c section scar healing

"Most of the expectations presented in online advertisements are best-case scenarios and may not be realistic in typical cases.". That may mean that your scar is hypertrophic, where your body created more scar tissue than necessary. Last medically reviewed on January 28, 2020. Learn more about the Alliance >. When to do it? Typically, a C-section incision is about 4 to 5 inches long and performed right at the bikini line. Firstly, I would like to say how refreshing and empowering it is that you are showcasing cesarean scars. The goal is to allow the area to heal again with a less noticeable scar. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Most C-sections are done the latter way, with 95% of procedures in U.S. being done via a "bikini cut." The type of incision used will affect the type of scar that is left behind. and Spiritual Pregnancy. Exercising: Moderate exercise can help promote healing. Some choose to appreciate what it symbolizes, instead. If the wound itches, try to resist the urge to scratch it. C-section scars are usually low on the abdomen, below the waistband of your underwear. There are two main types of c-section scars. The latter one heals faster and doesnt cause as much pain as the former one after the surgery. But others close incisions using surgical needle and thread (non-dissolvable stitches), although this process can take longer, up to 30 minutes. Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. Since 1970, the United States Cesarean rate has steadily climbed from 5% of births to over 30%, where it has remained since 2005. 2018. Medical Grade Silicone Scar Sheets, Silicone Scar Tape (1.6"x 60"), Scar Removal Strips for Acne Scars C-Section & Keloid Surgery Scars Sheets Treatment Sheets - 6-8 Month Supply Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream - Advanced Scar Treatment that Works with Skin's Nighttime Regenerative Activity - 1.0 oz (28g) If you have a bikini cut in your abdomen, your surgeon will also make a bikini cut uterine incision, called a low transverse incision. If the appearance of your C-section scar is upsetting you, there are possible ways to change its lookand not all require surgery. Mastitis, a condition that causes breast infection, is also more common in women who have c-section scars. If youre fortunate, your C-section scar will heal nicely and youll only have a thin line as a reminder of your surgery. Do I need to choose? 1: Hemostasis "The first phase, hemostasis, lasts about two days," says Flynn. Infection also delays the healing process. If youre feeling self-conscious, discuss ways to minimize these scars with your doctor. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet after your C-section. Be gentle with the scar: Avoid putting pressure on or picking at the scar. Take your pain meds! I took a photo while watching the redness after visiting my provider and having them circle it to ensure it wasnt growing., Now at 11 months, looks fairly similar to three months but slightly less red and with scar massage, less pulling and bulging above the scar., Incision type: low transverseClosure: stitches, I also had an external clear plastic (?) Don't rub or scrub your incision, just let soap and water run over it. There are no proven methods of removing keloid scars naturally. The amount of time it takes for a c-section scar to heal varies from person to person. You can minimize abdominal pain after a C-section by wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity. Walking is good for healing, but strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavier than your baby will have to wait. Signs of an infection include: Treatment for an infection may require oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity. A C-section is a major surgery that can lead to significant scarring. It might be itchy while it's healing. If you already have a C-section scar, then you have several options to make it less obvious. Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes) . Best of luck ladies! But your full recovery will be measured in weeks, not days. You will have a scar but this will fade over time. Start with any fabric (softer might be easier at first) and rub the skin around your incision area for about one minute, repeating with all the different fabrics. C-section scar recovery. Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876. For some women, this can be a difficult thing to deal with. Also, reducing scar tissue improves your scars appearance. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Some clinical studies have shown that onion extract used orally or on the skin might possibly be effective in improving the appearance of keloid scars and reducing itchiness and discomfort. Heres how to care for a C-section scar, directly after birth and beyond. Warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing at the incision site, Worsening pain or sudden onset of abdominal pain, Any fever (even if your incision looks fine), Pain or burning when urinating, the urge to pee frequently when not a lot comes out, or urine that is dark and scanty or bloody, Menstrual-type bleeding past the first four days after delivery, or bleeding that comes back after slowing, Heavy bleeding at any time, or bleeding with clots and cramping (if you soak two pads an hour for two hours straight, your bleeding is considered heavy), Severe or persistent pain or tenderness and warmth in one area of your leg, or one leg that's more swollen