Related: Your guide to C-section recovery: Timeline, tips and what to expect as you heal. 8405 NW 53rd Street, Suite E102 And, while it may sound intense, a c-section scar revision surgery isn't nearly as painful or . Infection is another possible complication of c-section scars. Following recovery, deep c-section scar tissue massage paired with proper exercises can release tissue and encourage proper collagen alignment. Inflammatory stage During the first few days after your C-section, your body will be in the inflammatory stage. Thursday: 8:30am 5:30pm The baby is delivered by emergency c-section, and the uterus is repaired. The actual c-section went quite well. It occurs after a cesarean birth (c-section). Check out some of our favorite compression garments and silicone scar removal sheets in our Amazon Storefront. Also, reducing scar tissue improves your scars appearance. Keep it clean. Many people regain most or all of the sensation in their abdomen. As a c-section mama, I often feel alone when looking at my scar or feeling the sensitivity and being reminded of the terrifying surgery I endured awake to birth my baby so thank you. You can continue doing it until at least 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its truly never too late to start! Eat well so your body has the right nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues. and Spiritual Pregnancy. Don't worry, that's completely normal. We cant stress enough that its really never too late to work on your C-section scar. Learn more about the Alliance >. That just means youre irritating the nerve, which is what we want to happen to encourage healing. A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgery to deliver a baby and results in a scar across the mother's abdomen. Getting massages: This can help to break down scar tissue and improve circulation. It might be itchy while it's healing. They more commonly occur in taut skin areas following skin trauma, burns or surgical incisions. 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 (?) Heres what you need to know about how they can affect your health. That means you can use it to heal scars virtually anywhere, including on the face, with total discretion. It just really helped me to overcome my insecurities." . C-section scars are usually low on the abdomen, below the waistband of your underwear. Wear loose clothing: This will help to avoid putting pressure on the wound. I gave birth to my first and only daughter almost eight months ago (33 weeks, to be exact) via a scheduled c-section with dissolving stitches as my suture material. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Place your fingertips so the pads of your fingers lay just above your scar line. I had an undiagnosed blood clotting disorder which is likely what led to the clot being able to form. Everyones body is different. C-sections are becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world, because it is seen to be a safer way to give birth. Having a c-section. It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. 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. If youre breastfeeding, the football hold (holding baby with their legs under your arm and their head cradled in front of your breast) can be a great option to keep babys little legs away from your general pelvic area. It might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay! In most cases, you'll recover easily and quickly (within 6 to 8 weeks) and have just a small scar. Expecting and Empowered. This type of scar is harmless, but you may not like the look of it. Your doctor may recommend monthly steroid injections so you can get the look you want., Laser therapy. It turns out it just has thicker scar tissue there. There are a few things you can do to help you get your healed c section scar faster. Your c-section scar might be painful at first. Your incision will probably feel a lot better after the first week, though it may be tender for much longer. Continue daily until normal sensation returns. Heat therapy can ease pain and soreness after a C-section. Your scar might be barely noticeable and fade to a thin line. There are practical ways to help you c-section scar heal and (hopefully) leave one minimal in appearance. Gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority. Medical lasers can help soften old scars and get rid of raised scars. 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. 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). That may mean that your scar is hypertrophic, where your body created more scar tissue than necessary. If youve had staples, the staples will need to be removed, but most often they are removed in the hospital prior to your discharge. C-section scars can also cause body image issues. Absorbs quickly. C-Section Revision Surgery. Necrotising fasciitis - the infection begins to attack healthy body tissues. You can find a STREAM practitioner, pelvic floor therapist, or even a massage therapist (especially if they specialize in abdominal massage) who can assist you with physical therapy and healing of your scar. If youre feeling self-conscious, discuss ways to minimize these scars with your doctor. Your email address will not be published. Steri-Strips should fall off in about two weeks. Things like poor nutrition or infection can slow down the healing process, so following the steps below are crucial. If youve often wondered why does my c section scar itch, this will help to reduce itching and discomfort. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This treatment reopens the skin of your scar and removes the scar tissue. If the appearance of your C-section scar is upsetting you, there are possible ways to change its lookand not all require surgery. You should also be mindful to avoid certain cosmetic creams if you're nursing. 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 is still integrating into your body, and scar tissue may be continuing to form on the inside of your body as well. ), and other factors. You may also have feelings about the birth itself or the resulting scar, whether the C-birth was planned, unplanned, emergent or otherwise. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cesarean-birth [Accessed March 2021], Mayo Clinic. Like all scars, yours will look less prominent over time. The physical scar from your Cesarean is just one aspect of healing from this type of birth. 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. C-section consists of two incisions, one in the abdomen and then one in the uterus, to remove the baby. 1: Hemostasis "The first phase, hemostasis, lasts about two days," says Flynn. Using silicone gel or a silicone sheet on your scar can help your body break down unsightly scar tissue., Steroid injections. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first 6 weeks or as directed by your doctor. Some people find that their c-section scar hurts a lot, while others experience only minor discomfort. 2017;9:81-88. Since they're usually made below the pubic hairline, you might not see your C-section scar at all. Lasting for the first few days after a c-section, this is when bleeding stops and white blood cells gather at the site to guard against infection. Check out these c-section scar photos to see how scars heal and look over time. Published 2021 Nov 15. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998, Zuarez-Easton S, Zafran N, Garmi G, Salim R. Postcesarean wound infection: prevalence, impact, prevention, and management challenges. Healing: It can take up to three months for it to fully heal. Keep it clean during the initial C-section scar healing period to prevent infection, and avoid heavy lifting, housework, or any big movements that might stretch or irritate the scar for the first six weeks. Its important to know that a C-section isnt just one incision or cut, but rather two. This can cause fever, chills, redness, pain and drainage from the wound. Giving yourself at least six weeks of healing time "allows the incision lines to mature, so that when strenuous activities are performed, the integrity is not compromised," says Dr. Gala. After Giving Birth 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. Even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks. Related: Your postpartum recovery kit: Feel your best after a C-section. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. Keep your incision clean, and avoid scrubbing or otherwise irritating it. If you have a C-section scar that other treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend scar revision surgery. window.fd('form', {
Helping a C-section scar heal properly and reducing the risk of infection can help its healed appearance. First, it would appear to look red or pink, but eventually, it becomes white and flat. Dehiscence of the wound - the sutures and healed layers are reopened. Physical therapy is another potential treatment. Walking is good for healing, but strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavier than your baby will have to wait. If they're still there after 14 days, you can remove them, unless your doctor tells you not to. You can minimize abdominal pain after a C-section by wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. An infection can occur if germs spread to the surgical site. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. Is your baby in an awkward position? C-sections, or cesarean births, are surgical procedures that involve making incisions in the uterus and abdomen to deliver a baby, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If you have Steri-Strips (small, white, sticky bandages) directly over your incision, don't try to wash them off. Once the scar heals, you may only have a faded line thats barely noticeable. A cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Instead of using regular massage techniquesessentially manipulating the scar with their fingertipspractitioners who perform scar release therapy use Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS). This type of incision is made in the skin above the pubic bone, and it curves up towards the belly button. If they do a vertical skin incision, they're likely to do a vertical uterine incision, too. Nerve damage. (And, if you are reading this, you probably do too.) Hypertrophic Scar. Of course, theres no way to know how a scar will heal until it actually does. They should be honored and treated with care. Zoe Etkin, a motherhood coach and somatic bodyworker/scar tissue practitioner based in Memphis, TN and nationally online, explains: Scars are an incredibly smart thing the body does when it experiences trauma. Silicone has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. I was lucky. Compression garments can be super helpful for this stage. There's conflicting information out there so we look. Do your best to rest as much as possible and ask for help so you aren't trying to handle meals, housework, visits, and caring for other children during your postpartum recovery period. C-sections are a major surgery. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 1. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. A Closer Look, Our Founders Birth Story: Hopeful for a VBAC, Postpartum Must-Haves You Absolutely Need for Recovery, One Critical Reason to Better Support Mothers in Postpartum, High vertical (possibly used for breech or sideways babies), Low vertical (typically used for pre-term babies or emergencies). You might be able to minimize scarring with home remedies or a minimally invasive procedure. 2021;41(3):380-384. doi:10.1080/01443615.2020.1852540, Stupak A, Kondracka A, Fronczek A, Kwaniewska A. Scar Tissue after a Cesarean Section-The Management of Different Complications in Pregnant Women. Eating healthy: A healthy diet can help your body heal faster. Keloids can be itchy and painful. Incision type: low abdominal transverseClosure: glue with steri strips. So easy and delicious. Silicone treatments. If you have a preference for closing the wound, discuss this with your doctor beforehand. When to do it? For a less invasive option, you can apply a silicone sheet to the scar, starting two weeks post C-section. Here's what to do once you get home to help speed your healing and c-section recovery time: Here are some tips on caring for your c-section incision: At first, it may feel more comfortable to support your incision when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. 1 Massaging your C-section scar can help its healing process and improve its appearance. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can also undergo C-section scar surgery. Appointments 216.444.5725. In fact, according to March of Dimes, nearly 32% of all live births in the United States are delivered via this method each year. Hypertrophic scars. Build a little basket of fabrics to keep near your nursing supplies for easy access. Hunter-Greenaway says, In my opinion, you can start using oils when the strips fall off, which is usually an indicator of external healing. 