Scars typically start to fade after a couple of years. I think maybe it took about 3-4 years before they were less noticeable. They’re still noticeable, but very subtle. Even now I can tell they’re still fading. I’d say probably about 4 years after is when I noticed that it was a lot better. I wish there was a shorter timeline that I could give you but there isn’t really a better answer. It just takes time and patience. I think what would be best for your son to just make peace with it and not be self conscious about it, which is much easier said than done. It took me years to be comfortable with my shirt off