Should you massage an indented scar?

Author: Mrs. Cynthia White Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

Does massage help indented scars?

Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.

How do you get rid of indented scars?

Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.

When should you not massage a scar?

For most people, gentle massage of the scar may help reduce discomfort in the area and improve healing. However, if you feel pain or discomfort when massaging the scar, you should stop and contact your doctor for further advice.

Will indented scars fill in?

It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.

Simple Scar Massage - Relief and Tips

What happens if you massage a scar too hard?

Scars generally only reach about 70 to 80% of skins normal strength and therefore can easily be injured. During your scar massage, keep an eye out for blistering, open areas, or a rash. You may be applying too much pressure or being too rough. If this happens, stop massaging in this area and allow it to heal.

Does massage actually break up scar tissue?

Scar tissue is broken down within a deep tissue massage. A deep, firm pressure is used during a deep tissue massage aiming to get deeper within muscle fibres and tissues. A deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions and collagen fibres that can be caused as a result of scar tissue.

What not to do to a scar?

Your scar is very sensitive to strong sunlight and can burn easily, so please try to avoid exposing your scar to the sun. You should use a very strong sunblock (SPF30 or higher) on your scar for 18 months after the surgery/injury that caused the scar.

How do you fix a dent scar?

The filler of choice for filling indented scars is generally a biostimulator to lay down a new layer of fresh collagenous tissue that will continue stimulating your body to create new collagen. Radiesse® and Sculptra® are examples of fillers used to treat acne and other depressed scars.

Why is my scar sunken?

Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.

Why does my scar look indented?

Atrophic scars.

These are indented scars that happen when your skin heals below the normal layer of skin due to a lack of tissue. They're common in cases of severe acne or chickenpox.

How do you smooth indented scars?

Laser therapy stands at the forefront of indented scar treatment, offering precise and targeted results. Two primary approaches include: Fractional Ablative Laser: Removes damaged skin layers while stimulating natural collagen production. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Addresses both scar texture and discoloration.

Should you massage atrophic scars?

Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.

What does vaseline do for scars?

How Should I Treat Scars? Vaseline Petroleum jelly is formulated with a patented triple-purification process, leaving it free from impurities. So, if you've had a cut or a burn, Vaseline jelly applied to the area will form a protective barrier, thus reducing the appearance of scars.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue?

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

Does vibration break up scar tissue?

Another great treatment that we have is rapid release technologies vibration therapy. What this does, this vibrates at certain frequency, and helps break up scar tissue adhesions.

Is vitamin E good for scars?

Vitamin E may be hailed as a new miracle regarding scar reduction and fading. However, the lack of clinical evidence suggests that using vitamin E for scars is ineffective and, thus, not necessary.

Is heat good for scar tissue?

Heat can reduce pain and improve elasticity of collagen fibers making scar tissue easier to mobilize. Paraffin combines the element of heat and skin lubrication, which are both useful for mobilization. Hot packs: The use of a heat pack on the scarred area can help increase the overall blood flow.

How long does it take for massage to break up scar tissue?

You should apply as much pressure as you can tolerate. Begin with light pressure and progress to deeper and firmer pressure. You should massage your scar regularly- at least 2-3 times a day and for 5 minutes at a time. You should continue this for approximately 6 months until the scar has fully matured.

How do you get rid of pitted chicken pox scars?

Laser Therapy

This popular procedure stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen, helping fill in pitted scars or even pigmented ones. This therapy can significantly reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars and improve the skin's overall texture and tone.

What causes atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars happen when the body does not make enough collagen while healing, which causes the loss of tissue. Acne, chickenpox or injuries involving loss of skin tissue are the usual causes of these scars. Several types of atrophic scars exist, including ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars.

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