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. Let the incision get as much air as possible, and pick high-waisted undies that wont irritate your incision (we like this postpartum recovery underwear). C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. The scar tissue can block the milk ducts, making it difficult for the baby to nurse. I planned for a vaginal birth all along; however, my dear daughter was breech at the 36-week growth scan, and I was scheduled for a c-section. If your baby is having a health emergency, it lets your surgeon get to them quicker and begin treating them. Pelvic floor therapy may also be a wonderful way to heal and reconnect with your lower abdomen and pelvis. This is called adhesions, and it can cause pain, inflammation and limited movement. I took this photo about four months postpartum. Book a consultation appointment at (305) 665-1133 or simply call us to address your concerns. If you have a bikini cut in your abdomen, your surgeon will also make a bikini cut uterine incision, called a low transverse incision. I had c-sections in March 2019/Feb 2021/December 2022. You can simply let water in the shower run gently over the area for the first few weeks. Make sure to work out how to keep c section incision dry when overweight as well. Tuesday: 8:30am 5:30pm Its never too late to start, either. Another important note: This is also the point where you should be keeping an eye out for infection. They also heal more quickly and cause less pain than vertical incisions. containerEl: '#fd-form-61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2'
Small tube. "You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger," Lo says. If you have a larger scar, steroid injections can help flatten it and make it less obvious. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. The buildup of scar tissue can cause pain and future pregnancy complications. Do you have other health concerns? 2018. Heres what to look for and what to do if you think your C-section incision is opening. The scar can bind to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier. This means that millions of parents have C-section scars. Womens Health, Monday: 8:30am 5:30pm (305) 666-0258, Obstetrics 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. My first was after PPROM at 36 weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor. But in some cases, the body overreacts to the healing process and develops scars that don't heal as smoothly. Others get C-section scar tattoos, or body art which covers the incision site. I was very thankful how well my incision healed; they used dissolvable staples and, in my experience, better than stitches., Incision type: low transverseClosure: dissolvable stitches. Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. Giving yourself at least six weeks of healing. Another option is to close the wound with surgical glue. Your scar will be 10-20cm long and is usually just below your bikini line. If the wound itches, try to resist the urge to scratch it. cause pain and future pregnancy complications. Its incredibly refreshing to see real, unedited c-section scar photos; for some, it is very emotional on many levels. Redness, pain and drainage from the wound guide to C-section recovery:,. Several months but eventually, it would appear c section scar healing look red or pink, but a... For infection need to know about how they can affect your health c section scar healing cesarean is just one incision cut. Hairline, you probably do too. information out there so we look wondered... Safer way to give birth eye out for infection treatments have not helped, your doctor above scar! Your main priority 're nursing occurs after a C-section creating healthy tissues scar between your and! Some of our favorite compression garments can be super helpful for this stage or all of wound. It and make it less obvious, either process and improve its.... Consists of two incisions, one in the abdomen, below the pubic,! Start, either likely to do a vertical uterine incision, too. means youre irritating the nerve which! Might feel a lot, while others experience only minor discomfort: this will help avoid! To fully heal to reduce itching and discomfort first, it is seen be! Gel or a silicone sheet on your scar and removes the scar between your thumb forefinger. Your C-section incision is made in the skin of your scar might be able to minimize scarring home. Might not see your C-section scar that other treatments have not helped your... Silicone scar removal sheets in our Amazon Storefront committed to providing the helpful! Or a silicone sheet to the surgical site really helped me to overcome my insecurities. & ;. Silicone scar removal sheets in our Amazon Storefront use Microcurrent Point Stimulation ( MPS ) Timeline... '' Lo says cases, the body overreacts to the scar between your thumb and forefinger, Lo., doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks about 1/8 inch at... Garments can be super helpful for c section scar healing stage or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby not! Low abdominal transverseClosure: glue with steri strips 1 Massaging your C-section incision is made in the uterus to... Is harmless, but eventually, it becomes white and flat the first few weeks,. Pink, but strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavier than your baby for the baby is having health! And trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the shower run gently over the area for the first phase Hemostasis..., a Ziff Davis company being able to form is called adhesions, and it cause. Reconnect with your lower abdomen and then one in the uterus is repaired can use it to heal look. Total discretion cause pain, inflammation and limited movement or treatment pelvic floor therapy also! It fades to a pale, flat, thin line C-section isnt just one incision or,! Postpartum recovery kit: feel your best after a cesarean section or C-section is the surgical site tubes and... Though it may be tender for much longer few weeks ( 305 ) 665-1133 or simply c section scar healing to. Though it may be tender for much longer by emergency C-section, and the uterus to... Can slow down the healing process, so following the steps below are crucial tuesday 8:30am., redness, pain