than the other, Pain in one or both breasts, especially if accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms, Severe headache that doesn't respond to pain medication or comes back immediately after the medication wears off, Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if you feel incapable of caring for your newborn. Infection is another possible complication of c-section scars. About two weeks after birth, you should not be feeling as much pain and tenderness around your scar and you should see much less redness. A hypertrophic scar is a thick raised scar that's an abnormal response to wound healing. Typically, are three different types of cesarean incisions: In general, your scar should not ooze pus or bleed. Along with taking care of your incision, watch for signs of an infection and other problems. Cesarean scars often hold a lot of emotions, and just as the physical manifestation of the scar can be in need of attention, so can the emotional, even if the person with the scar isnt overtly aware. It also means you'll need to be more aware of what you can and can't do as your body heals. This can cause the wound to open up and become infected. Related: Your guide to C-section recovery: Timeline, tips and what to expect as you heal. It may prevent long term redness or bumpiness by hydrating the scar, Dr. Cangello says, "but you need to wear it 24/7." Giving yourself at least six weeks of healing. C section scars can cause physical problems such as pain, inflammation and infection. Make sure to work out how to keep c section incision dry when overweight as well. March of Dimes. Caring for a C-section scar immediately after birth, Care for a C-section scar 2 weeks after birth, Care for a C-section scar 6 to 8 weeks after birth, Caring for a Cesarean scar the first year and beyond, Your guide to C-section recovery: Timeline, tips and what to expect as you heal, Nikki Hunter-Greenaway, nurse practitioner, lactation consultant and curriculum advisor at Major Care, My C-section scar is evidence that pain can fade, Your postpartum recovery kit: Feel your best after a C-section, 8 natural C-section recovery tips to help you feel better fast, motherhood coach and somatic bodyworker/scar tissue practitioner, 17 C-section recovery products you might not think of (but wont want to live without). U.S. National Library of Medicine. I want to make sure that you are prepared and know what to expect during the healing process. window.fd('form', {
However, there are things you can do to help minimize the pain and promote healing. Our cells hold memory, and even if our minds didnt feel an experience was traumatic, our nervous system and body may have.. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). Instead, apply a cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the healed c section scar. Since they're usually made below the pubic hairline, you might not see your C-section scar at all. cover/bandage, which will be removed at week 4/day 28., Incision type: low transverseClosure: dissolvable stapes, I had an unplanned c-section six months ago to a healthy, beautiful boy. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. Absorbs quickly. (2018). A C-Section Is Not as Traumatic the Second Time Around. 2020. By Keloids can be itchy and painful. Often Tylenol or Advil are recommended to control pain after a c-section, make sure you take them as needed, according to the recommended dosage on the bottle. The pouch (also called a uterine niche) develops when the c-section incision (cut) doesn't heal completely. 7 Facts About Breastfeeding After a C-Section, The C-Section Procedure: What to Expect Before, During, and After, A Week-by-Week C-Section Recovery Timeline, 20 Things to Know About Your Postpartum Body. So thats why my scar is a bit funny., Incision type: low transverseClosure: glue, Here is my c-section scar from giving birth to two beautiful twin girls almost three months ago. Gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority. 2. A hypertrophic scar is harmless, but it may get irritated when you wear clothes or you may not like how it looks. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. All youll need are fabrics from around your house that have varying textures ranging from soft to rough. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. The color will persist for about six months before fading to a less noticeable whitish line, says Dr. Tassone. (1) Inflammatory Stage: The first stage is called the inflammatory stage and it lasts for the first few days after the c-section. It turned out I had a pulmonary embolism, and the doctors told me I saved my own life coming into the emergency room. Managing movement with c section scars can be hard because it can limit how much you can move your abdomen. Inflammatory stage. So you can expect some scarring after the incision heals. C-section scars are surprisingly small. Not only does the surgeon need to make an abdominal incision, but they also need to make an incision in your uterus to remove your baby. Related: 8 natural C-section recovery tips to help you feel better fast. Applying pressure to the wound: This helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue. The actual c-section went quite well. Top Treatment Tips, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days, Pain from the incision site getting worse over time, Drainage or pus coming from your incisions, A fever of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Doula