Hi there, I had the breast cancer operations 6 weeks ago, my wound did heal well but I noticed the color of the scar (which is about 6cm long) is getting darker. I learned that there are some products can help on lightening the scar but I am not sure about the safety. Therefore I a, reaching out to ask some advice or recommendations.
Thank you in advance,
Best regards,
Annie
Hi Annie @ APFSH
Thanks for getting in touch through our online community. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.
I’m sorry you have noticed the scar to darken and hope that your recovery is going well otherwise.
As you rightly say, there a number of products available to help with appearance of scars. Some of these may be bought over the counter or online, and some may need a prescription.
Because we are nurses on a support line, I’m afraid we can’t recommend specific treatments or creams. This is because we have no way of examining the scar or your skin, and also because some surgeons will be very specific about after care of any wound.
It is worth contacting your team at the hospital for advice. If you have a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or a breast care nurse it would be good to let them know about the change and ask what they would recommend. Sometimes they may have samples of products to try first before going to any expense to buy something that might not suit you.
In the absence of a nurse, it’s a good idea to contact the surgeon. This may be through their secretary. The surgeon can give advice about scar care, and if they need to see you they can arrange this.
In the meantime, this blog from Breast Cancer Now might be worth reading.
It might also be an idea to post your question on the Breast cancer forum to get an idea of the experiences of others. However, the response shouldn’t be used as an alternative to seeking advice from your team.
And if you would like to chat with one of nurses about your recovery or have other questions you are welcome to call us
Take care
Linda
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Ref: LM/TT
