Whether you love or hate your scar, whatever scar you own, your skin needs nourishment & hydration.
Everyone feels differently about their scars, and that’s ok. It can be hard to accept the changes to your body has gone through.
You may not have any control over how your body will scar, there are things you can do when it comes to breaking up scar tissue and adhesions. You can also play a role in healing your scar with scar tissue massage.
Scar 101:
What is a Scar?
A scar is a mark left on your skin after you had an injury or an incision. Scar tissue forms during the healing process as the body produces collagen fibres to close and heal a wound. These new fibres don’t grow in the same consistent way that your regular skin does, they are usually discoloured and can have an uneven texture
When Does a Scar form?
3 Phases of Wound/ Incision Healing:
- Inflammatory Phase: Blood clotting begins in the area, it will look red and inflamed. This usually lasts for a few days / weeks
- Proliferation Phase: This is when the new tissue (collagen fibres) form to close and heal the wound.
- Remodelling Phase: Scar tissue forms, the area will look and feel textured, the area can still be numb, and the skin can feel itchy, colour will eventually go from purple / red to white.
What Determines the Appearance of My Scar?
A quick answer is genetics! However depending on where it is on the body can affect the appearance, areas with less flesh and fat are more likely to scar.
How Long Will My Scar be Healing For?
Scars will continue to fade over the years, and during the healing phase there are ways to improve how your scars heal and it is so critical that you work on preventing tightness under the scar.
Did you know scars don't tan...they burn? Scar tissue doesn't have melanin (which is responsible for skin pigmentation).. Always put sunscreen on and cover your scar in the sun!
Scar Tissue Massage: When, Why & How?
Before you start massage, your scar needs to be in a good place! Don’t massage until your incision has fully healed and it there is no scab. If you massage prematurely you could cause it to reopen or tear. Here at NAYDAYA our experts recommend waiting for 2-6 weeks before attempting massage.
Why Scar Tissue Massage?
When scar tissue is broken down through massage, you can help your body heal faster, and reduce the appearance of your scar.
Here are some of the main benefits of scar massage, and why you should do it in the early months of your scar:
- Reduce scar tissue build-up. Excess scar tissue can make muscles stiff and weak, in some cases can require scar tissue removal surgery.
- Improves blood flow, which promotes healing
- It drains excess fluid and reduces swelling
- Helps to regain feeling in the scar area and decrease numbness, tingling, soreness.
- Increases range of movement and the scar's flexibility. This makes movements feel less restrictive and "tight".
- It helps with the appearance of your scar.
How to Massage Your Scar
Please watch our videos and try these techniques at home:
- In early healing phases, try and massage your scar for 10-15 minutes a day (2-3 times a day for 5 mins).
- Apply Scar Saviour to your scar daily. The ingredients in Scar savoiur are proven to help build collagen, reduce inflammation, and improve the texture and colour of scars.
- Using your thumb, massage in a circular motion. Press hard enough that your fingernail turns from pink to white, but it should not be painful. Work your way up and around your scar slowly but maintaining a firm pressure.
- Next, stretch the skin apart around your scar, and repeat your massaging with a firm circular motion using your thumb or finger.
- With pressure, slowly slide your finger up the scar while apply pressure. Change direction by slowly sliding down.
- Repeat the process several times for 5 minutes or so.
References : NHS.co.uk / https://www.peerwell.co/ / verywellhealth.com