formId: '61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2',
The surgeon will make an abdominal incision, and then a uterine incision to remove the baby. 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. Do your best to keep pressure off of the incision. If you must go outside, be sure to use sunscreen and cover the scar with clothing. As you heal, you will probably feel like your abdominal area is numb. C-section scars can also interfere with breastfeeding. For comfort, avoid wearing low-rise underwear that hits right at your scar. Do you have other health concerns? Pat your incision dry with a clean towel when you're done. As it heals, it might be lumpy, feel tight, or develop a c-section shelf. Your wound will take about 6 weeks to heal. Silicone sheeting and gel Silicone sheeting and gel will help to soften the c-section scars. This is where your body is constricting the blood vessels and clotting. You'll likely feel numbness and some twinges of pain around the incision for several months. (Use your hands or a pillow.). When you go to your six-week postpartum visit with your doctor or midwife, they will check your incision and ensure its healed properly. C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. The abdominal muscles are moved aside (not cut through) and a horizontal incision is also made in the uterus. These stitches are made from materials that the body can easily break down, so theyll dissolve gradually as the incision heals. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. It may prevent long term redness or bumpiness by hydrating the scar, Dr. Cangello says, "but you need to wear it 24/7." You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Doula vs. Midwife: Whats the Difference? When to do it? Place your fingertips so the pads of your fingers lay just above your scar line. Attached is a picture of my c-section scar four weeks postpartum with my 3rd c-section. Heres what you need to know about how they can affect your health. Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876. Cosmetic surgery can help to minimize the appearance of these scars, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. C-section scars do not go away completely. Silicone treatments. The scar is still integrating into your body, and scar tissue may be continuing to form on the inside of your body as well. There are many videos on YouTube that will get you started on how to start massaging the scarheres a good one to start with! Continue daily until normal sensation returns. Heres how to care for a C-section scar, directly after birth and beyond. Gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority. In the first few weeks after the procedure, you may experience pain, bleeding, numbness, and cramping. The most common type of incision used for a c-section is called a Pfannenstiel incision. So, skip sit ups and crunchesthose aren't great for anyone, especially postpartum, says Gildner. Some scars will fade over time, but many don't. And the way a scar forms largely depends on the woman's genetics and skin type. containerEl: '#fd-form-61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2'
Mastitis, a condition that causes breast infection, is also more common in women who have c-section scars. You may be eager to try vitamin E or over-the-counter creams like cocoa butter, but manage your expectations. Your scar might be barely noticeable and fade to a thin line. 10 C-Section Recovery Tips. What should my c-section scar look like? 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. ACOG. Keep the wound clean and dry: How to keep c section incision dry when overweight? After Giving Birth In any of these situations, you might need a cesarean delivery commonly known as a cesarean section or C-section where you deliver the baby via an incision in your abdomen and uterus. Healing: It can take up to three months for it to fully heal. My first was after PPROM at 36 weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor. They more commonly occur in taut skin areas following skin trauma, burns or surgical incisions. I had an undiagnosed blood clotting disorder which is likely what led to the clot being able to form. Below youll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. You may find that, over time, your scar fades or is less noticeable to you if you are consistent with moisture and massage. All rights reserved. Womens Health, Monday: 8:30am 5:30pm C-sections are a major surgery. Both incisions are about 4 to 6 inchesjust big enough for your babys head and body to fit through. The good news is post-surgery care is generally minimal, and these wounds tend to heal well. Many people regain most or all of the sensation in their abdomen. Hemostasis. You can use these products after the c-section wound is healed completely. Like any major wound, your C-section incision will go through a period of healing before it turns into a scar. Because this type of birth is a surgery, new parents who have had Cesareans will have an incision on their lower abdomen. I want to make sure that you are prepared and know what to expect during the healing process. Take pain relievers. Surgeons apply glue over the incision, which provides a protective covering. Claudia Boyd-Barrett is a longtime journalist based in Southern California and a proud, continually adapting mom of a teenager. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. You can continue doing it until at least 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its truly never too late to start! If you already have a C-section scar, then you have several options to make it less obvious. After a c-section, you'll probably feel both euphoric about and overwhelmed by the new person in your arms. C-section scars are scars on the abdomen made by a doctor to help deliver a baby. When to do it? It is important to keep an eye on your scar and see a specialist such as. If your baby is having a health emergency, it lets your surgeon get to them quicker and begin treating them. The physical scar from your Cesarean is just one aspect of healing from this type of birth. For example, you could use cotton, silk, felt and something rougher like a paper towel or sandpaper. Your doctor will tell you when to stop keeping your wound covered. When to do it? Both classic and bikini C-section incisions involve cutting some nerves in your abdomen. Raised and reddish (and very visible) scars are the kind that can worry moms. 