Acupuncture for Scar Healing

Supporting Recovery After Surgery 

Treating scarring with acupuncture after Mohs surgery

Scars are a natural part of the body's healing process, but how they heal can make a significant difference in both comfort and appearance. Whether you're recovering from Mohs surgery, another surgical procedure, or an injury requiring stitches, acupuncture may help support your body's natural healing response and encourage healthier post-surgical scar tissue formation. 

At Riverplace Acupuncture Integrative Health, we work with patients throughout every stage of healing. While acupuncture won't remove a scar, it may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body's ability to repair damaged tissue. That means fewer scar adhesions and improved long-term recovery.

Adding ITOs therapy to acupuncture needles

How Acupuncture May Support Scar Healing After Surgery

"Healing is a complex process that relies on healthy blood flow, reduced inflammation, and tissue repair," explains Dr. Jann Turpin. "Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, reducing inflammation around the area, and improving tissue mobility around the scar. Post-surgical scars are often tight and tender, and acupuncture can relieve that discomfort and reduce the accumulation of scar adhesions."

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer and is commonly performed around highly visible areas such as the face, ears, scalp, back, and neck. Although the procedure removes cancerous tissue with remarkable precision, patients are often left with large surgical incisions that require time to heal. 

Once your dermatologist or surgeon confirms that the incision is healing properly, acupuncture may be incorporated into your recovery plan to help support tissue healing and reduce post-surgical discomfort. Many patients seek acupuncture after surgery to help minimize tightness, improve flexibility around the scar, and promote healthy healing. 

What Does Research Say? 

Regular acupuncture treatment with ITOs therapy can significantly reduce scarring.

Research on acupuncture for scar healing continues to grow. A review published by the National Institutes of Health found promising evidence that acupuncture may improve scar characteristics, reduce symptoms associated with scar tissue, and support the body's healing process. The authors also concluded that additional high-quality research is needed to understand the extent of the benefits. 

While acupuncture should never replace your surgeon or dermatologist's post-operative care instructions, it does serve as a valuable complementary therapy during recovery. Every scar and every patient's healing process is different. Dr. Jann recommends that the best time to begin treatment depends on your procedure, doctor's orders, your overall health, and how your incision is healing. 

At Riverplace Acupuncture Integrative Health, Dr. Jann develops individualized treatment plans designed to support your recovery safely and effectively. If you've recently had Mohs surgery or another surgical procedure and are looking for a natural way to support healing, we're happy to discuss whether acupuncture may be a good addition to your recovery plan. 

Contact Riverplace Acupuncture Integrative Health to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jann and discover how acupuncture may help support your healing journey.