Coping with scars after surgery for breast cancer

Life after breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery may have a knock-on effect on your mental and physical health. It’s not unusual to feel differently about your body image after such intimate surgery.^1,2

Scarring is a common side effect of surgery for breast cancer. It can also be caused by radiotherapy and some chemotherapy.³ Surgeons will do all they can to ensure the scar is as small and hidden as possible. But whether this is possible can also depend on many things, including the position of the cancer and the size of your breasts.³

It may help to talk with your medical team before surgery about what to expect.² Some people say they would prefer to know about their risk of scarring before their surgery, including how to manage it and what to expect.  It may be possible to discuss scar reduction options.^4,5

Below we’ve shared some potential effects of scarring and ways to help you look after your scar after surgery for breast cancer.

Effects of scarring

Scarring may be painful or itchy. It may cause a numb or tingling feeling, or affect the way you move your body.^3,4 It may have emotional effects too, with some people reporting feelings of anger, sadness, fear and shame due to their scarring.⁴

For some people, having scars affects self-confidence and the desire to be social or active.⁴ But everyone is different. Some women may have no, or only a small, impact from their scar.³

Caring for your scar after surgery

Caring for your scar is important after breast cancer surgery.³ There is no single treatment that can prevent or remove scars.⁴ However, there are some things you can do at home to help ease your scarring.³

Some things you can do at home to help lower any scar discomfort:³

• Be sure to follow any after surgery instructions you are given
• Keep your scar clean, dry, and moisturised to help prevent any healing complications – opt for fragrance-free, gentle products
• Do gentle movements and exercises to help keep the chest area mobile – check in with your doctor and healthcare team to see which exercises are best for you
• Keep a good posture and avoid slouching, as this can tighten the front of your body

There are also some options in the form of medical treatments, physical therapies, plastic surgery techniques and cosmetic options, which may help you with your scarring.^3,4,6

These work in different ways. Some help with scar healing through reducing the size and hardness of the scar, whereas others work on the colour of the scar and help the skin to return to its usual colour. Others work by helping to remove scar tissue and speeding up wound healing, and some work to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by scarring.^3,4,6

Some options include:^3,4,6

• Medical treatments – such as silicone gel sheets and silicone gel, oxidant or growth factor serums, steroid injections, surgery, or Botulinum toxin (known as botox)
• Physical therapies – such as laser treatment and microneedling, dry needling, pressure treatment, massages, or exercises
• Plastic surgery techniques – including carboxytherapy (which involves injections of carbon dioxide under the skin), laser resurfacing, or mesotherapy (which involves injections of vitamins, minerals and other important factors to help skin grow healthily)
• Cosmetic approaches – these options include tattoos and a process called cosmetic camouflage, which can both help hide the scar
• Other options – including the use of moisturiser and sunscreen to keep the scar soft and protected from the sun, and wearing loose fitting clothes to avoid irritating the area 

Make sure you discuss any potential options with your doctor or healthcare team. They will be able to advise on the best options for your situation.

Taking control of your scar

By knowing what to expect before your breast cancer surgery, and knowing how to cope with scarring after surgery, you may be able to reduce the impact of scarring. We hope the information above helps you. Always speak to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. They will be able to offer advice based on your individual situation.