Massaging scars
Discussion
The specialist nurse I saw a couple of weeks after a full-depth skin graft on my nose (following the removal of a basal cell carcinoma) advised me to massage the healed scar for five minutes, once or twice a day, for eighteen months. The theory being this would help to break down the scar tissue and leave a less obvious scar. The nurse told me 'all plastic surgeons recommend it'. I've never heard this before, even when I had another BCC removed from the same area of my nose two or three years ago. That procedure was also carried out by a plastic surgeon who didn't mention it. That was a skin flap, not a skin graft, if that's relevant.
Four abdominal operations and open heart surgery over the years have left me with quite a few scars and no one has ever mentioned it. Is it new? Is it a fad? I don't mind spending a few minutes every day doing it but, if it works, perhaps it should be more widely known.
The internet reckons it's a thing but the routine is different. One article suggested, instead of once or twice a day for eighteen months, massaging three times a day for six months. It's not a straight contradiction, but it is different.
AND...of course... tell the kids to use sunblock. As I didn't enjoy sunbathing, I didn't use sunblock. But I was out in the sun regularly. Idiot. When I said to the first plastic surgeon that I now use sunblock all the time, she scoffed, "You did this damage fifty or sixty years ago."
Thoughts on scar massage?
Four abdominal operations and open heart surgery over the years have left me with quite a few scars and no one has ever mentioned it. Is it new? Is it a fad? I don't mind spending a few minutes every day doing it but, if it works, perhaps it should be more widely known.
The internet reckons it's a thing but the routine is different. One article suggested, instead of once or twice a day for eighteen months, massaging three times a day for six months. It's not a straight contradiction, but it is different.
AND...of course... tell the kids to use sunblock. As I didn't enjoy sunbathing, I didn't use sunblock. But I was out in the sun regularly. Idiot. When I said to the first plastic surgeon that I now use sunblock all the time, she scoffed, "You did this damage fifty or sixty years ago."
Thoughts on scar massage?
Proper/formal scar massage is a set of specific techniques, designed to help the fascia etc "remember" how things were before the insult to the tissue, although any form of light touch can be really beneficial - heat and sensation can be really positive on the affected area in terms of blood flow and integration with the surrounding tissue.
It was initially developed for C section scars I've had work done on a near 30yo abdominal scar by someone who was learning it as part of their qualification in Neuro muscular therapy - it improved the sensation to the right of the scar and changed it's appearance. I've attended a webinar and been shown some of the basics around this, the difference in the C section scar after a 45min treatment was really quite profound.
I used it on my dad's knee replacement scar a few weeks ago to help with healing (although I probably didn't achieve too much as it takes more than just a chat and demonstration to learn things effectively).
Short answer is, yes there are some very real benefits. Jan Trewartha and Sharon Wheeler have really pioneered scar work, look Jan up on Youtube if you'd like to get more detail from a world leader in this. I have their book Scar, adhesions and the biotensegral body.
It was initially developed for C section scars I've had work done on a near 30yo abdominal scar by someone who was learning it as part of their qualification in Neuro muscular therapy - it improved the sensation to the right of the scar and changed it's appearance. I've attended a webinar and been shown some of the basics around this, the difference in the C section scar after a 45min treatment was really quite profound.
I used it on my dad's knee replacement scar a few weeks ago to help with healing (although I probably didn't achieve too much as it takes more than just a chat and demonstration to learn things effectively).
Short answer is, yes there are some very real benefits. Jan Trewartha and Sharon Wheeler have really pioneered scar work, look Jan up on Youtube if you'd like to get more detail from a world leader in this. I have their book Scar, adhesions and the biotensegral body.
Sorry, can't help on your question, (although I've heard of massaging scars with bio oil) but I was wondering what the thing you had removed looked like.
Not asking for photos but I've had a red-ish dot on my nose for about 10 years, then about a year ago another one, slightly raised appeared. Less than 0.5mm, round, smooth. Is that the sort of thing that requires attention?
Not asking for photos but I've had a red-ish dot on my nose for about 10 years, then about a year ago another one, slightly raised appeared. Less than 0.5mm, round, smooth. Is that the sort of thing that requires attention?
xx99xx said:
Sorry, can't help on your question, (although I've heard of massaging scars with bio oil) but I was wondering what the thing you had removed looked like.
Not asking for photos but I've had a red-ish dot on my nose for about 10 years, then about a year ago another one, slightly raised appeared. Less than 0.5mm, round, smooth. Is that the sort of thing that requires attention?
Both mine were similar size to a white head spot but translucent white in colour, not regular acne colour. They just didn't go away. No discomfort, just there on my nose, not going away. I saw my GP, the GP sent me to a dermatologist who set me up with the surgeon. All three agreed they were BCC, just by eye. No biopsy, tissue test after the procedure. Go and see the doc. Anything persistent needs checking. Not asking for photos but I've had a red-ish dot on my nose for about 10 years, then about a year ago another one, slightly raised appeared. Less than 0.5mm, round, smooth. Is that the sort of thing that requires attention?
BCC are deep and can cause problems if left untreated.
andrewcliffe said:
My wife is a part time massage therapist and has done courses on myofascial release and also specific scarring techniques for those with tight or uncomfortable skin following surgery.
As I mentioned above, I have a collection of scars acquired since I was sixteen - 55 years ago - and I'd never heard of it. I'm glad it's a real thing and not one nurse's pet theory.DickyC said:
Both mine were similar size to a white head spot but translucent white in colour, not regular acne colour. They just didn't go away. No discomfort, just there on my nose, not going away. I saw my GP, the GP sent me to a dermatologist who set me up with the surgeon. All three agreed they were BCC, just by eye. No biopsy, tissue test after the procedure. Go and see the doc. Anything persistent needs checking.
BCC are deep and can cause problems if left untreated.
Roger that, thanks.BCC are deep and can cause problems if left untreated.
Given that my GP instantly dismissed a large, brown, uneven mole on my leg a few years ago as something 'harmless', I expect a similar reaction if he looks at my nose. The dot on my nose, by the way, was also there when I saw him for my leg so clearly didn't trigger any alarms with him.
Now to work on a strategy to get an actual appointment.
DickyC said:
untakenname said:
I had maxillofacial surgery after a bad car crash, I was prescribed Dermatix gel to reduce the scarring.
Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Mine looks like my nose was clipped by a musket ball. Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Furbo said:
DickyC said:
untakenname said:
I had maxillofacial surgery after a bad car crash, I was prescribed Dermatix gel to reduce the scarring.
Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Mine looks like my nose was clipped by a musket ball. Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Too late for old fellas like me, but tell the kids, Factor 50. It's important.
DickyC said:
Furbo said:
DickyC said:
untakenname said:
I had maxillofacial surgery after a bad car crash, I was prescribed Dermatix gel to reduce the scarring.
Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Mine looks like my nose was clipped by a musket ball. Scar looks ok in winter but in the summer you can see it as it doesn't tan the same.
Too late for old fellas like me, but tell the kids, Factor 50. It's important.
DickyC said:
The Bio-Oil idea hadn't occurred to me either. The specialist nurse recommended good old Vaseline and gave me a small tin to get going.
Bio oil is very good, I had some very bad scarring to forehead and temple after running through a plate glass door years ago, at first used bio oil massaged onto them, still do so but with Vaseline Mature Skin Rejuvenation which is not expensive, not really noticeable now, only to me lol, wrinkles are a good thing sometimes.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff