What is actually happening when plaques "disappear" or shrink?

[ConcernedandWorried]

If fibrosis is permanent, what, if anything, is the positive result of reduction in the visible manifestation? I've had a new plaque appear after a sexual-activity injury. It's smaller than the original, by about half. Were I to respond positively to any treatment, and the plaque shrinks, would that likely coincide with a general reduction in bending or length/girth loss? Or are is their reduction only associated with improvement in pain or curvature alone?