Bright Pink Raised Scar After Starting Workout Routine?

Exercise can sometimes cause the clothing covering the incision to irritate it breasts creating increased redness and swelling. Adjust your wardrobe accordingly.

The reason that scars turn pink with an increase in cardio is due to the fact that they are filled with small blood vessels. Yes, even the scars need blood early on. As the scar matures, the majority of the blood vessels will regress and the "pink" appearance of the scar will fade. This may take over a year to happen. It is a normal phenomenon and not something to worry about.

Hi NorthwestGirl88

Your description sounds like you are irritating your scar with your running. Probably the easiest solution might be to cover the scars with Micropore or Steristrips before putting your sports bra on. If things improve, it would be reasonable to assume that the change in your scar was from the physical irritation of the bra on the scars.

It may also be that your scar was going to tend towards a hypertrophic scar anyway, and that the beginning of your running was an unfortunate coincidence. Consider beginning to treat the scar as for any other hypertrophic scar - massage, silicone sheeting, and possibly laser therapy.

It is better to call your Plastic Surgeon's office and make an appointment to discuss this with them, or email them a photo and get their individual advice.

Good Luck

Dr Gavin Sandercoe

Hard to guess without a visual aid, and I would not want to offer false reassurance. Suggestion--send a text message or email to your surgeon for better advice than you will get from a stranger. All the best.