures were performed on burn victims with aggressive scarring, and 682 full-field ablative procedures for treating acne scars were carried out in France. Rising esthetic awareness and high adoption of plastic surgery are expected to propel market growth.

Asia Pacific Topical Scar Treatment Market Trends

Topical scar treatment market in Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 10.2% over the forecast period due to the high incidence of road accidents in countries such as India. Key countries in the Asia Pacific market are China and India. Most countries in this region are developing nations and are moving toward faster adoption of technological advancements.

China topical scar treatment market held the largest revenue share owing to the contemporary culture that greatly values the physical appearance of women and puts a strong emphasis on ideal beauty standards. Therefore, the country has become a hub for esthetic procedures. A major factor driving this market is increasing workplace competition. The treatment costs are relatively lower in the country compared to Western countries, which, when coupled with high service and treatment quality, is likely to boost medical tourism in China.

Topical scar treatment market in Japan is expected to grow fastest, owing to the culture. People in the country are typically obsessed with beauty & physical appearance and are not discreet about their body awareness agendas. One of the key drivers of the esthetic industry in Japan is medical tourism, as the country offers superior treatments at low costs. Many key players in the esthetic market consider Japan for profitable investments and expansion as the demand for esthetic procedures is high. Furthermore, the depreciating value of the Yen is attracting more than 30 million tourists from China to Tokyo, contributing approximately 30% of the total consumption of the country’s esthetic market.

India topical scar treatment market is expected to show a lucrative growth owing to the millennials showing greater awareness and adopting a healthier lifestyle as the influence from social platforms. According to IBEF, the cost of esthetic procedures in India is about one-tenth of that in Western countries, and the country ranks 145th among 195 countries in terms of quality and accessibility of healthcare. The country also has a large pool of professional practitioners, the adoption of advanced technology for noninvasive procedures, and high capital investments in esthetic facilities by multinational companies Is also contributing to the market growth.

Latin America Topical Scar Treatment Market Trends

Topical scar treatment in Latin America 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. Investments from international players, improving disposable income, increasing number of esthetic procedures, growing middle-aged population, and clinical advancements are likely to further drive the market. This region has many hospitals & clinics that offer treatment for atrophic, hypertrophic, and keloid scars.

Brazil topical scar treatment market dominated the region with the largest revenue share and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Brazilian millennials strongly emphasize physical appearance and are very accepting of new & advanced esthetic procedures.

MEA Topical Scar Treatment Market Trends

Topical scar treatment in MEA is expected to grow at the third fastest CAGR, owing to the high spending capacity & living standards, well-established medical infrastructure, and increasing esthetics consciousness among the younger demographics in countries such as the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, factors such as the low availability of skilled professionals, lack of awareness, lack of beauty clinics, and low cultural acceptance of esthetic procedures in countries such as South Africa are responsible for the region’s low market share. People in the MEA typically prefer to travel abroad for advanced esthetic treatments, further reducing the scope of market growth in the region.

South Africa topical scar treatment market held the largest revenue share owing to the fastest-growing population and top-tier emerging market economy, with investment potential in esthetics & cosmetics by multinational companies. Organizations such as the Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) are at the forefront of promoting various esthetic procedures. These factors are expected to create major opportunities in the country’s scar treatment market. However, unstable political scenarios and low GDP growth continue to restrain the market.

Topical scar treatment in Saudi Arabia is growing at a rapid pace, owing to the wide-scale acceptance of esthetic procedures among individuals trying to keep up with Western beauty standards. Key drivers of the market include a younger and accepting population with growing beauty & health consciousness, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and growing disposable income. According to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, in 2019, the Ministry of Health stated that the country witnessed a noticeable increase in cosmetic procedures, with more than 45,000 being carried out in the country. The Ministry also stated that there had been a consequent increase in the number of day surgery centers and plastic surgery clinics in 2019; about 900 clinics applied for certification. According to ISAPS the country ranks 20th among 25 countries with the highest rates of cosmetic procedures. The awareness about alternate methods of scar revision is still nascent in the country.

Key Topical Scar Treatment Company Insights

The major companies in topical scar treatment market are focusing on strategies such as the launch of new products, mergers and acquisitions, and geographical expansions to cater to the unmet demand of the target population. For instance, in August 2023, Sofwave Medical Ltd received approval from the FDA for its Precise SUPERB Applicator to treat acne scars. Similarly, in July 2022, Secret Duo of ilooda Co., Ltd. received approval from the FDA for its product, Secret Duo, a 1540 nm laser to treat scars post monkeypox infection.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, CYNOSURE announced the launch of PicoSure Pro system. The system was the only FDA-cleared 755 nm picosecond laser capable of treating unwanted pigmentation and treatment for skin revitalization.

• In May 2022, Perrigo Company plc completed the acquisition of HRA Pharma, which was initiated in September 2021. The acquisition was valued at USD 2.1 billion. This acquisition was anticipated to strengthen Perrigo’s presence in the European market.

• In January 2022, Suneva and Viveon Health Acquisition Corp. entered into a merger agreement. The goal of this agreement was to create a leading regenerative aesthetics company.

Topical Scar Treatment Market Report Scope

Report Attribute	Details
Market size value in 2024	USD 1.70 billion
Revenue forecast in 2030	USD 3.31 billion
Growth rate	CAGR of 11.8% from 2024 to 2030
Actual data	2018 - 2023
Forecast period	2024 - 2030
Market representation	Revenue in USD million/billion & CAGR from 2024 to 2030
Regional scope	North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA
Report coverage	Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends
Segments covered	Product, scar type, end-use, region
Country Scope	U.S.; Canada; Germany; UK.; France; Italy; Spain; Russia; Denmark; Sweden; Norway; China; India; South Korea; Australia; Thailand; Brazil; Mexico; Argentina; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Kuwait
Key companies profiled	Smith & Nephew PLC; Lumenis; Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC; Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Cynosure; CCA Industries, Inc.; Newmedical Technology Inc.; Mölnlycke Health Care AB; Suneva Medical
Customization scope	Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional, and segment scope.
Pricing and purchase options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global Topical Scar Treatment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the topical scar treatment market report based on product, scar type, end-use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Creams

  • Gels

  • Silicon Sheets

  • Others

• Scar Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Atrophic Scars

  • Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars

  • Contracture Scars

  • Stretch Marks

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Clinics

  • Homecare

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Spain

    • France

    • Italy

    • Russia

    • Denmark

    • Norway

    • Sweden

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait