HOW TO TREAT SENSITIVE SCAR TISSUE AFTER BREAST CANCER: Massage to de-sensitise surgical scars
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.พ. 2021
- If you've been through Surgery for Breast Cancer you will have surgical scars. There are many different types of surgical scars from Breast Cancer - Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Axillary Node Dissection, Sentinel Node Biopsy, drain sites, reconstruction and reduction scars.
Sometimes once scar tissue has healed it can become very sensitive to any sort of stimulus (e.g. mechanical pressure or sensory stimulus). In this video I teach you how to get started treating sensitive scar tissue. As a Lymphoedema Physiotherapist I always encourage my patients to treat sensitive, tight or painful scar tissue - because it is usually a straight forward issue to treat.
I discuss how to tolerate the massage, how frequently you should perform the massage, as well as what creams I recommend. Scar tissue pain, tension and sensitivity should NOT be considered a "new normal" after Breast Cancer.
I welcome you to ask questions, participate and join me as we explore the intricacies of Breast Cancer and help YOU return to your most optimal health following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
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I am so glad I can across this! Since April 2022 I’ve had 2 surgeries, a lymph node biopsy and just completed my radiation treatment. I am just now at a point where I could even consider addressing scar tissue let alone anyone/anything touching my breast. I had no clue where to start but felt it was important so thank you for this! I definitely feel more comfortable dealing with this on my own - I would certainly would ask if I needed help - but feel much better taking it on now that I’ve listened to you! 🙃
Thank you for your lovely feedback! I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you. I had a mastectomy 14 years ago and only recently has it been bothering me. When I turn over in bed the scar tissue hurts. I am glad you told us that it is possible to successfully work with the scar tissue. I know I cannot ignore it because it won't get better without the tender loving care of massage.
thankyou for another helpfull video
Thanks Carol! xx
Thank you for creating this channel and your advice, it is incredibly helpful.
Hi H P! You're very welcome. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I found it:) thank you
Thanks for this video :)
My pleasure Ana! Jen x
You look nice with the hair slicked back wet look
Thank you! You are brilliant! I'm so happy to have found your videos! I will be sharing them and encouraging my doctors to view them! You truly understand a patient's perspective and experience!
Thankyou so much for your lovely feedback! I really appreciate it and am so glad you're finding the videos helpful. Thanks in advance for sharing them, especially with Medical Professionals. Jen x
I had a lot of scarring & multiple reconstructive surgeries due to radiation therapy to just my left breast & what I've found helpful is topical capsaicin over the multiple incision lines. There's a lot of itching there, too.
Hi Catmom, so sorry for my delayed reply. Yes topical creams can be beneficial (as long as your skin doesn't react to the cream). Thank you for your suggestion. The itching is often a sign of inflammation and can be settled with scar massage. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hello. Thank you so much for your information! You are so very helpful and it's comforting. I am just at 4 weeks post Lumpectomy and lymph node removal surgery. My treatment plan is being put together. I find out probably today if chemotherapy would be a benefit. Radiation for sure. The area in my breast where the tumor was removed is very firm or hard even. Is this scar tissue. I mentioned it me radiation oncologist last week and she said it was, but she didn't offer what I could do about it. This is not at the incision point. Any suggestions?
Hi Jean! Sorry for my slow reply. The firm area you've described is most likely scar tissue forming post operatively. Massage should help this but if you want to confirm it is scar tissue first you can always request an ultrasound scan. How close (or not) is the firm area to the incision point? It may also be a seroma (trapped pocket of fluid), but an ultrasound scan will also clarify this. Jen
Thank you for the info. Radiation treatement caused my nipple skin sometimes goes thick then goes back to normal soft skin. Any recommendations. Also development of fat necrosis is it common?
I'm 10 days out of explanting to flat (mastectomies were 2010). I have a tight band running from my inner armpit, down towards my scar, and pain through the band and pain lower down below my scars on my ribcage. I've been stretching 3 times a day and trying to massage the rib part (it's still tender and swollen). When I stretch, the pain is like a burning pain. I've not massaged my scar yet as it's too soon. I'm in the uk. Any advice would be appreciated 🙏🏻
I love your videos ...thank you so much!
I live in the U.S. how can I purchase Mobiderm from your link?
Hi Risitos! I'm SO sorry for my slow reply. There is a very similar product that you can purchase online in the US. Look up Brightlife Medi Lymph Pads. If you can't find it let me know. Jen x
Hi there do you allow your videos to be embedded in other websites? I’m building a website in UK for chemo patients with hair loss- many of them have breast cancer.
Hi Chris, I do. Let me know if I need to assist you further or if you can take it from here? I will let my web designer look at your question in case I'm not sure what to do here! Jen :)
Lots of videos online recommend castor oil or vitamin E does this really help?
Where can I buy the Mobi Derm
Thank you very much for your video.in your experience is it ok to start massage 3 wks post op when breast lift scars are fully closed and healed?
Hi Karen, so sorry for my very slow reply to your question. As long as your scars are completely healed / closed at 3 weeks post op then yes it should be ok to start massage. If you're not completely sure then double check with your Medical Team. Jen x
Q I have developed a huge fibroaedenoma 7 years after cancer seems to have grown as Ive begun menopause on the side of my breast and small scar tissue at my incision from the lumpectomy I dont want surgery again . No pain just annoying non cancerous any suggestions
Thanks for your question Annette. If it is benign and not painful but annoying, I would discuss surgical removal with your Breast Surgeon. Manual Therapy such as massage I doubt would make any impact on the lump. Hope this helps! Jen x
You touched everything that needed to be. "lightning bolt pain" tell me about it. i got moogoo, it works but scar sensitivity are always cranky. thanks, again.
So glad this video resonated with you! Keep up the work on the scar tissue. Persistence can pay off with tight painful scar tissue. Jen
Any advice for a scar that’s from a dermatology procedure on the breast not from breast cancer?
Hi Dee, do you know what the dermatology procedure involved? Generally speaking I typically treat any sensitive scar tissue with the same protocol as per this video, but if you can tell me more about the procedure I can advise further. Jen
How soon after mastectomy and reconstruction can I start to massage the scar?
Hi Pol! Before I can answer that question safely for you I need to know what type of breast reconstruction you had? Jen x
Thank you for replying. I had a lumpectomy Dec 2019, then 4 weeks ago a bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction, (using the same incision as for the lumpectomy).
@@paulabailey7910 thanks for the extra info. You should be able to commence scar massage - gently - 4 weeks post surgery if you had implant reconstruction. However, best to also check this guideline with your Surgeon. Make sure all wounds are completely healed prior to starting massage. Hope this helps! Jen
How long a period of time after a double mastectomy does a person start treating scar tissue? Your videos are so informative.
Hi Sharon, so sorry I only just found your comment and have seen I didn't reply. Typically 4 weeks post surgery most wounds have completely healed. Then it just depends on the person's tolerance levels. Sorry again for my delay!! Jen
Can scar tissue get inflamed from hot showers!
Ooooooo you almost told the whole truth. Yes you will have scar tissue after a wire biopsy. If I would have known. , would HAVE NEVER DONE...and most definitely will never take chemo or radiation.
Without the guided wire biopsy I had a lump the size of pea.
The more Imassage the breast the worst it gets.
I am not a doctor rather a patient under an oncologist, who experienced first hand what I would not do again.
May each of you follow your first instinct, known to most as wisdom..
Hi Machella, not quite sure what you mean by "you almost told the whole truth"?