What's scar anchoring? When top surgery healing goes wrong & how to prevent it
- Zy N.
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Some folks may have heard of “scar anchoring”, particularly in post-op top surgery discussions. Scar anchoring is a genuine worry with post-op scars. Why? Well, let's start with defining scar anchoring, explaining why this happens, and finishing off with top surgery scar care techniques to improve or prevent scar anchoring in the post-op top surgery healing process.
What is scar anchoring?
Scar anchoring (adhered scar) is when your scar sticks itself to underlying tissues. This can cause tightness and discomfort especially when lifting your arms above your head. This tightness and discomfort can impact working out, swimming, or casual movements that require your chest and torso skin to move and stretch. In more extreme cases, it can make it painful or difficult to move. This anchoring can become permanent, especially if not managed. But thankfully there are things you can do to help prevent or improve scar anchoring, and we’ll get to that soon!
So what causes scar anchoring in the first place?
Scar anchoring is more often seen with scars that are deeper, and where surgical incisions go through more layers. These layers normally move loosely against each other—rub/massage your arm or leg, you can see your skin move around against your body, that's how it should be. After surgery, our bodies send collagen to the incisions to repair the area. Excess collagen and/or lack of post-op scar care (massage) can cause the normally separate layers of tissues to effectively glue or tether to each other.
What worsens scar anchoring?
Lack of movement, both from a stretching standpoint as well as a blood flow standpoint. Scars need some movement in the healing phase in order to remain flexible. But a lot of folks are worried about overdoing it and stretching out their scars. In the end, many may struggle with anchored, tight scars. Unfortunately, lots of folks are not told by their doctors or surgeons exactly how to manage scars for the best outcome.
What can you do to help prevent scar anchoring?
Scar massage is key. Massage promotes blood flow and healing to the area, while also moving your skin against your body to help it heal without anchoring. I can not emphasize how important scar massage is in the months and 1 year (or sometimes more) following a procedure. Moderate stretching is also great to add to your routine. Only stretch to the point of comfort though; if you’re feeling pain, dial it back.
How do you do a scar massage, and how often?
Scar massage is pretty simple post-op. All you need is:
Either fingertips/hands or a tool for leverage (if you’re uneasy about touching scars, or have sensitive hands, I recommend our scar massage tool for leverage/pressure),
Some sort of lube (preferably a scar care product that also helps, such as our natural Sensory Friendly Scar Oil or Scar Salve),
And about 10 to 20 minutes to perform the massage. I like to do mine in bed while I watch TV, since one episode is plenty of time to do the massage. But anytime in your daily routine when you have a few minutes to be shirtless (in the case of top surgery) will work—scrolling your phone, after a shower, waiting for your food to cook, whenever works for you.
Start with applying your oil or salve along the scar lines. Using 2-4 fingertips, or a massage tool, begin at one end of the scar and move all the way across the scar while making small circular movements along the scar line. You’re going to want to apply a medium amount of pressure (should not be painful though!) And you should see your skin push in, or blanche (turn pale) as you press down making circular motions. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes, following your scar end to end back and forth several times, preferably daily. Your skin should shrug as you massage it, and feel less tight over time, but may be tight immediately post-op. Keep in mind, the timing is important. You should NOT begin scar massage/care immediately after your surgery. Normally, it takes a few weeks of healing to turn into a scar that can then be worked.
When should you start practicing scar care for it to be most effective?
When it comes to overall scar outcome, good habits and scar care matter early on. This generally means it’s more effective to manage scar outcomes if the scar is newer, generally under 1 to 2 years old. It’s great to begin scar care as soon as your surgeon clears you for scar care. Scar care begins when it’s a SCAR. Not a wound. So if you have scabs, blood, or open areas anywhere, it’s not quite ready for scar care. Typically, surgeons clear folks for scar care 4 to 8 weeks post-op. You’ll have to correspond with your surgeon to find out when you are allowed to begin scar care. The most effective routine starts as soon as possible.
I truly hope that everyone reading this was able to take something valuable from it. Post-op scar care isn't just about aesthetics, but neglect can lead to scar anchoring and permanent tightness that can impact your life. Thankfully, implementing a scar massage schedule, especially in the months following a procedure, can lead to a more comfortable, mobile scar that feels more like your regular skin, as well as aid in the healing and appearance of your scar as it evolves.
This article is not medical advice. Consult with your doctor or surgeon on health related care, issues and treatment.
(BTW, congrats on top surgery :) I hope it changes your life as much as it did mine.)
Here are some of my scar products, that I specifically made for and tested on post-op top and bottom surgery scarring. They are 100% natural, vegan & plant-based, with no added scents or harsh ingredients. If you want products that actually help, and from a company for and by the community, consider adding one, or more, to your routine and enjoy the difference!
SCAR OIL
I went to my 6 month checkup and my surgeon said my scars looked like they’d been healing for two years already and he went ahead and cancelled our year follow up!
SCAR SALVE
DR. DHT’s Natural Scar Salve is the best salve on the market hands down. It smells great and works well with the tape and the massage tool. I’ve tried multiple hand made salves from other sellers and even bought a well known one on Amazon, but honestly this combo takes the cake. If you were on the fence about what’s possible, here’s your sign to go for it!
SCAR OIL
I switched over from bio oil immediately after my first use.. My scars look lighter, flatter, and they feel softer in the 8 weeks I've been using it. A plus: that it's also faded the stretch marks on my chest from huge b**bs!