Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions I'm asked most often about scar therapy, appointments and booking. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch.
About scar therapy
What is scar therapy?
Scar therapy is a specialist, hands-on treatment aimed at improving how a scar feels, looks and moves. Scar tissue can become tight, thickened, sensitive or restricted as it heals, which can pull on the skin and underlying tissue and sometimes limit movement. Treatment combines manual scar massage with techniques such as kinesiology taping, silicone therapy and the LymphaTouch Pro (a medical-grade negative-pressure device) to help soften and mobilise the scar, ease discomfort, and support the surrounding tissue as it remodels.
Will my scar disappear?
No. A scar is permanent, and no treatment can make it vanish completely. What treatment can do is reduce tightness, pulling, puckering and sensitivity, and in many cases this also improves the scar’s appearance and texture. How much change you’ll see depends on things like the scar’s location, its age, whether the surgery was planned or emergency, your skin type, and your general health. Some scars respond within a few weeks; others take a few months of regular treatment.
Does scar treatment hurt?
Treatment is designed to be gentle and should not be painful. Techniques are adjusted to your comfort level throughout, and you’re always in control of the session. If anything feels uncomfortable, just let me know and I’ll change approach.
How soon after surgery can I start?
As a general guide, scar therapy can usually begin once the wound is fully closed and healed, with no scabs, stitches, staples, weeping or signs of infection. That is typically from around 6 weeks post-surgery, though it varies with the size and complexity of the procedure. If you’re still under consultant or oncology care, I’ll always check with your team before starting, and treatment is timed appropriately around any radiotherapy.
Is it too late to treat an old scar?
Not at all. Scars continue to remodel long after they’ve formed, and I regularly see meaningful improvements in scars that are many years or even decades old, including reduced tightness, better movement and changes in sensation. Older scars can take a little longer to respond, but it’s very rarely “too late” to make a difference.
What I treat
Can you treat hypertrophic or keloid scars?
Yes. Raised, red, itchy or thickened scars can develop for a number of reasons, including skin type and how much tension has been placed through the healing tissue. I use a combination of manual techniques, silicone therapy and self-care advice to help manage these symptoms and support a better outcome.
Do you treat scars from cancer surgery?
Yes. This is an area of particular experience for me, having worked in oncology and palliative care physiotherapy. I treat mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction, head and neck cancer scarring and other cancer-related surgical scars, working sensitively alongside your wider care team where needed.
Do you specialise in C-section scars?
Yes. I’ve completed specialist training in C-section scar therapy and work with mums to ease tightness, numbness and pulling around the scar, and to support core and pelvic recovery more broadly.
Do you treat scars from gender-affirming surgery?
Yes. I treat top surgery scars with the same care, respect and professionalism I bring to every client. As an inclusive therapist, everyone is treated with dignity, whatever their journey.
As part of your assessment I’ll need to ask some standard questions about your surgery and recovery, but you’re never obliged to share more of your story than you’re comfortable with. My clinic is a private, judgement-free space.
At present I’m only able to treat scarring from top surgery. If you have concerns relating to scarring from lower/genital surgery, I may be able to talk you through some self-management techniques, or advise you to discuss this further with your consultant.
Can you treat scars anywhere on the body?
Yes, I treat scars on any part of the body, including intra-oral (inside the mouth). However, I do not treat intimate or episiotomy scars.
Appointments
What happens at my first appointment?
Your initial session includes a full assessment of you and your scar: how it looks, feels and moves, and how it may be affecting you day to day. From there, I’ll explain what’s likely to help and begin treatment using a combination of manual therapy and, where appropriate, specialist equipment. You’ll also get personalised guidance for scar care between sessions, such as self-massage and product recommendations.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person depending on the scar’s age, size and the goals you have. Many clients notice change within the first few sessions. For newer scars, a short course of closer-together appointments followed by a couple of follow-up sessions over the following months tends to give the best results; older, more established scars may need a similar approach, sometimes over a longer timeframe. Generally in 4–6 sessions you will notice meaningful changes.
Where are you based, and do you offer home visits?
I run clinics in York (Acomb) and Wetherby, and I also offer home visits in the Wetherby and York area for clients who’d prefer treatment in their own home, or who have mobility issues and struggle to access the first-floor treatment rooms at the clinics. See the contact page for more details.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area around your scar is best. If your scar is in a more private area, your modesty is always respected.
Can I bring my baby?
Yes, of course. However, to get the most out of your appointment it is helpful if you are able to come alone and enjoy some much-needed me time.
Is there anything I can do to help my scar between sessions?
Yes. Once your scar is fully closed with no open areas, self-massage and the right products can make a real difference. I’ll recommend specific oils, gels or silicone products suited to your scar and stage of healing, and talk you through a simple home routine as part of your treatment plan.
Booking, prices and policies
How do I book?
Do I need to pay in advance or pay a deposit?
Payment is currently taken at the end of each session. If a package is suitable for you, this will be offered at your first appointment and must be paid in full at that visit to validate the discount. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Will my health insurance cover treatment?
Some health insurance policies cover scar therapy as a form of physiotherapy or massage therapy, so it’s worth checking your policy directly. Receipts are provided for all appointments.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows me to offer your slot to another client who may be waiting. To cancel or rearrange, please contact me directly by phone or email as soon as possible.
The following charges apply where insufficient notice is given:
- Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice: 50% of the session fee.
- Non-attendance (no-show): 100% of the session fee.
I understand that unexpected things happen. Where exceptional circumstances apply, I will always try to be as flexible as I can. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Still Have Questions?
Contact me by phone, WhatsApp, email or Instagram. I'm always happy to talk through whether scar therapy is right for you.
Get in Touch