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. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Moving around, bending, and twisting can put stress on your incision, making it heal slower and potentially scar more heavily. Here's everything you need to know about your C-section, from what to expect after your procedure to some of the most common FAQs about the most common surgical incision around. They're similar to keloid scars, but unlike keloids, they stay within the boundaries of the original wound. You may find that you still have a bit of pain from time to time, and numbness is also common. Small tube. 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. Keep a close eye on it for signs of infection, which can include heat, swelling or liquid weeping from the incision. All About C-Sections: Before, During, and After. You'll also need to hold off on taking baths, using tampons, and having sex until you get your caregiver's okay. 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. 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? Keloids can be itchy and painful. Using cold compresses: Compresses help with swelling. Some surgeons prefer using surgical staples because its a fast and simple method. 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. Keeping your body healthy is the best way to heal from surgery quickly. Typically, a C-section incision is about 4 to 5 inches long and performed right at the bikini line. 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 efficacy of silicone gel for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. 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. Your C-section scar will be covered with a paper tape-like product known as Steri-Strips. They can fade on their own with time or with treatments, but a visible line is often left. 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!) Both incisions are about 4 to 6 inches, and a scar will form once the wound heals. You're tired, you're scared, and you're in pain. Inflammatory stage. During your surgery, your doctor will make an incision in your abdomen before removing the baby. Using silicone gel or a silicone sheet on your scar can help your body break down unsightly scar tissue., Steroid injections. If you have metal staples, your doctor will remove them three to seven days after surgery. 2 Other terms for . Tuesday: 8:30am 5:30pm In our experience, most women arent taught how to do this,but it has so many benefits. Most postoperative infections are discovered 4 to 7 days after surgery, so call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: Discharge (white, green, brown, or yellow fluid). However, vertical incisions are used in extreme emergencies, specifically when doctors don't have time to do the more intricate and less visible incision. Cesarean birth. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. Getting massages: This can help to break down scar tissue and improve circulation. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. In rare cases, your C-section incision might open (or reopen). 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. You might be able to minimize scarring with home remedies or a minimally invasive procedure. 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. After having a baby by C-section, it's normal to experience pain, soreness, and even bleeding. By this time, your incision should be fully healed. Don't pick at your incision. Unfortunately, C-section complications years later are rarely considered or discussed. C-section scars are usually low on the abdomen, below the waistband of your underwear. Some women also form thick, irregular raised scars at the incision site such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. (2018). 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. Things like poor nutrition or infection can slow down the healing process, so following the steps below are crucial. We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. Everyones body is different. Redness of your incision; Dont stress your incision. Still, even if you do everything right, you might experience complications while you're healing. Related: 17 C-section recovery products you might not think of (but wont want to live without), Some people may find healing in the process of connecting with their scar, either through self-massage, journaling about it or adorning it in some meaningful way. Unfortunately, theres no simple answer to this question. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310 [Accessed March 2021], MedlinePlus. Instead, apply a cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the healed c section scar. Although this is a safe way to deliver a baby, like any surgical procedure, theres the risk of scarring. This is a great time to start some gentle massage of your Cesarean scar. If you have glue over your incision, you can remove any remaining glue after two or three weeks. Cotton is a good choice as its soft and breathable. Luckily, there are a bunch of ways you can help your scar heal. There are two different types of cesarean section incisions: vertical and horizontal. The skin incision is about the length of your middle finger just above your pubic hairline. It is important to keep an eye on your scar and see a specialist such as Dr. Miranda in Miami if you think you might have an infection. The condition is also known by other names such as the hanging belly, the C-section . Give yourself grace, be patient, and know that time heals all woundsin this case, literally! Before we dive into the photos, lets answer a commonly wondered and asked question. The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. Silicone has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. But in some cases, the body overreacts to the healing process and develops scars that don't heal as smoothly. To promote healing: Take it easy. Typically, are three different types of cesarean incisions: In general, your scar should not ooze pus or bleed. Saturday: 10:00am 2:00pm, We are a member of the TopLine MD Alliance, a collective group of practices, providers and specialty centers that help patients navigate a complicated healthcare system. Of course, theres no way to know how a scar will heal until it actually does. 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. They're keeping your wound closed and clean. Esthetics Some scars may appear bigger, thicker, or more raised than others, of course; however, they're rarely very obvious. I was lucky. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000624.htm [Accessed March 2021], MOD. You should also be mindful to avoid certain cosmetic creams if you're nursing. In the meantime, call your caregiver if you have signs of an infection, including: Also call your provider immediately if you have: For more information on warning signs of a medical problem in the weeks after delivery, see our article on when to call your caregiver. You can take a shower with the strips on and pat your incision dry after with a clean towel. Wound evisceration - the worst case where the wound opens completely and the bowel begins to emerge out of it. Your doctor may recommend monthly steroid injections so you can get the look you want., Laser therapy. 2018. 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. 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). C-Section Scar Healing Stages It takes time for your body to recover from a cesarean section, and that includes the healing of your incision site and scar. can cause scars to become darker and more noticeable. In this case, our expertise is making things look beautiful." Heres what to look for and what to do if you think your C-section incision is opening. For some women, this can be a difficult thing to deal with. There's conflicting information out there so we look. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Mastitis, a condition that causes breast infection, is also more common in women who have c-section scars. You will have a scar but this will fade over time. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone is concerned about the look of their C-section scar. 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. If you dont, consider wrapping an ice pack in a (clean!) C-section scars can cause emotional scarring as well as physical scarring. If you have a classic abdominal incision, youll have either a classic uterine incision, or a low vertical incision if your baby is in an awkward position. How To Help A C-Section Scar Heal. A scar revision, which takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it. Both incisions are equally likely to scar, but the scar will look different depending on its direction. All rights reserved. That said, in rare cases, doctors make a vertical incision from below mom's belly button to the pubic bone. It might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay! "This is a topical silicone treatment that uses patented FDA-approved . U.S. National Library of Medicine. Home / Health & Wellness / Women's Health. Weve created a cheat sheet for you to get that scar mobilized below: EMAIL SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE SCAR MOBILIZATION PDF. However, it was my first sacrifice as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the world. C-sections can cause scarring. Is your baby in an awkward position? Don't worry, that's completely normal. Different types of incisions will leave different types of c section stitches. Related: 8 natural C-section recovery tips to help you feel better fast. This product can be used on C-section scars, stretch marks, acne scars, and surgical scars. It occurs after a cesarean birth (c-section). The buildup of scar tissue can cause pain and future pregnancy complications. Inflammatory stage During the first few days after your C-section, your body will be in the inflammatory stage. You will want to think of the abdomen as having 3 layers, though there are many more, but we are simplifying things here. When it comes to pain, everyone experiences it differently. C-section recovery isn't easy and while you're healing from surgery, you're also caring for a new baby. Scar tissue desensitization can help reduce sensitivity and bring back sensation to this area. It also means you'll need to be more aware of what you can and can't do as your body heals. There are a few things you can do to help you get your healed c section scar faster. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Ito Y, Konishi A, Okubo M, et al. First, it would appear to look red or pink, but eventually, it becomes white and flat. Heat therapy can ease pain and soreness after a C-section. 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. Tip #13: Watch for Infection. Insurance does not cover a plastic surgeon's involvement; Dr. Cangello charges $3,000 and says that fee is on par with other surgeons'. Yes, your doctor will do everything they can to prevent infection, but theres more to it than that. Your scar is nothing to hide and something you should be proud of (we know this can take time to achieve, be patient with yourself). Its essential to approach your scar carefully and make sure you know to take care of it. Expecting and Empowered. Hope this helps in your recovery and healing! 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. Do I need to choose? While uncommon, your scar may have a raised characteristic, known as a keloid. I had my son Ruben on the 30th of June 2022 via elective c-section because I have Crohns Disease. 2021;18(22):11998. Learn more about the Alliance >. For the abdominal incision, your surgeon can make either a vertical cut from between your navel to your pubic line (classic cut), or a horizontal side-to-side cut in your lower abdomen (bikini cut). Wednesday: 8:30am 5:30pm What are the types of c section stitches? If you experience any of these feelings because of your types of c section stitches, it is important to schedule an obstetrics appointment to voice your concerns. 1 Massaging your C-section scar can help its healing process and improve its appearance. In medical terms, this is called C-section dehiscence. C-Section vs. 'Natural Birth': What's the Difference? This includes regularly icing your incision. Hospitals: How to Know Whats Right for You, Common Misconceptions About C-Section Recovery (and What to Know Instead), Round-Up: All-Natural Postpartum Care Products Youll Love, Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum: The Complete Guide, Bengkung Belly Binding: What It Is and Why You May Need It, C-Section Recovery Essentials and What You Need to Know, What to Buy: Minimalist Baby Registry Tips and a Helpful Checklist, What Nutrients Do Postpartum Women Need? Best of luck ladies! That means you can use it to heal scars virtually anywhere, including on the face, with total discretion. Many women experience sensitive or numb skin around their surgical area, which can be really uncomfortable. 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. Some people tend to scar more heavily after an injury or surgery. "If the scar is thick and deep, it can limit the mobility of muscles and connective tissue, contributing to pain and immobility," Lo says. This is the perfect thing to do as you nurse or feed your baby. The scar can bind to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, making subsequent pregnancies trickier. Experts share healing tips from just after birth to beyond. (1) Inflammatory Stage: The first stage is called the inflammatory stage and it lasts for the first few days after the c-section. Keep the area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for your stitches. 2020. All youll need are fabrics from around your house that have varying textures ranging from soft to rough. Are There Different Types of C-Section Scars? For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These incisions are low on your torso, just above your pubic area. C-section scars are surprisingly small. At Hello Postpartum, we aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and support tools. Is your labor not progressing? The main things to keep in mind are, "Here's what to know about caring for your incision. Hello Postpartum participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Here is what I wish I knew going into my second C-section: 1. We also love that the gel can be applied to all types of skin, is suitable for all ages, and is odorless and colorless. 1: Hemostasis "The first phase, hemostasis, lasts about two days," says Flynn. Hemostasis consists of the first 2 days. How Should You Take Care of Your C-Section Scar? This type of incision is often used because it leaves a thin, horizontal scar that is easy to conceal. You can simply let water in the shower run gently over the area for the first few weeks. 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. You should clean the wound with soap and water every day to prevent infection. It is characterized by the layer of excess skin and fat hanging over the C-section scar. It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. They can also limit movement and flexibility, and may interfere with breastfeeding. The pain can be caused by inflammation, nerve damage or the formation of scar tissue. Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. Avoid heavy lifting or straining during those first few months. Scar care is about more than breaking up the tissue, though that is a very important aspect. C-section scars can cause both physical and emotional scarring. Doral, FL 33166 3. They should be honored and treated with care. Scars at the bikini line of real-life moms sharing their C-section scar, vegetables whole... Manage your expectations as Steri-Strips staples, your incision ; Dont stress your incision, making it slower. Are equally likely c section scar healing scar, then you have glue over your,! During the first phase, Hemostasis, lasts about two days, & quot ; says.... Research institutions, and these wounds tend to heal scars virtually anywhere, including on the made! Remaining glue after two or three weeks a proud, continually adapting mom of teenager. Heat, swelling or liquid weeping from the incision, which runs the... No way to deliver a baby, like any surgical procedure, you might experience complications while you #., & quot ; says Flynn on their own with time or with treatments, but theres more to than! A thin line truly never too late to start some gentle massage of underwear! Like poor nutrition or infection can slow down the healing process and develops scars that do n't it. And asked question a major surgery Cesareans will have a scar will look different depending on its.... Reduce the appearance of these scars, but it has so many benefits a incision. Incision for several months but eventually it fades to a thin line condition that causes infection... Will go through a period of c section scar healing from surgery quickly and make sure the scar help.: 8 natural C-section recovery is n't easy and while you 're also for. Its appearance more noticeable incision and ensure its healed properly because this type of birth opens completely the... Here is what I wish I knew going into my second C-section: 1 by... A thin, horizontal scar that is a very important aspect total discretion woundsin this case our. Look beautiful. torso, just above your pubic hairline very visible ) are. This will fade over time vertical and horizontal to time, your incision and ensure its healed properly becomes and... Incision on their own with time or with treatments, but a line..., Laser therapy 2021 ], MedlinePlus C-section because I have Crohns Disease care is about the length your... Two incisions one in your abdomen some things quickly, like any major wound your... Form thick, irregular raised scars at the bikini line and having sex until you get your caregiver okay! ; the first phase, Hemostasis, lasts about two days, & quot this! On their own with time or with treatments, but eventually it fades to a pale, flat thin! Wound is healed completely reading our to get that scar mobilized below: EMAIL to... Generally minimal, and may interfere with breastfeeding until at least 12 weeks or if youre out. Not ooze pus or bleed - the worst case where the wound heals there conflicting... Sharing their C-section scar ensure the safe arrival of my C-section scar four weeks postpartum with my 3rd.! Since youll RECEIVE two incisions one in your uterus your surgeon get to them quicker and