Scar massage for surgical scars

What is scar massage?

Scar massage is a practice you can do at home to improve your child’s scar healing by reducing redness and encouraging the scar to become flat and soft. 

Your child’s health-care provider will explain how to complete scar massage, the frequency and duration, as well as the appropriate creams to use. 

How to perform scar massage

Scar massage is done by using a firm blanching pressure (pressing until the skin turns pale) to massage up and down and across the surgical scar. Massage the scarred area three times per day for five minutes each time using a lubricant such as a water-based cream or petroleum jelly. A cream is water-based when the main (first) ingredient on the label is water or aqua. Scar massage should be performed regularly for about three months, until the pink or red colour fades, at which time the scar is considered mature.

Skin rash

Your child may get a skin rash if their skin is sensitive to the lotion being used for scar massage. If you notice your child gets a skin rash from scar massage, please discontinue using that lotion and contact a member of your child’s health-care team. 

Sun exposure

Your child should avoid direct sun exposure after a surgery. Exposure to the sun of a surgical scar that is healing (still red or pink) can cause permanent darkening. If the new skin gets tanned, it will not fade and will remain a dark colour. 

Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater that has UVA and UVB protection on the surgical scar when your child is exposed to sunlight. Your child may also use a sunhat, long sleeves, or a rash guard to cover the surgical scar when in direct sunlight.

Once scars are fully matured, there is no risk of the scar retaining pigment. Scars mature within about 18 months from the time of surgery. Your child’s scar will be considered mature when it is pale and mostly flat. 

Activity

Your child may swim in pools or lakes if the surgical scar has completely healed. There should be no stitches in place, scabs, or open areas when your child resumes swimming.