The medical word used to describe scars and their formation is fibrosis . That essentially means the skin thickens by laying down extra cells, particularly collagen in the area were it was injured or surgically cut. Now this process of thickening in the area of the scar does make the skin in that area a bit different than on the rest of ones body. It is normally harder, thicker and can have decreased/increased sensation. Scars can also be hypertrophic or form keloids which means they are extra thick or elevated or in the case of keloids can look like they extend beyond the line where the cut was made. Scars are normally a little more prone to irritation (inflammation) than surrounding skin and it isn t uncommon for scars to become intermittently itchy or even slightly painful from time to time even years after they were formed. It the first few weeks after surgery the main uncommon, yet important, problem to prevent is wound infection. Once the scar has properly formed within 3 months this is no longer a concerns unless one re-injures the area causing a new open wound. Years later there is generally no further concerns except the uncommon intermittent irritation mentioned earlier which generally doesn t require treatment. Very scarcely a form of skin cancer can develop in old scars especially in sun-damaged skin, but this would typically be obvious as a nasty open sore or ulcer that grows and doesn t heal with conventional treatment. There is evidence that silicone-based scar creams can help sooth irritated scars, improve their appearance and prevent recurrent irritation, ask your pharmacist and try it for a month or two. If you are still concerned feel free to ask your GP/MD or Dermatologist to have a look. In my professional opinion, from the history you ve given I dont think you have much to worry about. Stay Happy and Healthy. Regards, Dr. O Kennedy