Recommendations for breaking up scar tissue

Rubiayat

Hi everyone. I have had three lumpectomies and an abscess removed in the last three months. All procedures went through the same scar. Needless to say, two weeks post my last surgery, there is a lot of hard scar tissue around the incision. I am going to have a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction next month (date has not been set yet). I haven't seen the plastic surgeon yet to discuss this, but I am concerned about how they deal with the scar tissue when removing my breast tissue and how it will affect my overall cosmetic outcome. I probably have a month until my next surgery and would like to do anything I can to help speed the healing process and break down some of the scar tissue that has developed. In addition to massage, does anyone have recommendations for oils, etc. that could be helpful? What about acupuncture? Thank you!!

juneping

i rubbed some vit E oil on my mast scare for about a week and it softened up the scared skin...

pipers_dream

I read an article pre-surgery about L-arginine, an amino acid, but then I haven't had the surgery yet so can't say how it would have worked.  It is supposed to aid in recovery after surgery and assist in wound healing and it helps get a good blood flow to the area via nitric oxide production.  Then when you are all healed you can give the leftovers in the bottle to your husband for male performance enhancement.  

Rubiayat

Thank you juneping and piper!

BrooksideVT

A lymphedema therapist will mobilize the scar tissue (now, and probably more importantly, after your reconstruction) so that it behaves like breast tissue, and does not distort your breast or limit your movement.  I had a couple of appointments for this after my lumpectomy and absolutely swear by it.  She also gave me lots of very welcome education about my lymphatic situation and PT for mobility.  I really believe everyone should take advantage of this specialty.  Your BS or PS will give you a referral.

Blessings2011

I used a slew of oils and potions designed to minimize scars and none of them did anything for me. I still have visible scars from Exchange in August 2012, but they are surface-level only, not beneath the skin.

I went to a Myofascial Release Massage Therapist who worked wonders with my hardened scar tissue! She got rid of most of it in one or two visits. 

The part that surprised me the most was the huge buildup of scar tissue where my drain tubes exited my body....

She has also eliminated hard muscle bundles under the skin that have hampered my movement and caused me pain, and evened out distorted areas around my implant from scar tissue (not capsular contracture).

I thought she was a miracle worker.

Momine

Brookside, I wholeheartedly ditto you on that. My LE therapist saved my sanity during treatment, and it was the one appointment where I always left feeling better than when I walked in. She also managed to get the initial swelling in the arm down. I still have some very minor issues once in a while, but I have no visible swelling and I can use my arm normally.

Rubiayat

Thank you everyone! I wonder if I can get a referral to a lymphedema therapist if I am not having any issues with swelling? Did she primarily do massage? 

I have never heard of a Myofascial Release Massage Therapist, but will definitely look into it. You ladies are awesome! I have learned more from this discussion board than anywhere else.

lauribob

I am one year post lumpectomy and ended up with a hematoma that left a hard lump. I have no lymphedema but had some issues with range of motion. I was referred to a physical therapist who did myofascial release massage as well as guiding me through PT exercises to increase my ROM. Wow. I'm so happy I did this, it's the difference between day and night. I can now move my arm in any position with no discomfort. The large rock hard lump in my breast is now pretty much gone and my breast is way less sensitive to being bumped etc. I would highly recommend seeing someone with these skills if you are able.

Anonymous

What's the difference between myofascial release massage and manual lymphatic drainage, (MLD)?  At my PT we do the MLD and she also massages the scar and dog ears some.  Is that the same thing?  The swelling on my two lateral dog ears have gone a lot since PT.  I'm only 3 weeks post BMX with no recon.  Guess I can "google" it, but was just curious.