Oncology Scarring
What do we mean by oncology scarring?
Oncology scarring is the mark left on the skin and underlying tissues after surgery to diagnose, remove, or treat cancer. Every scar is unique and will heal differently from person to person.
In this video, Oncology manual therapy lecturer Susan Findlay explains what we mean by scar therapy treatment for oncology.
Different types of oncology surgery
Cancer surgery may include:
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Biopsy surgery (removing a small tissue sample for testing)
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Tumour removal surgery
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Organ removal surgery (removing part or all of an affected organ)
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Reconstructive surgery (restoring appearance or function after cancer treatment)
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Minimally invasive surgery (keyhole/laparoscopic or robotic surgery)
How you may feel about your oncology surgery
People experience a range of emotions after cancer surgery. You may feel relieved, grateful, anxious, worried, frustrated, or uncertain about your recovery. These feelings are common and can change over time. Please speak to your health care team, a trusted friend or your community support network. You are not alone in your recovery.
How you may feel about your oncology scarring
Your scar may remind you of your cancer experience. Some people feel proud of their scar, while others can feel self-conscious, upset, or concerned about changes to their appearance. There is no right or wrong way to feel. This is your scar and your story. Take your time in how you recover.
How to look after your scars
In the early phases of healing:
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Try gently mobilising when able
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Start looking at your scars
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Take photographs, as your scars will change
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Focus on good hydration and protein intake
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Take gentle, deep breaths
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Pat dry your scars after the shower
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Moisturise around your scars as they are healing
How to spot Infection
In this video Nurse Consultant Ines Pereira, speak about how to spot signs of infection and what to do if you have an infection in your scar.
The exact rehabilitation pathway depends on the type of oncology surgery, the location of the scar, whether lymph nodes were removed, reconstruction procedures, and any ongoing treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, please find a outline of simple ways to help your recovery.
Early Rehabilitation Following Oncology Surgery
What to Do in the First 24-48 Hours
Primary Goals :
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Protect healing tissues.
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Manage pain and swelling.
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Support circulation and respiratory function.
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Promote gentle movement.
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Prevent complications.
Key Advice:
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Follow all surgical and oncology team instructions.
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Monitor the wound for signs of infection.
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Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
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Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition to support healing.
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Aim to sit up and mobilise to the bathroom with support (if able)
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Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or strenuous activity.
Scar Care
At this stage the incision is still healing.
Do:
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Keep the wound clean and dry according to surgical advice.
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Keep dressings on as advised
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Observe for redness, increased pain, discharge, or wound separation.
Do Not:
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Massage the scar.
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Apply creams, oils, or silicone products unless specifically advised.
What to Do in the First 1-4 Weeks
Primary Goals :
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Restore confidence in movement.
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Improve mobility.
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Reduce swelling.
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Promote gentle movement.
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Begin addressing posture and protective movement patterns.
Rehabilitation Focus:
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Increase walking duration gradually.
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Gentle range of motion exercises where appropriate.
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Deep breathing exercises.
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Postural awareness.
For breast, abdominal, pelvic, or reconstructive surgery, movements should be progressed according to individual surgical guidance.
Scar Care
Once the wound is fully closed and there are no signs of infection:
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Begin gentle skin contact and desensitisation – this can be applying scar cream or oil around the scar.
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Take photos of the scar as it will change!
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Pat dry the scar after your shower.
The aim is to help the nervous system accept touch and reduce hypersensitivity.
Below, Hannah guides you through some breathing exercises you can introduce at this stage of your recovery;
What to Do in the First 2-4 Weeks
Primary Goals :
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Improve mobility and flexibility.
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Reduce protective tension patterns.
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Encourage return to daily activities.
Rehabilitation Focus:
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Progress walking and general activity.
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Gentle stretching where appropriate.
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Improve posture and movement.
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Address compensatory movement habits.
Patients may still experience:
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Tightness
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Pulling sensations
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Fatigue
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Reduced confidence with movement
Scar Care
Once fully healed:
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Begin gentle scar mobilisation:
Use a good oil or scar cream on your hands and gently sweep it around your scar. Allow the scar to heal in its own time.
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Carry on with gentle deep breaths. In through your nose for a count of 4 and slowly out through your mouth for a count of 5. Do this 5 times a day.
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Movement of surrounding tissues: Make sure you are moisturising around the scar to keep the tissues soft.
Silicone products may be introduced if appropriate and approved by the medical team (if your scar is red or raised).
What to Do in the First 4-8 Weeks
Primary Goals :
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Restore normal movement patterns.
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Improve strength and endurance.
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Reduce scar restrictions.
Rehabilitation Focus:
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Progressive strengthening exercises.
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Functional activities.
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Core and postural rehabilitation where appropriate.
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Gradual return to hobbies and work related tasks.
Scar Care
Once your scar has fully closed over, there are no stitches, staples, bruising, pockets of fluid or infection, and your healthcare team is happy for you to start direct scar massage (this normally happens around 4 to 6 weeks).
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Gently sweeping your hands over your scars – have a light scar cream or oil on your hands to nourish the scar.
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Use light circular motions over the scar to help increase circulation and soften the tissues.
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Scar mobility; sliding your finger forwards and backwards over the scar and up and down over the scar. Do this for around 15 minutes a day. You can break up the time doing it (half in the morning and half at night).
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Keep taking regular deep breaths.
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Keep up with good hydration and nutrition.
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Keep active by gently increasing the distance you mobilise or the tasks you complete. Please always be guided by your health care team.
Always remember your scar has no SPF protection – especially for the first couple of years. So please use factor 50 on your scar if it is visible to the sun.
What to Do in the First 8-12 Weeks
Primary Goals :
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Starting to return to full function.
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Improve physical confidence.
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Support long-term tissue health.
Rehabilitation Focus:
Depending on surgical procedure and oncology treatment:
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Progressive strength training.
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Cardiovascular exercise.
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Return to sport or recreational activities.
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Functional rehabilitation.
Fatigue management remains important, particularly if chemotherapy or radiotherapy is ongoing.
Scar Care
Continue:
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Scar massage (as previously described)
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Massage around the scar.
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Silicone therapy if indicated.
Referral to a specialist scar therapist may be beneficial if symptoms persist.
Special Considerations for Oncology Patients
Lymphoedema Risk
Where lymph nodes have been removed or irradiated:
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Monitor for swelling.
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Educate regarding early symptoms.
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Encourage regular movement.
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Refer to lymphoedema services when appropriate.
Radiotherapy
Scar tissue may become:
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Tighter
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more sensitive
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Less elastic
Patients often benefit from ongoing scar therapy and mobility work during and after treatment.
Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is common and differs from normal tiredness.
Encourage:
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Pacing
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Graded activity
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Rest periods
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Consistent movement
Key Scar Care Principles
The best scar outcomes are achieved through:
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Early movement (when medically appropriate).
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Good wound healing.
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Progressive scar mobilisation.
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Desensitisation techniques.
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Hydration and skin care.
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Silicone therapy where indicated.
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Protection from UV exposure.
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Ongoing assessment of function, not just appearance.
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Emotional support, as you recover.
For oncology patients, scar management should always focus on both tissue healing and quality of life, helping individuals regain comfort, confidence, mobility, function and emotional support following treatment.
Products That Can Help Your Scar Recovery
