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Scar Management
This is a 2 step process which commences after all wounds have healed. In general this will be at the 2 week mark for face and neck scars but could be longer for flaps, grafts or other sites that may be slower to heal.
This is a 2 step process which commences after all wounds have healed. In general this will be at the 2 week mark for face and neck scars but could be longer for flaps, grafts or other sites that may be slower to heal.
Why is it important?
There is a lot of evidence that pressure applied to early wounds results in flatter, less pink scars
Scars remodel as long as 12 months or more out from surgery and therefore early pressure application can encourage their remodelling in the desired fashion
What should you use for scar massage?
Scar massage should be performed using a moisturiser such as sorbolene, vit E cream or Bio-Oil.
This should be applied with firm pressure enough that the scar and the skin around it blanches due to that pressure. Pressure should be applied in circular motions along the scar.
Just gently applying the moisturiser to the scar will make the area feel nicer as it will be well hydrated but erhaps not aid in remodelling the scar.
How long should you spend?
A few minutes should be spent on every few cm of scar, with pressure becoming firmer as the wound matures weeks from surgery.
How often should it be done?
In general the more often it is done the better, but most of the time we find patients will remember to do it twice and this is a good frequency for most scars
What else do I need to do?
After massaging you can wipe the skin dry and then apply silicone (see below)
You should also keep early scars, flaps and grafts out of direct sun as these can pigment
If you are not keen on using silicone, there is evidence that taping of scars can also improve outcomes, probably from ongoing sustained gentle pressure.
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