Scar massage

Hi Joan

Bio Oil is the very best thing for scars.

Hi. Lots of people recommend bio oil for scars.

Used Bio oil, but you can use Arnica cream as well.

I had my THR at christmas and started using bio oil as suggested by other friends on this site. My wife rubs the oil in each night before bed - and because I cannot actually see the area easily she reports that after six weeks the staple marks are almost gone and the actual scar is fading well.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Bio oil has been ordered!

Joan

My understanding is when you are actually massaging your scar you should not use any cream or oil because we need the friction of our fingers (thumbs) to manipulate the scar tissue. I due my scar massage first (5 minutes) and then put vitamin E oil on scar and all of the awful dry skin surrounding it. My surgeon only recommends vitamin E oil - apparently it helps with collagen regeneration.

Along with scar massage recommendations from PT I have found some wonderfully instructional videos on YouTube, I was surprised to learn scar massages help with ROM I always thought it was just to help with the appearance so did not do them with my two hip replacements. I do my scar massages at least three (3) times a day - anything to help with ROM.

Good luck.I was only asked to wait until no visible openings in scar - sounds like you are there.

I agree that bio-oil is great and really helps.

Hi Joan

I've heard Bio Oil suggested for massaging your scar tissue but it is relatively expensive. The Physio where I had my hip done said not to bother with the expense of Bio Oil. Just use any standard moisturising cream that your skin will tolerate.

He said that it is the mechanical effect of your fingers on the scar tissue that provides the means of breaking it down. So any vehicle really that will allow your fingers to travel smoothly over the skin will do the trick.

I must own up to the fact that I was a bit remiss myself with the scar massaging and I'm suffering the consequences even 16 months after surgery. I still cannot lie on my operated side at night without some discomfort which I believe is due to underlying scar tissue that should have been massaged after the operation. I did some massaging but not for very long.

So my advice is find a cream you can tolerate and get massaging

Hi i am 3 weeks today into my 2nd THR.

For both i have used Arnica cream. Also helps with bruising

Hello Joan. Bio is great but not recommended until the scar is less pink as it is still perfumed slightly. Suggest e45 or something similar for another couple of weeks and then include the Bio oil. I was advised nothing perfumed until 5 to 6 weeks as wound still susceptible to infection so choose something less perfumed first off especially if you have sensitive skin. After a couple of months Bio oil will be great and does reduce scarring. Hope this helps

Helen

I also used bio oil immediately after my RTHR and it was brilliant. Now over 2 years later I use aveeno lotion to massage the scar area daily and as a general moisturiser.

i use bio oil its fantastic i am a midwife and my women use it on their section scars.

good luck

i use bio oil its fantastic i am a midwife and my women use it on their section scars.

good luck

In answer to the comment that Bio oil is expensive. It is about £10 but I've had mine for months, so well worth it.