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When Can I Start Scar Massage Post Mastectomy?

JN
Jess in NJJan 25, 2012

I had a prophylactic mastectomy with expanders put in 6 weeks ago and I keep forgetting to ask my doctor about scar massage. My incisions have completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. How soon should I have started massage? Do I need to do scar massage if the doctor is just going to break up or remove scar tissue during the exchange for implants? I was wondering if I should just do the scar massage after the second surgery instead. Also, how long should I do physical therapy for?

Answers (4)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Shitel Patel, MD
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Dr. Shitel Patel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
5.0 | 17 Reviews
Answered on Apr 24, 2018
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Dr. Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS
Dr. Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jan 30, 2012
Answer
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jan 26, 2012
Answer
Dr. Steven Schuster, MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Schuster, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jan 26, 2012
Answer

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This has been a long and complicated process for you. The fluid that is leaking may be a seroma or lymphatic fluid. Radiation can cause significant scarring of the normal pathways your body would reabsorb the fluid. The most common way to deal with this issue is by using your own tissue (DIEP,...

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