vs. Midwife: Whats the Difference? I was set on a VBAC for my second birth, but after therapy and lots of soul searching, I realized that I just needed a non-traumatic delivery, and for me, that was a repeat c-section. After your C-section, you should watch for problems like: Infection. Another option is to close the wound with surgical glue. As tempting as it may be to try to get back to business as usual, remember that you are still healing from major abdominal surgery, so continue to rest and take it easy. typically stay in the hospital for two to four days, Video: C-section recovery in the first few days, Video: C-section recovery in the first two months, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. My first was after PPROM at 36 weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor. To promote healing during the c-section recovery process, try and do the following: Rest (easier said than done with a new little one on your hands!) All rights reserved. They're similar to keloid scars, but unlike keloids, they stay within the boundaries of the original wound. Apply a heating pad to your abdomen in 15 minute intervals. There are practical ways to help you c-section scar heal and (hopefully) leave one minimal in appearance. });
. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (305) 665-1133 Another important note: This is also the point where you should be keeping an eye out for infection. Before we dive into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked question. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Pregnant With Allergies? This is the most common type of c-section scar. Moisture that collects in skin folds can harbor bacteria, which can increase your risk of infection or delay healing of your incision. Safety assessment of the prophylactic use of silicone gel sheets (Lady Care) for the prevention of hypertrophic scars following caesarean section. towel first. Its also important to engage your support people in scar care, too. Bikini cuts are popular and sometimes preferred because they tend to be less painful and less visible after healing which is great news if you want to minimize scarring. I wanted to share the most important do's and don'ts after a c section and core c section recovery tips that got me back on my feet and feeling good as soon as possible. Wound evisceration - the worst case where the wound opens completely and the bowel begins to emerge out of it. The pain can be caused by inflammation, nerve damage or the formation of scar tissue. If you arent comfortable being in contact with your scar, it may be helpful to work with a practitioner who can work on it for you. An isthmocele (cesarean scar defect) is a pouch that forms in the lining of your uterus. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. Founded by new mom and self-care author Carley Schweet, Hello Postpartum aims to help fill in the gaps in postpartum care and support. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. You'll also need to hold off on taking baths, using tampons, and having sex until you get your caregiver's okay. They come off most easily when wet, so remove them right after a shower. This includes regularly icing your incision. This type of incision leaves a vertical scar that can be more difficult to conceal. Massages can reduce C-section scar tissue formation and can help ensure a smooth, flat, pain-free, and supple scar, says Leslie Lo, DPT, a women's health physical therapist at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group in Chicago. This type of incision is made in the skin below the navel, and it curves out towards the side of the body. This is a great time to start some gentle massage of your Cesarean scar. They can also refer you to a therapist or support group if you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of your scar. The C-section scar itself may change appearance over time, becoming puffier or changing color, or it may fade and flatten. Nikki Hunter-Greenaway, nurse practitioner, lactation consultant and curriculum advisor at Major Care, advises: For clinical and emotional reasons, I tell all of my clients to take a picture of their scar so they can see if its healing, but also to see the progression of their journey., Related: My C-section scar is evidence that pain can fade. can cause scars to become darker and more noticeable. Doctors aren't sure what causes keloid C-section scars, "but there is obviously a hyper reaction to the healing process that causes the scar to grow outside its original boundaries," says Dr. Tassone. And unfortunately, scars dont always fade away. drainage or pus coming from your incision. During your surgery, your doctor will make an incision in your abdomen before removing the baby. Some women also form thick, irregular raised scars at the incision site such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. "There have not been any good scientific studies demonstrating that any over-the-counter preparations are better than just proper wound care," says Rajiv B. Gala, M.D., the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' young physician at large. Keep the wound clean and dry: How to keep c section incision dry when overweight? Heres what to look for and what to do if you think your C-section incision is opening. All rights reserved. Your C-section scar will be covered with a paper tape-like product known as Steri-Strips. Medical lasers can help soften old scars and get rid of raised scars. We recommend doing it once or twice a day starting one week after your C-section. The Best Postpartum Belly Wraps and How They Work, Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth: What You Need to Know, What You Need to Know About Diastasis Recti. Your c-section scar might be painful at first. Even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks. About 32% of births in the United States happen via Cesarean section, also called a C-section, C-birth, surgical birth, belly birth or just plain Cesarean. That said, in rare cases, doctors make a vertical incision from below mom's belly button to the pubic bone. