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What, if anything, can be done for scar tissue?

June 6
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Answer Summary

Members discussed scar tissue after breast surgery and radiation, sharing a range of personal experiences and helpful strategies for managing... Read more

Members discussed scar tissue after breast surgery and radiation, sharing a range of personal experiences and helpful strategies for managing pain and hardening over time. Several members recommended topical treatments like Vitamin E oil, castor oil, Aquaphor, Radiaplex, and surgical tape or steri strips, while others found physical therapy and lymphedema specialists to be especially effective for softening scar tissue. A recurring theme was that healing takes longer than expected, often up to two years, and that advocating for yourself with your medical team makes a real difference.

A MyBCTeam Member

I'm going thru this now, just had a diagnostic mamo in that breast, ThankGod no new cancer, I have follow up with my dr on thursday.

June 7
A MyBCTeam Member

Massage the scar with an emollient such as Vitamin E or Castor oil. The massaging helps “break up” the scar tissue. If you are prone to keyloid (sp?) scarring you would need to see a doctor. Generally, scars become less pronounced over time. It all depends on your own skin. In my case, the doctor said it would take 6 months, but from experience I knew 1.5 years was more realistic, and it was.

June 6
A MyBCTeam Member

I've had 12 breast cancer related surgeries and have massive amounts of scar tissue in my chest and right armpit. Ever since my double mastectomy, which was totally botched by the reconstructive surgeon (who did 3 more surgeries before I wouldn't let him touch me again), I ended up with a couple of chest muscles that he left only partially attached and tons of scar tissue from him rummaging around in my chest. My chest has had so many surgeries that I can't really say if my scar tissue has grown worse over time, but it does get worse with each additional surgery. I've learned to ask my reconstructive surgeons to cut out as much of the pre-existing scar tissue as they can each time my chest is operated on. They can never cut it all out and I always develop new scar tissue with each surgery. I've also learned to have them cut out the scar tissue from the drain lines. For some reason I always have a lot of pain from the drain line scars. Radiation can also cause scar tissue of it's own and make existing scar tissue worse, but for me it's worth it to kill off the cancer cells that might be alive and lurking. From my past endometrial cancer experiences I learned chemo didn't kill my cancer, but radiation did.

June 9
MyBCTeam

Yes, scar tissue can definitely develop and change over time after breast surgery and radiation. A MyBCTeam member shared their experience with cording (tight bands of scar tissue) after lymph node removal, which can extend as far down as the thumb. While painful, it's not dangerous and can improve with time.

Radiation can Show Full Answer

Yes, scar tissue can definitely develop and change over time after breast surgery and radiation. A MyBCTeam member shared their experience with cording (tight bands of scar tissue) after lymph node removal, which can extend as far down as the thumb. While painful, it's not dangerous and can improve with time.

Radiation can also cause long-term skin changes that develop six or more months after treatment, including skin thickening on the treated breast. The good news is there are several options to help manage scar tissue:

- Emollient creams or scar oils to keep skin moisturized and soften scar tissue
- Silicone gel sheets to help improve scar appearance over time
- Massage and stretching especially helpful for cording
- Anti-inflammatory medications for cording-related discomfort
- Pressure therapy or steroid injections for raised or thickened scars (keloid or hypertrophic scars)

It's worth letting your healthcare team know early if you notice scar tissue developing, as earlier action tends to bring better results. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating healing areas.

June 6
A MyBCTeam Member

I just finished up radiation and once and once I’m done peeling, I am going to use surgical tape for the lumpectomy and lymph node surgery scars. I’ve heard great things about it.

June 7 (edited)

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