Scar Management

Scars after surgery, particularly in the hands, can be limiting in movement, painful, and impacting the functionality of your hand. Our Sydney hand therapy clinic provides scar management that is aimed at the minimization of scarring and optimization of your recovery.

Scars are the body’s response to a surgical procedure or injury. Sometimes, the scar tissue thickens or tightens and can lead to limitation of motion in your hand and wrist. Hand therapists specialise in creating customised treatment plans that not only consider aesthetic concerns but also functional impacts of post-operative scars. Our goal is that scar tissue should heal properly and not hinder your activities of daily living or hand function in any manner.

The Importance of Early Scar Management

Scarring can begin to take form almost immediately after surgery or injury. If not treated correctly it can form thick and raised scar tissue. These types of scars will result in a stiffness of the area and will be rather painful, especially in areas such as the hands where flexibility for carrying out everyday tasks is dependent upon.

At Hand Therapy Experts, we recommend starting scar management treatment within 14 days following surgery if there are no infections or complications in wound healing. Early treatment can:

Scar Management Techniques

We use various evidence-based methods and techniques to treat and manage scarring which include the following:

• Massage of the Scar: Massage of the scar would help break up the scar tissues and also improve circulation of the area. This will enhance the healing process and prevent adhesions, which can limit movement. Regular scar massage also serves in softening the scar and making it more pliable; hence, reducing pain and tightness.
• Silicone Gel or Sheets: Many silicone-based products are recommended to flatten and soften the scars, making them less noticeable and more cosmetically acceptable. These also reduce redness and itching associated with the healing of the scar.
• Compression Garments-in more serious scarring, such as hypertrophic scars, pressure garments that have the effect of compressing the area and limiting scar tissue formation may be used. These are custom-fit garments and usually are worn many hours of the day.
• Stretching and Mobility Exercises: The common complaint from post-operative scars is restricted movement, especially of the fingers, wrists, and even the palm of the hand. Our hand physiotherapy team will help you with exercises that aim at maintaining and improving mobility in the scarred area. These can minimise stiffness and avoid contractures, which severely reduce hand functionality.
• Moisturising: The scar and the skin around it should be kept moist to provide elasticity and not dry out, which would encourage scarring.
• Desensitisation: We desensitise if there is too much sensitivity in that scar. This may include massaging the scar with various textures or materials to gradually help the person build up some tolerance for the area.
• Taping: Kinesio tape and micropore tape can help reduce scar thickness. The tape lifts the skin and underlying tissue to mobilise scar tissue underneath.

Referral to a Sydney Plastics Surgeon or Sydney Hand Surgeon

Sometimes, however, a patient’s scar will not improve and can continue to limit the range of motion of the hand or be cosmetically unsightly. If your scar is resistant to these conservative modalities, we may recommend that you consult with a plastic surgeon or hand surgeon regarding a surgical scar revision. After surgery, we will continue to work with you to manage the new scar tissue to achieve optimal results.

Book an Appointment

Whether you have just had surgery of the hand or have concerns about the post-operative scars, we are here to help. With our expertise in scar management, we will guide you through the process of healing for full recovery.

Call our hand therapy Sydney clinic today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our comprehensive scar management services.