What is a scar?
Scars result when the body
repairs skin wounds caused by surgery, accident or disease. They are the
natural result of the healing process. The longer it takes a wound to heal and
the more damaged the skin, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. The
location on the body or face as well as the patient’s age and skin type will
affect the way a scar forms. Older skin tends to scar less visibly whereas
younger skin tends to over-heal resulting in larger and thicker scars.
Why are scars
visible?
Mature scars become visible if
they are raised, indented, or if they exhibit a different color or texture
compared to the surrounding skin. Additionally, scars that cross wrinkles or
natural expression lines will appear more visible because they neither follow a
natural pattern nor look like a naturally occurring line.
Why do scars form?
All skin wounds will result in a
scar. When a skin wound occurs from surgery, accident or disease, the body will
respond with normal wound healing. Wound healing is characterized by three
sequential and overlapping phases.
- Inflammation: In the first phase the body tries to heal the skin wound by a process of inflammation. During this time the scar will be swollen, tender and red. This phase can last up to two weeks.
- Proliferation: In the second phase the body starts the skin repair process by depositing scar tissue within the wound. In this phase, which may last up to six weeks, the scar will become raised and hard as large amounts of collagen are being laid down within the scar. During the proliferation phase a scar is considered immature and is characterized by the three R’s: red, raised and rigid.
- Remodeling: In this third phase the body works on the scar to soften and flatten it. During this period the scar will become more mature as some of the collagen disappears. This phase can last from twelve to eighteen months.
How can I lessen my
scar?
Scar formation and scar
maturation are ongoing processes. Scars continue to grow and change throughout the
recovery process which may take from twelve to eighteen months. Scar massage is
an effective way to decrease scar tissue build up and help make scars less
noticeable. Massage will not help soften a scar more than two years old.
What is scar massage?
Scar massage is one method of
softening and flattening scars. It serves several important functions:
- Promoting collagen remodeling by applying pressure to scars
- Helping to decrease itching
- Providing moisture and flexibility to the scar
When should I start
massaging my scars?
You should start massaging your
scars two weeks after surgery. Wait until the sutures have been removed and all
scabs have fallen off by themselves. Do not pull your scabs off.
How do I massage my
scars?
Use the pads or
soft tips of your fingers to massage the scar and tissue around the scar.
Massage in all three directions.
Circles: Using two
fingers make small circles over the length of the scar and the skin surrounding
it.
Vertical: Using two
fingers massage the scar up-and-down.
Horizontal: Using two
fingers massage the scar from side-to-side.
How much pressure
should I apply?
You should apply as much pressure
as you can tolerate. Begin with light pressure and progress to deeper and
firmer pressure. Massage lotion in, applying enough pressure to make the scar
area lighten in color or turn white.
How often should I
massage my scar?
Massage should be done two to
three times daily for ten minutes each time.
How long is massaging
necessary?
You should massage your scars as
instructed for at least six months following your surgery or injury. Massaging
for more than six months will not hurt your scars and may actually prove
beneficial.
When should I stop
massaging?
Stop massaging and contact your
doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Scar feels warmer than the skin around it
- More pain than usual at the site of the scar
What else should I
know about scars?
While your scars are healing, you
should avoid sun exposure. Sun exposure may cause your scars to hyper pigment,
or turn darker than the surrounding skin. You should use sun block with an SPF
of 35 or greater and wear protective clothing at all times. Keep your scars
away from the sun for at least one year following your surgery.
What lotion should I
use?
- Use any moisturizing lotion that will keep your skin soft and supple.
- Do not use heavily perfumed lotions.
- Do not use any lotion containing vitamin E for the first month following your surgery or injury. You may use vitamin E containing lotions after the first month.
The following is a
list of some examples:
Arbonne®
Eucerin®
Nivea®
Aveeno®
Mederma®
Copper Scar Cream®