What is a common effect of hypertrophic scarring on the skin?

Hypertrophic scarring is characterized by raised, thickened areas of skin that develop following injuries, burns, or surgical procedures. This type of scar is a result of an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, leading to an elevated surface that can feel firm and rubbery. Unlike normal scar tissue, which levels out over time, hypertrophic scars remain prominent and can sometimes even regress slightly but will not flatten out completely.

This raised, thickened appearance is a hallmark of hypertrophic scars, making it the most recognizable feature when observing the skin. In contrast to this, the other effects listed—such as increased flexibility or thinning of the skin—do not accurately represent what occurs in hypertrophic scarring. Hyper-pigmentation, while it can occur in some scarring situations, does not define the nature of the raised and thickened characteristics of hypertrophic scars specifically. Thus, the phenomenon of elevated and thickened skin surface is the defining common effect of hypertrophic scarring.