When can I perform gentle suctioning (cupping) to my TT scar? 3 weeks post-op.

Question

I’ve had a lot of success breaking adhesions and reducing hypertrophic scarring with my orthopedic patients. I had a TT 3 w ago. When I can start GENTLY Suctioning my scar ? I’m massaging daily.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Massaging a 3 week old incision that contains very little scar tissue with no tensile strength is a bad idea. Cupping is an imaginary process that has no proven efficacy, except to produce bruising; also a bad idea. Instead, mechanically supporting the incision with a porous, elastic tape will have beneficial effects on the appearance of the scar as it forms and matures. Embrace is costly and frequently falls off at the slightest hint of moisture on the skin. Try Hypafix tape, which can be procured on Amazon for $15. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bellaanna3,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

It is too early in my opinion to start massaging or cupping the central part of the tummy only 3 weeks post-op from a tummy tuck. It is usually quite safe to massage the sides if liposuction was done there, but centrally, there is usually quite of bit of swelling and I would worry about that getting worse if manipulation to that area is started too soon. Cupping is fairly aggressive and I have seen it help for scar tissue or adhesions that can occur after liposuction. I am not familiar with its use for hypertrophic scars so I would go by your doctor's recommendations. Embrace scar therapy helps really well for tummy tuck scars and that can be started as soon as 2 weeks after the surgery.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

I would be very cautious about this and definitely discuss it with your surgeon.  Scars go through phases of healing and you don't want to do damage to the healing scar.  Continue massaging as it will help the scar stay flatter.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Gentle massage on your scar can be done now, but please ask your surgeon when you can start cupping. Cupping does involve suction, and your surgeon may still want to avoid that now.

When can I perform gentle suctioning (cupping) to my TT scar? 3 weeks post-op.

Answers (5)