The recovery from breast reduction surgery can take its toll on you and your body. Your surgeon will advise that you rest and take it easy for at least a week or two after surgery, and will provide you with detailed instructions that are designed to give you the best chance at healing correctly over the next few months.
Some of this information will relate specifically to your breast reduction scars. It is important that you allow your scars to heal fully so that you can avoid infection, recover with unrestricted range of motion, and have scars that look as inconspicuous as possible.
For a lot of people, the aesthetics of their scar will be a big issue. So is there anything that can be done to minimise the appearance of scars, or even encourage scar tissue to heal quicker?
In a way, yes. Scar tissue massage may be able to help you recover post-breast reduction surgery. Although you should follow the specific instructions of your surgeon, as performing massage at the wrong time can be to the detriment of your recovery.
Benefits of massaging your breasts after surgery
If you are wondering how massage can help your breast reduction surgery recovery then you are not alone. Massage is not the first thought that most people have when they think of surgery aftercare. Instead, people think of rest, avoiding strenuous exercise, and seeing your doctor or surgeon for follow-up appointments.
But, under the right conditions, breast massage can work to reduce the amount of scar tissue present near the incision site in the long-term after surgery.
Massage is just a form of manual physical therapy, and it can bring with it real, tangible benefits. This includes reducing the swelling, increasing elasticity of the skin, and actually reducing the amount of scar tissue.
Why does massaging work on scar tissue?
Massaging the skin around a scar increases the blood flow to that area. This can help scars heal quicker and keeps the area supple and pliable. This is important if you want to retain as much motion and flexibility in the area for years down the line.
As well as this, massaging helps to knead away excess collagen that builds up within and around the scar tissue. Essentially, scars contain lots of collagen fibres, which is what gives them their distinctive raised texture. By carefully massaging the scar in various directions, this excess collagen is broken down and therefore reduces the size of the scar.
And finally, any excess fluid that has built up beneath the skin can be drained by performing massage. This will reduce the swelling underneath the skin where the scar is located, and can help make the scar less noticeable.
How to massage scar tissue after breast reduction
Scar tissue massage should be performed only when the scar is fully healed. If you try to massage a scar that is still healing then you risk opening the wound or otherwise causing more unnecessary damage.
Instead, you should perform scar massage at least a few weeks out from surgery and for around two years after. Follow your doctor or surgeon’s specific advice for guidance on this.
There are three different types of massage that you should use:
- Circular
- Horizontal
- Vertical
This covers all directions around the scar and will increase the blood flow all around the region, as well as rid the scar of excess fibrous tissue.
You can also use a moisturiser or massage oil when performing massage on the scar. This will help to keep the skin moist which will help keep the scar flexible as it heals.
Best oil for scars after breast surgery
Vitamin E creams are recommended for use on scars after they have fully healed. The best advice is to wait for around a month after surgery before using any vitamin E cream or lotion during massage.
Other popular creams and oils are aloe vera, Vaseline, and castor oil. These are effective when used during the early stages of scar formation – i.e., from one-month post-surgery to two years after surgery. It is still crucial that your scar has healed before beginning massage with or without oil or cream.
Boob reductions at New Birkdale Clinic
If you want the best appearance after your boob reduction, then you should massage your breasts according to your surgeon’s instructions.
For more advice on breast reduction aftercare, or to book a consultation, please get in touch with our clinic. We look forward to giving you your dream body.
