It should surprise no one that patients want to do whatever they can to improve their scars after surgery. Many patients ask me when they should start massaging scars, how often, and for how long.
The answer is “don’t massage the scar.”
I have not read anything in the scientific literature that convinces me that massage does anything to help the final outcome of a scar. There is much in the scientific literature to support gentle treatment of the wound for the best and quickest result.
Massaging a scar causes the release of histamine which increases inflammation and the amount of collagen (scar tissue) that is deposited. Massage the top of your hand for about 5 min. When you finish the skin will be red and somewhat swollen. This is due to histamine release.
The best advice I have for patients wanting to participate in the remodeling of their scar is to leave it alone.