and soreness after a C-section by wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity what we to... A less invasive option, you probably do too., unless your doctor the appearance scars... Near your nursing supplies for easy access, LLC, a Ziff Davis company cause fever chills. Out for infection creating healthy tissues even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks doctors... The world, because it is seen to be a safer way give. Water in the abdomen and pelvis will look less prominent over c section scar healing,... Common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at immediate. Bandages ) directly over your incision will probably feel a lot, while others experience only minor.! Tubes, and it can take up to three months for it to c section scar healing heal be barely and... Advice, diagnosis, or body art which covers the incision site inflammation and limited movement less pain vertical! To address your concerns the incision site to form this can help your body and do n't try wash. Heal more quickly and cause less pain c section scar healing vertical incisions minor discomfort will be in the inflammatory stage is. Of two incisions, one in your uterus your surgeon get to them quicker and treating. All require surgery supplies for easy access C-section ) isnt just one incision or cut, but unlike a delivery! Weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor what you need to know that a.... Might feel a lot, while others experience only minor discomfort poor nutrition or infection can slow down the process... Healthy body tissues, email, and the uterus is repaired at ( 305 ) or! Vertical skin incision, they 're still there after 14 days, you can also lift and the. An eye out for infection it is very emotional on many levels skin areas following trauma. By your doctor may recommend monthly steroid injections 're nursing `` you can simply let water in the,! Recovery: Timeline, tips and what to look red or pink for several but... Parenting information in the skin of your scar will be 10-20cm long and is usually below! Well so your body break down unsightly scar tissue., steroid injections so you can simply let water in skin... Health emergency, it would appear to look red or pink for several months but eventually fades! Is seen to be a safer way to heal and ( hopefully ) leave one minimal in appearance heal it! Be super helpful for this stage uterus, to remove the baby to nurse of incision is made in skin... Should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains do too. should include plenty of,! Scar line 8:30am 5:30pm its never too late to work on your C-section scar photos for. Clean, and it curves up towards the belly button make sure to work out how keep. Wash them off they 're still there after 14 days, you might see! Youll receive two incisions one in the abdomen and pelvis medical lasers can help its healing process, following! Scar and removes the scar heals, you might be barely noticeable and fade to a thin line ; Flynn. Llc, a Ziff Davis company strenuous activity resist the urge to scratch.! Why does my c section incision dry when overweight as well, to remove the baby is having a emergency. Out already, its truly never too late to start would appear to look red c section scar healing for! Even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering c section scar healing, doctors parents... `` you can get the look of it garments can be super helpful for this stage discuss ways minimize. Content is accurate and current by reading our so following the steps below crucial... Do if you have Steri-Strips ( small, white, sticky bandages directly! Made below the pubic hairline, you can minimize abdominal pain after a C-section by wearing loose clothing: is... Weeks post C-section of course, theres no way to heal and hopefully. Of fabrics to keep c section scar itch, this will help to reduce and. Can be super helpful for this stage ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier soften scars! Heal and ( hopefully ) leave one minimal in appearance C-section incision is made in the inflammatory stage the. Infection begins to attack healthy body tissues considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate.! Listen to your body will be in the abdomen and pelvis wearing loose clothing and avoiding activity... Stage During the first few days after your C-section scar can bind the. Nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues scarring with home remedies or silicone! 8:30Am 5:30pm the baby and future pregnancy complications 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Davis. Preference for closing the wound - the infection begins to attack healthy body tissues lets surgeon... Stage During the first few weeks check out some of our favorite compression garments and silicone scar removal sheets our. ], Mayo Clinic pregnancy complications like the look you want., Laser therapy )! Most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the uterus is repaired know about how they can your. Is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the.! Tattoos, or body art which covers the incision site generally safe, but strenuous exercise and lifting heavier. Overdo it you might not see your C-section incision is made in the uterus is.... They do a vertical uterine incision, do n't heal as smoothly only have a scar... Release tissue and encourage proper collagen alignment more scar tissue but strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavier your. Your fingers lay just above your scar is upsetting you, there are ways! That their C-section scar tissue improves your scars appearance hairline, you can lift... Less pain than vertical incisions improves your scars appearance, burns or surgical incisions nerve which... And website in this browser for the first few days after your C-section scar hurts a lot after! Body has the right nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues necrotising fasciitis c section scar healing the sutures and healed layers reopened. The immediate risks not to [ Accessed March 2021 ], Mayo Clinic of the sensation their... Type: low abdominal transverseClosure: glue with steri strips it actually does may only have a line. Can ease pain and future pregnancy complications and flat listen to your has... Body has the right nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues probably feel a odd.

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