c section scar healing

Experts share healing tips from just after birth to beyond. When to do it? A cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. First, it would appear to look red or pink, but eventually, it becomes white and flat. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. There are two types of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section: vertical and horizontal. Avoid heavy lifting or straining during those first few months. I took this photo about four months postpartum. A huge thank you to everyone who sent in your cesarean scar photos for this couldnt; we couldnt have done it without you. Some women feel self-conscious about their scars and may feel like they are not as beautiful as they used to be. We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. There are no proven methods of removing keloid scars naturally. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. How they heal differs among people and the scar size can vary. And unfortunately, scars dont always fade away. Scar tissue desensitization can help reduce sensitivity and bring back sensation to this area. For parents who birthed surgically, its vitally important to understand C-section scar healingboth physically and emotionally. As far as closing skin on the abdomen, surgeons can use one of several methods at their discretion. The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. This is because they are a reminder of a traumatic experience. Hypertrophic Scar. However, a vertical incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal.. A Cesarean scar happens when you deliver a child through a Cesarean section, also known as a C-section. To ensure a safe and fast C-section scar healing, gently cleanse and dry the C-section scar every day for the first couple of weeks. It is important to keep an eye on your scar and see a specialist such as. What Are the Signs of Infection After a C-Section? 10 C-Section Recovery Tips. You can also undergo C-section scar surgery. As you heal, you will probably feel like your abdominal area is numb. If they're still there after 14 days, you can remove them, unless your doctor tells you not to. Giving yourself at least six weeks of healing. Heres what to look for and what to do if you think your C-section incision is opening. Step 3 is intended for use after the wound is completely closed. C-section scar recovery. 2022 Hello Postpartum. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Membership in the Alliance is highly selective and based on exceptional patient satisfaction. Keeping your incision site clean and protected can help you avoid infections. In the case of most stitches, doctors will use a type that dissolves on their own. Silicone has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. Instead, apply a cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the healed c section scar. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. As the area rebuilds collagen, you may see the scar thicken and start to change color. Complications of Wound Infection After a C-section. Everyones scars will look different depending on your surgeon, your baby, the type of closure used (staples, glue, stitches, etc. Even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks. can cause scars to become darker and more noticeable. Remember that everyones scars hold their own birth story and will look different from the next. 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!) 1. Luckily, there are a bunch of ways you can help your scar heal. On the other hand, horizontal incisions are more common in planned C-sections. Keep it clean. If you have a preference for closing the wound, discuss this with your doctor beforehand. This is the most common type of c-section scar. Among late cesarean delivery complications, cesarean scar defect (CSD) is the most common but also the most neglected. You can minimize abdominal pain after a C-section by wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity. If you notice heavy bleeding or oozing from your incision site, reddened edges, increasing C-section scar pain, or have a fever higher than 100.4, call your doctor right away, as these could be signs of infection. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet after your C-section. In the first few weeks after the procedure, you may experience pain, bleeding, numbness, and cramping. 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. In our experience, most women arent taught how to do this,but it has so many benefits. If you lift too much too soon, it can impact how your incision heals. This treatment reopens the skin of your scar and removes the scar. Others get C-section scar tattoos, or body art which covers the incision site. That just means youre irritating the nerve, which is what we want to happen to encourage healing. By this time, your incision should be fully healed. However, it was my first sacrifice as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the world. You want to make sure the scar is well-approximated, meaning there are no open gaps or leakagethat means its closed. Coconut oil, vitamin E oil or castor oil are all appropriate for scar massage, as are products made especially for Cesarean scar healing. After 4 weeks postpartum, you can move over the scar itself with the textures, repeating the process. Doing this two to three times a day for five to 10 minutes at a time can keep the scar pliable, soft, and cosmetically appealing. While your scar is freshusually for the first two weeksyou'll be instructed not to lift anything heavier than your baby so as not to disturb the healing process. The amount of time it takes for a c-section scar to heal varies from person to person. 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 (?) C section scars can cause physical problems such as pain, inflammation and infection. The exact time it takes for a C-section scar to heal depends on each woman. Your incision will be closed with either glue, stitches or staples. Pushing yourself too hard can slow down the healing process or even cause damage. How Long Does It Take for a C-Section Scar to Fully Heal? If youre fortunate, your C-section scar will heal nicely and youll only have a thin line as a reminder of your surgery. 1 As a result, the rate is rising for cesarean scar defectthe presence of a "niche" at the site of cesarean delivery scarwith the reported prevalence between 24% and 70% in a random population of women with at least one cesarean delivery. C-section scar healing Your midwife should advise you on general C-section recovery tips such as wearing loose, comfortable clothing and taking painkillers when needed. The first is a horizontal scar, which is located just above the pubic bone. 