6 Essential Points about Scar Massage

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on July 21, 2024.

Consistent scar massage is an important component of a patient’s scar care plan, especially during the first three months of recovery. Scar massage is a technique that patients can use to reduce the size and discoloration of their scars. When performed correctly scar massage can also increase blood flow and decrease pain in the long-term.

Generally speaking, our surgeons will give patients the green light to begin massaging their scars about 3 weeks after the operation: once incisions have fully closed and stitches have either been removed or have dissolved.

Below we have included precise instructions and tips from our surgeons—such as the use of silicone scar gel–to help you prevent the buildup of excess scar tissue (fibrosis), keep the tissue more mobile and prevent any scarring complications, such as hypertrophic scarring or post top surgery pain syndrome.

1. Why do Scars Form After Surgery?

Scarring occurs when a protein called collagen forms over an incision as it heals. Many factors determine the healing and appearance of scars such as sun exposure, your age, your diet, your genetics and, in the case of top surgery, your range of motion within your first 6 months post op. It is important to note that the final appearance of your incision lines/scar may not reveal itself entirely until about 12-18 months.

2. Scar Massage Instructions: Frequency

We recommend that our patients perform scar massage up 2-3 times a day for 5 minutes at a time during the first 3 months after surgery, beginning after the 3-week mark from surgery. Even patients that do not care about reducing scar visibility should perform scar massaging at least a few days a week. For example, the accumulation of fibrosis under scars after mastectomy top surgery can lead to long-term chronic pain in some patients.

3. Scar Massage Instructions: Technique

Start slowly and gently. Massaging too aggressively can actually widen the scar.

Motions: Lifting, Back and Forth, and Circles

The most common scar massage techniques involve moving two of your fingers over the top of your scar in a circular as well as a back and forth motion. Rubbing the scar in a circular motion and with mild firm pressure can help minimize swelling and drain excess fluids surrounding the scar tissue.

Gently rub the surrounding skin in a circular motion to keep your scar flexible and unrestricted.

Additionally, remember to lift the scar from the underlying tissue so that it doesn’t adhere to it. This helps with mobility.

4. The Importance of Lubrication

We recommend that you apply lotions, oils, creams of gels when massaging to keep the scar hydrated. When a scar is overly dry, it can break open and cause new sores to form.

Be sure to consult your surgeon on what products they recommend you use.  Our surgeons encourage patients to apply silicone scar gel and Bio Oil in particular as it has been clinically proven to help with the healing process.

5. Benefits of Scar Massage

Scar massage is easy to do at home, economical, and has very few side effects. There is evidence that massage can benefit post-surgical healing. Massaging your scars can also:

• Increase blood circulation to the area and speed the healing process
• Aide in sensitivity
• Relieve pressure on the scar tissue as it removes toxins and excess fluid
• Improve scar elasticity and break up excess collagen
• Improve mobility
• Gently smooth the tissue along the incision line, getting the tissue to form next to the incision instead of across it
• When combined with topical creams or oils, such as a silicone scar gel, it can be a good way to keep the scar tissue hydrated

Will scar massaging guarantee that your surgical results look impeccable? No, but it can significantly improve the appearance and sensation of your scars. Results vary from patient to patient.

6. Warning Signs

Scar massage will be uncomfortable, especially as you begin to break up scar fibers during your first few massages. However, scar massage should never be painful. If you begin to feel pain or your scar tissue opens up, stop immediately. Using gentle pressure and starting out slow can help prevent these issues.

Generally, scars will continue to get more pigmented and raised for the first 3 months after surgery, before they begin to soften and fade. This is why we especially recommend that patients give themselves 5 minute scar massages up to 3 times a day. If your scars become more pigmented during this time, that is not a warning sign. However, if you see signs of blistering, pus or a rash on your scar, reach out to your care team for help and stop massaging your scars immediately.