Many invasive procedures leave scars on the skin. They should be taken care of as early as possible. Before performing any procedure, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Scar hygiene consists in regular cleansing of the scarring site with a gentle remedy. In addition, surgeons and physiotherapists recommend massage the scar twice a day. Massage can be started after the removal of the stitches, when the wound heals and becomes dry and clean.
Good to know: Scar formation takes 12 to 18 months.1
Before starting a massage, be sure to consult with a specialist so as not to worsen the condition of the scar, because scars come in different types.
Our advice:
If you’ve had breast surgery, try Raise your hand gently to warm up the tissues, or pull your shoulders back and pull your shoulder blades together. Such movements also work as self-massage.
helpful advice:
It is very important to moisturize the scarred area with a revitalizing agent, applied with massage movements. Your doctor or physiotherapist will advise you on the appropriate technique.
Important Precautions:
- It is strongly recommended not to abuse alcohol. The same goes for smoking: it is known to slow down scarring process
- Avoid rubbing the scar with clothing, such as a bra for chest scars
- Sometimes it is not necessary to treat wounds and scars with antiseptics. If you have any questions, please contact a specialist first.
- Don’t forget sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation of the scar. Use a high protection sunscreen (SPF 50+). It is especially important to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Depending on the location of the scar, you can put a protective bandage on it or cover it with clothing.
It is very important to take care of scars with self-massage and physical therapy – this will help prevent complications, reduce stiffness, relieve discomfort and improve the appearance of the skin.
It is very important to take care of scars with self-massage and physical therapy – this will help prevent complications, reduce stiffness, relieve discomfort and improve the appearance of the skin.
Jean-Marc Oviève
Physiotherapist, President of the French College of Physical Therapy
If at first there is discomfort from touching the scar, there are two options for how to proceed:
Ask your doctor to refer you to see a physiotherapist, which will show how to properly handle the scar, or carefully apply a balm to the scar in the form of a compress patting movements.
Who can be consulted about scars?
Ask your doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or dermatologist to show you the correct self-massage technique.
Patient Reviews
“To protect the scar, the nurse advised putting compresses directly into the bra.”
Caroline, 49
“The physical therapist showed me how to massage my mastectomy scar at home using a repair balm. To perform massage movements correctly, I filmed her instructions on video and watched the video every time. ”
Celine, 50 years old
1Source: www.college-mk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/recommandations-CMK-automassage-2018-07.pdf