Buttock scars

    Buttock scars may follow acne, folliculitis, surgery, injections, trauma or infection. They may be depressed, raised, dark, pale or tethered and can occur beside active inflammatory disease. Marks after spots are not always true scars.

    Last reviewed: November 20263 sources

    What you may notice

    • Small pitted or depressed scars
    • Raised firm scars or keloids
    • Dark or red marks
    • Tethering or contour dents
    • Active bumps near old scars

    Why it can happen

    Inflammation or deeper injury changes collagen during healing. Recurrent folliculitis, acne, hidradenitis or picking can create new scars. Pressure, friction, skin tone and keloid tendency affect results.

    What may help

    Active inflammation, infection or hidradenitis should be controlled first. Options may include pigment treatment, laser, microneedling, subcision, fillers, injections for raised scars or revision. Procedures can cause further pigment change or scarring.

    When to consult

    Consult a dermatologist for recurrent painful lumps, drainage, tunnels, infection or growing raised scars. Stable scars should be classified before treatment.

    Related options

    12 options

    Treatments

    Surgical procedures

    Evidence and sources

    1. National Health Service. Scars [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/
    2. DermNet. Keloid and hypertrophic scar [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2022 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/keloid-and-hypertrophic-scar
    3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing