Plastic Surgery Nursing
Date of issue: May 2024
Review date: May 2025
This information has been developed to supplement the information the doctor or healthcare practitioner has already given you.
If the review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
Your specialist plastic surgery nurse will discuss these with you before you leave the clinic. This leaflet is just for you to refer to.
If you have any questions or queries do not hesitate to contact us.
Scar tissue has no moisture and is extra sensitive to the sun.
Always use sunscreen.
Scars come in all shapes and sizes – some scars may be flat, and some may form an indent. Whatever your scar looks like, proper scar management is crucial. If scars are not managed properly, then long-lasting sensitivity and restrictive scar tissue can form.
When the skin is damaged, often the nerves that supply the skin are also damaged, so following these techniques can help stimulate these nerves as they heal, which will help reduce pain and sensitivity.
Deep pressure will be less painful than light touch (as odd as that sounds).
Start by pushing deep pressure through your scar area for as long as you are able, you can use any non-perfumed moisturiser to do this.
Pressing in circular motion onto the scar, up and down and side to side.
Once you are comfortable touching your scar and applying pressure, then you can start to rub over the scar area with varied pressures and use different textures.
Scar tissue has no moisture and is extra sensitive to the sun.
You can use things around your house such as rice, cotton wool, feathers, ice cubes and fluffy blankets.
Start with lighter pressure, progressing on to deeper pressure.
Doing this for 5-10 minutes twice daily can help speed up the healing process. Keep doing this every day until you feel your scar getting softer/flatter.
If your scar becomes red, sore or raised, then please stop massaging straight away.
If you are concerned, contact your plastic surgery nurse or your GP surgery for advice.
Contact details
Plastic Surgery Nursing Team
Queen Margaret Hospital
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
01383 623623 extension 25757
Alternatively, contact your own GP or, if you are out-of-hours, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