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. There are two different types of cesarean section incisions: vertical and horizontal. You should apply them for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day for a healed c section scar. We recommend icing every 2-3 hours for fifteen minutes at a time for the first five weeks after a C-section. You might be able to minimize scarring with home remedies or a minimally invasive procedure. Over-the-counter pain medication can also ease pain. C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. A C-section is the surgical procedure performed by an obstetrician to deliver a baby through the mother's abdomen. Scar tissue can also form around c-section scars. For a less invasive option, you can apply a silicone sheet to the scar, starting two weeks post C-section. A C-section is necessary when youre unable to deliver vaginally. Another type of incision that can be used for a c-section is called a low transverse incision. There are two types of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section: vertical and horizontal. However, if your numbness continues for several weeks or you experience shooting pains in your abdomen and legs, talk to your doctor about nerve injuries. The surgical procedure cause physical problems such as hypertrophic scars or keloids bacteria, can! Pprom at 36 weeks and a baby through the mother & # x27 ; s abnormal... And infection be keeping an eye out for infection may use during a C-section is not as the! Fortunate, your doctor will make an incision in your abdomen massage of your cesarean scar defect is... Babycenter, LLC, a C-section is the surgical procedure navel, and sex... Also form thick, irregular raised scars you have several options to it. An abnormal response to wound healing would like to say how refreshing empowering. To allow the area to heal again with a paper tape-like product known as Steri-Strips, says Tassone... Life coming into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked.. Baby through the mother & # x27 ; s abdomen vertical incision from below 's... Scars to become darker and more noticeable skin below the pubic hairline, you should watch problems. Before fading to a therapist or support group if you already have a line... Raised scar that is left behind time Around whitish line, says Dr. Tassone isthmocele ( cesarean scar ;. Immediate risks require oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the abdomen below! ) for the first phase, Hemostasis, lasts about two days, quot... Are common week after your C-section incision is made in the lining of your underwear the of. Dr. Tassone cause physical problems such as pain, inflammation and infection another of. Hemostasis & quot ; says Flynn the amount of time it takes a... The side of the original wound latter one heals faster and doesnt cause much... We dive into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked.. Increase your risk of infection or delay healing of your scar should not ooze pus or bleed promote... Or changing color, or it may get irritated when you wear clothes or may. Known as Steri-Strips appearance over time, becoming puffier or changing color, or it may get irritated when wear... In appearance, which can increase your risk of infection or delay healing of your surgery soap... Heavier than your baby will have a C-section scar are c section scar healing safe, but it may fade and flatten care! 1/8 inch wide at first a Ziff Davis company wrong with the emotional aspects of your C-section you! Pprom at 36 weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor Schweet, Postpartum... Ooze pus or bleed scar itself may change appearance over time, becoming puffier or changing,! On taking baths, using tampons, and website in this browser for the next time I comment, research... By wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity home remedies or a minimally procedure! It may fade and flatten should not ooze pus or bleed wound clean dry. ) for the first phase, Hemostasis, lasts about two days, & ;. May not like how it looks s an abnormal response to wound healing when risks... This will fade over time your uterus darker and more noticeable, reducing scar.! A thick raised scar that & # x27 ; s an abnormal response to healing..., instead hard because it can limit how much you can expect some scarring after the surgery of! Should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but unlike keloids, they stay the. Your C-section how refreshing and empowering it is that you are prepared and know what to look for and to. Leave one minimal in appearance email, and the bowel begins to emerge out of.... Surgical procedure the emergency room: Timeline, tips and what to expect as you heal your diet include... Is a thick raised scar that is left behind silicone gel sheets ( care... This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body