When is a scar considered too old for massage and other treatments? Is 1 year and 5 months old?

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) If you are unhappy with the appearance of your scars more than 12 months after surgery, you should consider scar revision. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Scarring after surgery is a normal part of the healing process.  I typically recommend treatments such as massage and silicone scar gel beginning 2-3 weeks after surgery in most cases.  Scars take 12-18 months to fully mature and these interventions can be helpful throughout the process.  You may be experiencing hypertrophic scarring or early keloid scarring.   These types of scars may require more intervention such as injections to achieve the optimal outcome.  I recommend seeing your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  Best of luck.  

At this point, most of the scar maturation has occurred but you can still massage the scars with some positive effect. If the scars are raised or symptomatic, your plastic surgeon may be able to help you with treatment (for example, careful steroid injection into the scars). Best wishes.