How quickly does scar tissue form?

[annoyed30]

I had surgery on Thursday august 2nd and i believe i may have a bit of scar tissue forming already.  Is it possible to have scar tissue that quickly?  Also, it seems everyone has a different opinion on massaging.  What do the doctors here recommend as far as how soon to start massaging.  As of now, i am happy with my results.  Very flat and just a lot of bruising/numbness.  I just want to make sure i do everything i can to get the best outcome after dropping a lot of money on surgery.  Thanks very much for your replies!

[Litlriki]

It's a little early for any scar tissue to be causing issues at this point.  I am a proponent of massage following surgery, and I review this with patients when they come back for their first post-operative visit, which is usually a week post-op.  This is something that you should discuss with your surgeon.

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I had surgery on Thursday august 2nd and i believe i may have a bit of scar tissue forming already.  Is it possible to have scar tissue that quickly?  Also, it seems everyone has a different opinion on massaging.  What do the doctors here recommend as far as how soon to start massaging.  As of now, i am happy with my results.  Very flat and just a lot of bruising/numbness.  I just want to make sure i do everything i can to get the best outcome after dropping a lot of money on surgery.

Four days post op is much too early for there to be any scar tissue present.  Indeed, what you may have is some swelling from the operation itself.

As for massage, I tend to be more conservative than Dr. Silverman.  I believe that massage itself can create swelling if done on areas of tissue that are in the earliest stages of healing.  I therefore defer massage until anywhere from 6-10 weeks after surgery.

In any event, you should pose this question directly to your surgeon and follow his advice -- he knows you best.

Dr Jacobs

[annoyed30]

My doctor told me to go ahead with massaging after 1 week.  I am going to follow his advice but obviously watch for swelling and be sure to bring that up if i notice any.  Thanks for the input doctors!