Scar massage--what should I be doing?

CeciliaVera

Ladies! Can anyone help me? I am 7 weeks post-op; had BMX, no recon (obvi!) in September. Healing is going pretty well, though I am still working on range of motion and flexibility, especially on the left, which is NOT the sentinel node biopsy side, curiously.

Anyway, I think I am supposed to be massaging or manipulating the scars. Can anyone describe that, or point me to a resource? I saw a personal trainer who specializes in breast cancer recovery, and she mentioned it--haven't gotten much guidance from the drs on that. They were sort of "Just use common sense" about activity and such.

Thanks in advance!

BrooksideVT

I didn't know my scar had an issue until I saw a lymphedema therapist.  I had been bothered by cording, and saw her to find out if that was likely to lead to a problematic situation (not!).  She pointed out that my scar was getting pinned down and she stretched and lifted it.

A lymphedema therapist, by the way, can also give you guidance on safe and effective stretches, and exercises, and so forth.

Morwenna

I would advise not using any lubricant, as you don't want your fingers sliding over the skin, but rather, the skin moving ove the underlying tissues!

Place the flats of your fingertips below or above the scar line and parallel to it, then with moderately form pressure, push toward the scar so it moves downwards (or upwards), then hold for 10-20 secs at the end of the stretch, release, move your fingers along the scar a bit, and repeat, concentrating on the less mobile portions of the scar, then repeat the process from the other side of the scar.

Avoid pulling on the scar for a while yet, always push towards it. Hope that helps.

Incidentally, although all sorts of claims are made, no creams or lotions have been clinically shown to help the healing or appearance of scars! If you are tending to an excess of scar tissue however, localised compression can be helpful.

Ariom

Hi CeceliaVera, I had some cording too. I started to massage around my scar right after my Umx and continued it over the incision line once it was healed. I went to a massage therapist every 2 weeks, who did myofascial release. I did use aromatherapy oils in carrier oils, to massage my chest, but this was an analgesic blend that I have used for many years, for the pain of Rheumatoid arthritis and to help with the scarring I have, from several Rheumatoid surgeries. I swear by it and it does keep the skin really soft and supple.

My concern was mostly about not getting good range of motion back in my shoulder, post surgery, because of the arthritis, but the massage and the stretching exercises prevented that and I had a fairly quick return, to full range of motion. The cording was tight, but it did resolve on its own, with the help of the massage. One of the cords did snap when I rolled over in bed one night!

I also found I got great results from using silicone strips on my incision line. My surgeon had introduced me to them for my previous surgeries, to take the redness out and to flatten my scars. I bought a 22" Silicone FX strip, cut it in 2 and I had the 2 to use, for several months along my Umx scar and then I used one again, for the 7cm extension to my Umx scar, when I had my Dog Ear removed, over a year after the Umx surgery. These strips are used for burns and cosmetic surgeries. They may not work for everyone, but for me they were fantastic.

I am almost 2 years out now and the scars are really fine and silver and my chest is supple, so for me, it was definitely worth all the effort and commitment.

Good luck with it!

Jennie93

That reminds me - can anyone explain what "myofascial release" is? I've seen it mentioned on these boards but haven't been able to find an explanation of what exactly it means. YouTube was no help, lol.

Ariom

Jenny, this is an explanation of what it is. https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/

nihahi

One of the most important things to factor into judging what is an "effective" scar treatment, is that EVERYONE will heal/scar differently. There are known factors such as skin "tone", exposure to sun during healing, and previous scar tendencies from surgical incisions.

As Morwenna stated, there are all kinds of products that are marketed as miracle scar tx's.....I'm pretty sure the only one that has had comparative, valid studies done, is medical grade silicone. The drawback is any product with medical grade silicone tends to be pricey. There are pricey products out there that boast about containing silicone, but if it isn't medical grade, it likely isn't the right strength, so you need to be careful of how you spend your money.

Scar tissue doesn't have oil glands like normal epidermal tissue, so you have to augment it with something. All skin will feel softer and looser if well moisturized, it doesn't really matter if you spend $$$$$ on special products, or smother yourself in Crisco, but you might as well use something you like.

Controlled studies show that the best "scar results", come from having the right "genetics" to begin with, keeping the healing tissue well moisturized, pressure (can help, but isn't always "doable"), massage, uneventful surgical healing, and TIME, sometimes 6 months, sometimes up to 2 years, before a scar is fully matured into it's final appearance.

Lilith08

Hi, All--if anyone's still following this thread

I am 12 weeks post-op from PBMX. When I asked my BS about massaging my scar, I think at my one-month check, she didn't want me manipulating the skin too much but said I could moisturize the area.

Just this past week I joined the Flat & Fabulous closed group on Facebook and see that people are talking about massage and PT. I'm a bit annoyed and disappointed that I didn't get more/better instructions from my doctor. She didn't even think it was necessary to send me for PT. My ROM is great, I've healed very well from the beginning, but would it be a good idea to press for a referral for some sort of therapy? I don't want to end up with problems when everything has gone so well until now.

Lilith08

Morwenna, thanks for explaining your massage method. I'm going to start right now!

glennie19

Lilith, I think it is a good idea to get a PT referral.  The PT can give you stretches and strengthening exercises. It's good to start slow with low weights, or thera-band exercises. PT's are great resources.

KJSUN

Lilith08, I am about 2 1/2 weeks out from my surgery date, and I did ask my surgeon about PT. She said that it is not protocol for PT after a mastectomy. I have since spoken to others and I guess it depends on the facility and the surgeon. I am definitely going to ask for more info. I had PT after my Axillary Lymph Node Dissection and my range of motion is really good. One survivor said that yoga was part of it, which makes good sense. I have only done scar massage on my port scars. I don't know what I will have to deal with after my surgery, which will be a Bilateral Mastectomy.