8 essentials for optimal scar healing
Scar tissue is only ever at best 70-80% as functional as the pre injury tissue. This means there is always some loss of function with any scar but, that doesn't mean that every scar is problematic. If you want to improve the outcome of your scar, here’s 8 steps which can help.
Hydration - good hydration is key to scar healing. Drink plenty of water but also, once the scar is healed get a decent moisturiser and scar cream on your scar 3x per day. Cerave is a great inexpensive, dermatologically tested moisturiser that you can use on your scar and whole body. Cold pressed organic oils such as rosehip, lavender, frankincense and aloe era have all been shown to improve scar healing and can be used on your scar once fully healed. Medical grade silicone creams, gels and strips can also be used such as Alhydran.
Protein - our bodies need protein to help build and repair our tissues. Protein also help us to fight infection, balance the fluids in our body and carry oxygen around the body. Make sure every meal has a source of protein included. Easy ways to boost protein content are adding seeds, nuts, nut butters, beans and pulses to dishes. Eggs can also often be stirred into dishes like curries and even porridge and you won't even know its there.
Rest - it's an obvious one but when we sleep and rest is when our body repairs itself.
Compression - can be a great tool for some scars, particularly if you are prone to hypertrophic (raised and ropey) or potentially keloid scars (scars that grow beyond the borders of the scar). The pressure used can prevent or minimise this happening. If you've had abdominal surgery, binding your abdomen can also provide some support for your core which will be weaker from the surgery. You can buy garments for all areas of the body to provide compression therapy to your scar. For best results, these garments need to be worn 23 hours a day though. Silicone sheets are also often used as compression to improve scar healing.
Movement/physical therapy - movement is an important part of scar healing. It increases blood flow and therefore the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the healing area and the removal of waste products and dead cells and tissue. It can improve the fibre alignment of the newly forming scar tissue, helping to prevent restrictions in range of movement and tension at the scar site. Movement can also help prevent compensation patterns in the body by reducing loss of functions at the affected area.
Scar massage - can reduce tension and tightness from the scar as well as any associated adhesions. It can reduce pruritus (itching), pain, improve range of movement and address any sensory changes such as - an increased sensitivity, numbness and altered sensation. The appearance of the scar can also be improved.
UV protection - Newly healed scars are not able to withstand the UV rays from the sun. Exposure can increase your risk of sunburn, skin cancer and cause the scar to become permanently darker. Try to keep your scar out of direct sunlight, keep it covered as much as possible and once the scar is healed, apply a high factor sun screen with a high UV protection.
Hannah West is a fully qualified scar work practitioner having trained with both Jenny Burrell in abdominal scar work and with Emma Holly in Sharon Wheelers scar work. Hannah provides both post abdominal surgery scar work following surgeries such as C-section, hysterectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair or laparoscopic surgery. She also provides scar work to the rest of the body following any surgery or trauma. Please click here to find out more or here to book an in person or online appointment.