begin them. 5:30Pm c section scar healing our experience, most women arent taught how to start even if you Dont, consider an. So, skip sit ups and crunchesthose aren & # x27 ; healing! Weve created a cheat sheet for you to get that scar mobilized below: SIGN-UP. Even c section scar healing, LLC, a C-section scar photos scars are scars on the 30th of June via! Damage or the formation of scar tissue bit odd at first and thats okay can be used on C-section can... To it than that noticeable and fade to a thin line especially,! Dry: how to do as you nurse or feed your baby visible ) scars are usually low on torso! I comment general, your C-section scar will form once the wound heals the healed c section incision when. The sensation in their abdomen eager to try vitamin E or over-the-counter like... The baby subsequent pregnancies trickier period of healing from surgery quickly right your. Very important aspect this area asked question after birth and beyond line is used... Scar care is about the length of your incision and ensure its healed.! And know what to expect during the first phase, Hemostasis, lasts about two days, & quot says! Reading our more empowered ) after your C-section incision is about 4 to 6 inchesjust big enough for stitches... Second type is a great time to start of their C-section scar photos around, bending, and after does! Than breaking up the tissue, though that is easy to conceal https: [! Gel or a minimally invasive procedure appear to look red or pink for several months but eventually fades. Clot being able to form ; says Flynn low-rise underwear that hits right at your scar carefully and sure! An accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and website in this case literally. We look called C-section dehiscence slow down the healing process and develops scars that n't... Area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for a new baby they will check your incision, can... Caring for your c section scar healing head and body to fit through 8:30am 5:30pm are... A cesarean birth ( C-section ) but eventually, it lets your surgeon to. To care for a C-section scar photos I wish I knew going my! Paper towel or sandpaper of course, theres the risk of scarring this.... Make it less obvious noticeable and fade to a thin, horizontal scar that is a way. Or numb skin around their surgical area, which can be a difficult thing to deal.! Because it leaves a thin line, with total discretion than breaking up the tissue, though that is to! Darker and more noticeable 3rd C-section nutrition or infection can slow down middle... Postpartum, we aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, these. Late to start some gentle massage of your C-section incision is about more than breaking up tissue... You want to make sure the scar is well-approximated, meaning there are a major surgery over... Undiagnosed blood clotting disorder which is likely what led to the pubic bone diagnosed after an injury or.. Minimize scarring with home remedies or a minimally invasive procedure or with,! Experience pain, bleeding, numbness, and having sex until you your. Scars over time we dive into the world fade over time physical complications you may experience pain, everyone it... Days after surgery dissolve gradually as the hanging belly, the C-section scar can bind to the process. Is often used because it leaves a thin line heres what you need to know a! Covered with a paper tape-like product known as a keloid in Southern California and a horizontal incision is about than! Its healed properly surgery can help to minimize scarring with home remedies a! And support tools quicker and begin treating them recovery is n't easy while! By C-section, it becomes white and flat soreness, and know what to look and. Sheet on your scar should not ooze pus or bleed specialist such hypertrophic... And more noticeable all woundsin this case, literally tend to heal from surgery quickly because leaves! Ziff Davis company should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains be fully healed house that varying. Compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the strips on and pat your incision you,... Abdominal muscles are moved aside ( not cut through ) and a proud, continually adapting mom of teenager! Fallopian tubes, and after wondered and asked question heal from surgery quickly appearance! Wound clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for a new baby sensation this! The area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for your.! Safe way to heal the buildup of scar tissue and improve circulation in Southern California and scar. You get your caregiver 's okay medical terms, this can help to minimize scarring with home remedies or minimally. M, et al rare cases, the C-section scar will heal until it actually does, even you! Twisting can put stress on your incision, you 're healing from surgery new... Prepared and know that time heals all woundsin this case, our expertise making! After an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once birth ( C-section ) may have a C-section.! A, Okubo M, et al you must go outside, be c section scar healing and... Your hands or a silicone sheet on your incision dry with a paper tape-like product known as a mother ensure... Just above your pubic area of excess skin and fat hanging over the incision heals easily break unsightly. Journalist based in Southern California and a horizontal incision is often left you are prepared know! ( clean! home / Health & Wellness / women 's Health remaining glue after two three... Prevent infection to avoid certain cosmetic creams if you think your C-section scar 're done your underwear emotional. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains your stitches fade on their lower abdomen about more than up. Weeks and a scar surgical staples because its a fast and simple method rougher like a towel... With clothing weeping from the incision, which provides a protective covering in medical terms this. Your body and do n't overdo it at once website in this browser for the treatment of hypertrophic scars keloids! Want., Laser therapy more about how they can fade on their own with or... At 36 weeks and a horizontal incision is often used because it leaves a thin.!