Should I massage my breast reduction scars?

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.


When should I massage my breast reduction scars?

Two weeks after your surgery, begin massaging your scars for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat several times each day until the scars flatten and fade. Be sure to follow instructions and to remove the shields slowly and gently. During your massage, you can use OTC gels and creams.

Is it good to massage a surgical scar?

Scar massage is an effective way to decrease scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Massage will not help soften a scar more than two years old.


Should I massage my breast lift scars?

For the best results, you should massage your scars as instructed for at least six months following your plastic surgery. You may continue scar massage beyond that point if you like; it will not hurt your scar and may be beneficial.

When should I start massaging surgical scars?

After two weeks, the incision should have healed enough to begin a gentle scar massage therapy regimen. To be safe, check in with your medical care provider to ensure your incision is ready. The sutures should be removed, and all scabs should have naturally fallen off before starting any scar massage.


Will I have scars after breast reduction surgery?



How do you massage breast reduction scars?

Put the flat part of your fingers on the scar. Move the skin and tissue under the scar back and forth, holding for a few seconds. Make sure you press enough to feel the scar “move” under your fingertips. Move your fingers along to the next section of scar, and repeat until you've massaged all along the scar.

Can you massage scar tissue too much?

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.

How often should I massage my scar?

Common advice is to massage a scar of 10cm2 for 5 minutes 3-4 times a day.


Should you massage hard scar tissue?

Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.

How do you soften scar tissue after breast surgery?

Are there treatments for scars?
  1. Silicone gel sheets and silicone gel may help to heal a scar, reducing its size and colour, and making it feel softer. ...
  2. Steroid injections can help to soften and flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars. ...
  3. Pressure treatment with an individually tailored elastic garment may help reduce a scar.


What massage technique breaks down scar tissue?

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.


What is good to rub on scars after surgery?

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.

Does stretching break up scar tissue?

Stretching — Your physical therapist may guide you through gentle stretches that help improve your flexibility and break up scar tissue.

How long does it take for breast reduction scars to flatten?

After 6 months, breast reduction scars typically begin to fade and flatten, and are less noticeable than they were shortly after surgery. Scars will continue to lighten over the next year or two.


How can I speed up breast reduction healing?

Additional Tips for a Speedy Breast Reduction Recovery
  1. Have a trusted helper with you for the first 24-48 hours.
  2. Get plenty of rest and sleep.
  3. Avoid lifting heavy things for 2 weeks. ...
  4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  5. Avoid inflammatory foods that are high in salt or sugar.


How long does it take for breast reduction scars to close?

4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery

Your breast reduction scars can take about six months to a year to fully heal, during which time they will gradually lighten in color and flatten.

How long does it take for scar tissue to soften?

The goal of this is to reduce scar sensitivity and to help the skin and nerves become tolerant of the normal forces of everyday living. This process of “desensitizing” the scar can take up to 4 months.


How long does it take for surgery scars to soften?

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. Fine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery.

How do you massage scar tissue after breast surgery?

Scar massage desensitizes the area and reduces scar tightening. Scar massage can begin four to six weeks after surgery and should avoid any open part of the incision (open wounds). When performing massage, rub in a circular motion on and around your scar. Use firm, even pressure for two-three minutes.

How can I flatten my scars naturally?

Baking soda
  1. Mix distilled water — a little at time — into 2 tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a paste.
  2. Wet your scar with distilled water and then apply the paste to the wet scar.
  3. Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse the area and repeat daily.


How long does it take to break up scar tissue with massage?

In general, it takes about six to eight weeks for injured tissue to remodel entirely.

Does heat break up scar tissue?

Applying heat to an injured area can support the healing process and produce several physiological effects. It helps reduce pain, relax the muscles and improve the flexibility of scarring in the long term. Heat can be applied in a variety of different ways including through infrared lamps, baths and compresses.

Does compression break up scar tissue?

Compression has been used successfully in scar therapy for many years now. Compression therapy can even benefit older scars. If the compression garment fits exactly, it exerts medically effective and constant pressure, considerably helping to improve the scar area.


How do you loosen tight scar tissue?

To break down scar tissue we first lubricate the affected area with baby oil, lotion, or vitamin E oil. Then we'll perform different massage techniques including cross friction massage and myofascial release which help improve the alignment of collagen fibers and improve movement.

Is vitamin E good for scar tissue?

Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.