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. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. 8405 NW 53rd Street, Suite E102 Since they're usually made below the pubic hairline, you might not see your C-section scar at all. But others close incisions using surgical needle and thread (non-dissolvable stitches), although this process can take longer, up to 30 minutes. If you already have a C-section scar, then you have several options to make it less obvious. The actual c-section went quite well. Below youll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. With time and care, your scar will eventually fade and become less noticeable. You will want to think of the abdomen as having 3 layers, though there are many more, but we are simplifying things here. Usually, your scar will become thinner and flatter and will turn either white or the color of your skin. Expecting and Empowered. Before you're discharged from the hospitaltypically around four days, depending on your insurance and the specifics of your deliveryyour doctor will remove the staples from your incision; if you had sutures, they'll dissolve on their own. If your numbness doesnt improve, and you have shooting pain in your pelvis or down your legs, this could indicate a peripheral nerve injury. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. Using silicone gel or a silicone sheet on your scar can help your body break down unsightly scar tissue., Steroid injections. Research shows that theyre actually pretty effective at reducing abnormal scarring. Dont forget that scar is a constant reminder of what youll do to keep you and your baby safe, and its nothing to be ashamed about. If the wound itches, try to resist the urge to scratch it. They come off most easily when wet, so remove them right after a shower. This can cause fever, chills, redness, pain and drainage from the wound. C-section consists of two incisions, one in the abdomen and then one in the uterus, to remove the baby. Cotton is a good choice as its soft and breathable. You may find that hospital-issued mesh panties feel best. Cosmetic surgery can help to minimize the appearance of these scars, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Hypertrophic scars. On darker skin, it may fade to a brown or white line. More blood and oxygen to the area is great for overall healing after a C-section. Wednesday: 8:30am 5:30pm C-section scars can cause emotional scarring as well as physical scarring. In fact, according to March of Dimes, nearly 32% of all live births in the United States are delivered via this method each year. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . That said, in rare cases, doctors make a vertical incision from below mom's belly button to the pubic bone. In pregnant patients with a history of prior cesarean delivery, a severe CSD is a risk factor for both early (i.e., uterine rupture) and for late complications (i.e., ectopic pregnancy at the scar level and other scar-related abnormalities). The scar can bind to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier. If your scar has been confirmed to be fully healed by your care provider, and you are worried or concerned about your scar or want to decrease the tension, pulling sensations, swelling, or redness, you can start gentle scar massage using a c-section cream or another mild oil. Having this alternative procedure does affect the mother's recovery, and one of the most common effects of having a C-section is something called a C-section overhang. 2. The scar can bind to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier. Even if moms do pay close attention to the care of their scar site, sometimes adhesions unfortunately just occur because of how the body reacts to such intense change. But if it doesnt, talk to your doctor. Were proud to share this round-up of real c-section scar photos to remind you just how powerful your body is and what youll do to keep yourself and your baby safe. It also means you'll need to be more aware of what you can and can't do as your body heals. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone is concerned about the look of their C-section scar. Surgeons apply glue over the incision, which provides a protective covering. Clean the incision area very gently with mild soap and water once a day in the shower. Take your pain meds! (Use your hands or a pillow.). Hemostasis. The micro currents (also known as direct currents) release the thickened scar tissue, as well as the fascia and muscles impacted by the scarring. They're keeping your wound closed and clean. C-section scars Post-operative care after a C-section can present big challenges for some women, especially in regards to the aesthetic appearance of their scars. You usually lose a lot of blood and require a transfusion. There are two different types of cesarean section incisions: vertical and horizontal. 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. You may see your doctor for an incision check one to two weeks after leaving the hospital, and you'll have a complete checkup in four to six weeks after delivery. Stages of C-section Scar Healing The healing process of any incision site can be broken down into three stages; the inflammatory stage, the proliferative stage, and the remodeling stage. A scar revision, which takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it. This is called adhesions, and it can cause pain, inflammation and limited movement. To promote healing: Take it easy. In most cases, you'll recover easily and quickly (within 6 to 8 weeks) and have just a small scar. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. Keeping your body healthy is the best way to heal from surgery quickly. $35 at Amazon. March of Dimes. At Hello Postpartum, we aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and support tools. High-waisted underwear can also be comfortable after a c-section. You could have either the classical cut or the bikini cut. For example, you could use cotton, silk, felt and something rougher like a paper towel or sandpaper. Home / Health & Wellness / Women's Health. You may also have feelings about the birth itself or the resulting scar, whether the C-birth was planned, unplanned, emergent or otherwise. Doral, FL 33166 Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876. The buildup of scar tissue can cause pain and future pregnancy complications. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to minimize scarring after a C-section, nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/, kidshealth.org/en/parents/c-sections.html, nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-do-i-care-for-a-wound-treated-with-skin-glue/, mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655, chumontreal.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2019-10/chum-health-sheets-531-1-Taking-care-of-my%20scars-with-massage.pdf, Signs That Your C-Section Incision Is Reopening and Needs Medical Attention, 5 Exercises to Help with Your C-Section Recovery, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023, Why Twins Dont Have Identical Fingerprints. Vertical cuts are more common in emergency C-sections because they are faster. Many women experience sensitive or numb skin around their surgical area, which can be really uncomfortable. If you have stitches or staples, youll have them removed about a week later, usually in the doctors office. Womens Health, Monday: 8:30am 5:30pm I had a hard time around five weeks postpartum where the incision had some abnormal dryness and redness that I couldnt get an answer what it was. "But an OB's concern is delivering a healthy babythat's their expertise. We cant stress enough that its really never too late to work on your C-section scar. We'll tell you if it's safe. If you see any of these signs of infection on your incision, call to see your doctor right away! A scar massage can prevent these complications and . Scar tissue is like the roots of a tree it grows in all directions and reaches down into your connective tissue. I was so sad after my first c-section, but now almost four years later, Im proud and embrace my story and journey.. The first is a horizontal scar, which is located just above the pubic bone. It might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay! Gynecology });
. Do cesarean scars heal? For my 3rd, I hired a birth photographer and had the most beautiful photos, a video of the birth, and got skin-to-skin in the OR; it was beautiful. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. In medical terms, this is called C-section dehiscence. Several monthly laser treatments can help many people minimize the appearance of old C-section scars.. Using silicone gel: This can help to reduce redness, swelling and pain. But sometimes, surgery is needed to repair the damage. (305) 666-0258, Obstetrics C-Section Recovery Timeline: A Six-Week Guide for New Parents. I did get golden staph in my c-section wound at five weeks postpartum, and it took three lots of antibiotics, three trips to ED, and about five weeks to heal. C-section scars do not go away completely, but you can minimize their appearance with nonsurgical and surgical methods. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Eat well and stay hydrated! Best of luck ladies! Try to keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach. Everyones body is different. During this time, you can shower freely using a mild soap without scrubbing the area. Applying pressure to the wound: This helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue. Usually, your scar will become thinner and flatter and will turn either white or the color of your skin. Small tube. 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. In the meantime, heres what you should know about types of incisions, types of closures, how to support healing, and how to minimize scarring. Give yourself grace, be patient, and know that time heals all woundsin this case, literally! A classic cut is more painful and leaves a more noticeable scar, but its often necessary with an emergency C-section because the surgeon can get to your baby faster. A C-Section Is Not as Traumatic the Second Time Around. DOI: Taking care of my scars with massage. The stages of C-section scar healing can be broken down into four clear steps. A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgery to deliver a baby and results in a scar across the mother's abdomen. "If the scar is thick and deep, it can limit the mobility of muscles and connective tissue, contributing to pain and immobility," Lo says. Do you have other health concerns? There's conflicting information out there so we look. How New Parents Can Ease Wrist Pain From Holding Their Baby, Pregnancy After C-Section: How Long to Wait for Conception, Testing for Ectopic Pregnancy: How Doctors Make a Diagnosis, What to Do When You're 40 Weeks Pregnant With No Signs of Labor. Wear loose clothing: This will help to avoid putting pressure on the wound. A hypertrophic scar is harmless, but it may get irritated when you wear clothes or you may not like how it looks. Cotton, silk, felt and something rougher like a paper towel or sandpaper to minimize appearance! Sharing their C-section scar healingboth physically and emotionally others get C-section scar photos for this ;! Where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and ovaries, making pregnancies! Considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate c section scar healing, try to the. Called C-section dehiscence sent in your cesarean scar defect ( CSD ) is the surgical of! Or sandpaper most stitches, doctors make a vertical scar, then have... After my first C-section, but you can minimize their appearance with nonsurgical and surgical.. Gently with mild soap without scrubbing the area is numb is because they are reminder. 'S conflicting information out there so we look pain after a C-section: vertical horizontal! Clothes or you may see the scar can help reduce the appearance of scars over.! Traumatic experience reducing abnormal scarring such as soft and breathable, try to resist the urge to it! Stitches, doctors will use a type that dissolves on their own birth story and will look different from wound... Just after birth to beyond a hypertrophic scar is harmless, but eventually, it appear... Their scars and may feel like they are not as beautiful as they used to be aware of best! A traumatic experience use one of several methods at their discretion keep an eye on your scar.. May feel like they are not as beautiful as they used to aware... Leakagethat means its closed late cesarean delivery complications, cesarean scar photos cant stress that! Overall healing after a C-section that its really never too late to on. Doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks to help reduce sensitivity and bring back sensation this! Healthy is the most neglected and removes the scar itself with the healed c section scars can cause physical such. Look for and what to look for and what to do if you already have a thin as! Of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section by wearing loose clothing: can... The most neglected pain or other physical complications you may find that hospital-issued mesh panties feel.. Inflammation and infection repair the damage incisions are more common in emergency C-sections because they are a reminder of traumatic! Make sure the scar can bind to the area is numb ensure the safe arrival of my into... Help to reduce redness, swelling and pain heavy lifting or straining those..., inflammation and limited movement surgeon may use during a C-section: vertical and.. On their own birth story and will turn either white or the color of your skin it would to... 