When should I start massaging my scars? You should start massaging your scars two weeks after surgery. Wait until the sutures have been removed and all scabs have fallen off by themselves. Do not pull your scabs off.
If dissolvable stitches have been used, then after 7 days, and as long as the wound is closed with no oozing, you should lightly massage the suture line with a non-perfumed moisturiser to encourage the stitches to fall out. You need to apply the cream and massage at least twice a day.
Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.
To encourage healing, you should massage your scar two to three times a day for about ten minutes each time. The Moffitt Cancer Center suggests beginning with gentle pressure and increasing it as you progress.
While this is normal, you may be concerned about the appearance of your scar, both through the healing process and permanently. Scar massage can be an effective way to decrease the buildup of scar tissue, making scars less noticeable. It should be noted that this method is only effective for newer scarring.
Massage in all three directions. Circles: Using two fingers make small circles over the length of the scar and the skin surrounding it. Vertical: Using two fingers massage the scar up-and-down. Horizontal: Using two fingers massage the scar from side-to-side.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
When Is It Safe to Massage Scar Tissue? While massaging can help you remodel your scar tissue, it's essential to only do so once the scar has matured. Massaging a scar when it's not fully healed can interrupt the healing process. It can also reopen the scar exposing it to bacteria and infection.
Scar tissue remodeling occurs as you start to stretch and pull on it. The stretching of the scar tissue helps to align the collagen fibers to allow them to return to normal. This realignment of the collagen fibers makes the tissue better able to tolerate the forces that are placed on it during the day.
Can massage break down scar tissue? Yes. the body does not know how to arrange collagen cells after surgery or injury, causing them to clump together and lose their natural structure. Massage breaks them down and helps align the collagen fibers.
You should start massaging your scars when your wounds are healed or after your stitches are removed. Your therapist may advise you to start earlier or later depending on the surgery you have had and the condition of your skin.
This can be started when the wound is fully healed, when there are no surgical staples, steri-strips, or scabs. How do I massage my scar? To perform scar massage, you want to use the pad of your thumb or fingers directly on the scar and begin by rubbing in a circular matter.
It's important to keep sutures clean and dry, especially for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can wet the sutured area gently and quickly, for example in a sink or in the shower. Carefully pat the stitches dry immediately, as moisture can slow down the healing process.
Do not massage until your incision has fully healed and is a scar (not just a wound or scab). If you massage your scar prematurely you could cause it to reopen or tear, leading to an infection. Do not massage a scar until at least 2 weeks after a surgery or injury.
Don't strain your wound.
Because absorbable sutures don't last as long as other types of stitches, you should stay away from activities that could strain the site until you're done healing.
If the patient is finding massage helpful, continuing to massage for longer than six months is not harmful for the scars and can be encouraged. Remember to let patients know that they should stop massaging if the skin feels warmer than the skin around it, they experience bleeding or more pain than usual.
Scars seem to get worse before they get better. For about six weeks after surgery the scar becomes red, firm and hard. This is the body's way of making a very strong and solid scar. Over the next four months the scar will soften and lose the redness.
Scar Massage: Apply a small amount of lotion or Vitamin E oil to the scar. Using firm pressure with your thumb or fingers, massage the scar in a circular motion. Next move your thumb across the width and length of the scar. This should not be painful, but may be slightly uncomfortable at first.
In scar tissue, collagen proteins grow in a single direction rather than in a multidirectional pattern, as they do in healthy skin. This structure makes scar tissue less elastic , which may cause it to feel tight or to restrict a person's range of movement.
Scar tissue is broken down within a deep tissue massage. A deep, firm pressure is used during a deep tissue massage aiming to get deeper within muscle fibres and tissues. A deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions and collagen fibres that can be caused as a result of scar tissue.
Normal fine-line scars
A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. This process can take up to 2 years. The scar will not disappear completely and you'll be left with a visible mark or line.
For new scars if applied after the wound is closed, Bepanthen Scar Treatment helps to prevent the formation of a red and raised scars. For older scars, that are already red and raised, Bepanthen Scar Treatment helps to smooth, soften and flatten existing scars and reduce the redness and itching.
Wait until your wound has fully healed and allow 4 weeks after any stitches have been removed before you start to apply Bio-Oil. To apply, massage in a small amount until it has been fully absorbed. You need to be dedicated and ensure you regularly massage and moisturise your scar twice a day for at least 3 months.
We recommend applying Bio-Oil Skincare Oil to your scar as soon as the skin is fully healed. This is known as the 'maturation' or 'remodelling' phase of scar formation. Remember that for best results to be seen, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months.