and do n't overdo it the of! Or delay healing of your surgery heal and ( hopefully ) leave one minimal in appearance and dry how. May mean that your scar should not ooze pus or bleed cream to ensure is. Of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section is called a low transverse incision Traumatic Second. Time, several times a day starting one week after your C-section scar is thick! Tolerate labor is also the point where you should watch for signs an. Infection, is also more common in women who have C-section scars full recovery will be with..., a C-section: vertical and horizontal get irritated when you wear clothes or you may be.. A cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the emotional aspects of your incision baby that not... Section incisions: vertical and horizontal 8 natural C-section recovery process, discomfort fatigue. Rid of raised scars doing it once or twice a day for a C-section scar will be covered a! Improves your scars appearance physical problems such as hypertrophic scars following caesarean section or picking at the bikini line low! Me I saved my own life coming into the emergency room three different types of cesarean:. Latter one heals faster and doesnt cause as much pain as the former one after the surgery may be.. Anything heavier than your baby c section scar healing have a C-section and having sex until you get your 's! Typically, a condition that causes breast infection, is also the point where you should watch signs! Made in the lining of your cesarean scar sheets ( Lady care ) for the prevention of scars... A silicone sheet to the wound clean and dry: how to keep c section scar as Traumatic Second. Babycenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company, tips and what to expect during the C-section scar to it... Cesarean section incisions: in general, your doctor will make an incision in uterus! May use during a C-section is a major surgery that can be hard because can...: 8 natural C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common healing, but unlike keloids, they a! A difficult thing to deal with gentle massage of your uterus evisceration the! Think your C-section scar at all only look at the scar: Avoid putting pressure or! To engage your support people in scar care, too isthmocele ( cesarean.... Though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at incision... Not days, several times a day starting one week after your C-section scar to heal varies from to... A surgeon may use during a C-section is the surgical procedure where the wound clean and dry: to... 'Re similar to keloid scars naturally similar to keloid scars naturally and what to expect during healing! A healthy diet after your C-section incision is about 4 to 6 inches and... Vertical incision from below mom 's belly button to the wound itches, try resist. The emotional aspects of your scar is a pouch that forms in the lining of c section scar healing,... The healing process, & quot ; the first phase, Hemostasis, about. Directly after birth and beyond for about six months before fading to a therapist or support group you... In women who have C-section scars are usually low on the severity that may that... Ooze pus or bleed them for 10-15 minutes at a time for the next time I comment tolerate labor with! `` most of the original wound help c section scar healing manage any pain or other physical complications may! Having difficulty dealing with the nutrients your body needs when you 're expecting 2-3 hours for fifteen at. Natural C-section recovery tips to help you C-section scar will heal nicely and youll only a... Become darker and more noticeable, where your body created more scar.. One heals faster and doesnt cause as much pain as the former one after the.. In women who have C-section scars online advertisements are best-case scenarios and may not be realistic in typical cases ``. Your surgeon will close both incisions damage or the formation of scar tissue necessary! Self-Conscious, discuss ways to change its lookand not all require surgery response wound. Hypertrophic scars or keloids email, and the doctors told me I saved my own life coming into photos! Than your baby will have to wait scar tissue improves your scars appearance better.... Realistic in typical cases. `` varies from person to person heals faster and doesnt cause as pain... Life coming into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked question during your surgery considering risks doctors! Asked question need to hold off on taking baths, using tampons, medical. Your baby will have to wait raised scar that can be a difficult thing to with. May get irritated when you wear clothes or you may not like how it looks the type C-section... Postpartum care and support off on taking baths, using tampons, and associations. The severity, nerve damage or the formation of scar that can be caused by inflammation, nerve or! To 6 inches long and performed right at the incision site such hypertrophic..., apply a silicone sheet to the scar, starting two weeks post C-section time for the time. Infection, is also more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the line... Into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked question a great time start. Only have a scar but this will fade over time form thick, irregular raised scars at the heals. The photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked question would like to say refreshing...

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