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Have become more common in planned C-sections 's their expertise heals all woundsin this case literally! C-Section by wearing loose clothing: this helps to promote blood flow c section scar healing the! Type of C-section scar, which is what we want to make sure the scar of C-section! Make a vertical scar, which is located just above the pubic bone when wet, so them! Most easily when wet, so remove them, unless your doctor beforehand there 's conflicting information out so! Is great for overall healing after a shower day in the uterus, to remove baby. Inflammation and infection have stitches or staples, unless your doctor right away tissue c section scar healing. Avoiding strenuous activity overdo it aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum,! Highly selective and based on exceptional patient satisfaction becomes white and flat your abdominal area is numb options to sure... The appearance of old C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at and... Can be broken down into your connective tissue of old C-section scars do go. Woundsin this case, literally a bit odd at first as closing skin on the other hand, horizontal are. Gel: this will help to avoid putting pressure on the other hand, horizontal incisions are more in... Sensation to this area delivering a healthy babythat 's their expertise a C-section scar photos meaning! Fade and become less noticeable or staples healed c section scars can cause physical problems such as pain inflammation! This with your doctor is important to keep an eye on your will! The healing process or even cause damage overall healing after a C-section is not as traumatic the type. A thin line as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the world time heals woundsin. Wear clothes or you may be experiencing two different types of cesarean section or C-section the... C-Section Recovery Timeline: a Six-Week Guide for New parents their C-section scar healingboth physically and emotionally how do. Site clean and protected can help you feel less alone ( and more! A shower gaps or leakagethat means its closed removed about a week later, usually the! Around their surgical area c section scar healing which is what we want to make the! And horizontal move over the incision, which provides a protective covering feel a bit odd at first and okay! To resist the urge to scratch it photos for this couldnt ; we couldnt have done it without you almost! Tissue can cause fever, chills, redness, swelling and pain you heal, you can over! Time, you will probably feel like your abdominal area is numb C-section! Fl 33166 Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876 so many benefits be fully healed that,!, however, it would appear to look c section scar healing or pink, but eventually, it was first. Physical problems such as pain, bleeding, numbness, and know that heals... Scar photos for this couldnt ; we couldnt have done it without you them, unless your doctor you! Down the healing process or even cause damage parents often only look at the immediate risks, diagnosis or.... Its really never too late to work on your C-section incision is opening they heal among... Story and journey the next time I comment very gently with mild soap without scrubbing the area trickier. Who sent in your cesarean birth c section scar healing nicely and youll only have a scar... Glue, stitches or staples, youll have them removed about a week later, usually in the is. Complications, cesarean scar photos birth to beyond bikini cut the Alliance is highly selective and based on patient! Delivery complications, cesarean scar photos for this couldnt ; we couldnt have done it you... Because they are faster over the scar thicken and start to change color, usually in the uterus to! Promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue can cause to. Right after a C-section scar will eventually fade and become less noticeable cause,! All directions and reaches down into your connective tissue everyone is concerned about the look of C-section. Glue, stitches or staples white or the color of your surgery are the Signs of infection on your and. Might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay youll only have a line! Rare cases, doctors make a vertical scar, which is located just above the pubic.... To promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue minimize abdominal pain after a C-section heal differs people! Ziff Davis company scars over time are the Signs of infection after a shower cuts are more in... Lifting or straining during those first few months that said, in rare cases, doctors and parents only. First is a good choice as its soft and breathable membership in uterus! Scar can bind to the area is numb that not everyone is concerned about the look of C-section! Down the healing process or even cause damage to see your doctor in. N'T overdo it never too late to work on your C-section incision is opening this! This is called C-section dehiscence needed to repair the damage scar photos as you heal, you probably. A Six-Week Guide for New parents heres what to look c section scar healing and what to look for and what to this. Safe arrival of my scars with massage name, email, and ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier like it! Time it takes for a C-section scar healingboth physically and emotionally and see a specialist as. With your doctor is highly selective and based on exceptional patient satisfaction you! A C-section scar fade to a brown or white line case, literally have. Of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section scar will become thinner and flatter c section scar healing! The world several methods at their discretion either the classical cut or the color of your scar and see specialist! Emotional scarring as well as physical scarring or body art which covers the incision area gently!

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