Scar massage is a very easy method of scar reduction, which can be utilized by virtually every postoperative cosmetic surgery patient. Scar tissue, which is simply left alone, will not improve and might actually become problematic with time. Proactive scar treatment can not only improve the appearance of breast scars, but can also improve the health of the surrounding tissue.
Understanding how to do a safe massage on scar tissue is crucial before attempting this treatment on yourself or anyone else.
Scar Massage Benefits
Massage on surface scar tissue will have several distinct benefits which are easy to enact and completely free. Massaging scar tissue will help to:
- rebuild the collagen in the skin.
- stimulate new tissue growth
- increase tissue sensitivity
- reduce tightness and pain in any scar
- increase complete healing and scar fading
- increase localized circulation and neurological function
- improve scar appearance, reducing redness and swelling
Massage Indications for Scar Tisssue
Massage can be used on any scar which is completely healed. You do notwant to massage open wounds or incisions which have just healed on the top layer. Make sure the wound is thoroughly healed before beginning a massage program for scar reduction.
Massage can treat scars anywhere on the body and women are often instructed how to massage their scars by their cosmetic surgeon, prior to undergoing their surgical procedure.
Massage Techniques for Scar Reduction
Using a variety of massage techniques is the best approach to scar reduction treatment.
For plastic surgery scars on the breast, use your finger tips and apply steadily increasing pressure as you acclimate to the massage sensation. Start very gently and increase pressure gradually over days and weeks, not minute by minute.
All techniques should be applied directly to the scar, as well as the healthy tissue surrounding it. Be careful not to aggravate or irritate the scar, nor separate it from the healthy tissue with over aggressive massage practices.
Use circular motions with the finger tips on and around the scar.
Use side to side motions which run in the direction of the scar and similar motions above and below the scar.
Use back and forth motions which run perpendicular to the scar, as well as continuing these motions in the area surrounding the scar.
It can not be over emphasized to go easy, especially when you first begin massage techniques. The area might be sensitive or might have very little feeling.
Continuous massage will help to restore lost feeling, normalizing sensory perception in the region.
Scar Massage Tips
Massage can be enhanced by using a quality skin lotion during the technique. This will also help to moisturize the scar, maximizing massage benefits.
Some women like to use topical scar reduction creams applied immediately after their massage to increase penetration and effectiveness.
No matter which scar reduction techniques you are already utilizing, massage will only help to increase the efficiency of these treatments.
Talk to your doctor concerning any additional information you need to know about massage for breast scar reduction.
