Following recovery, deep c-section scar tissue massage paired with proper exercises can release tissue and encourage proper collagen alignment. This type of scar is less common & can be more difficult to heal. Updated February 28, 2023. 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. C-section pain is caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue or irritation to the wound as it heals. You'll likely feel numbness and some twinges of pain around the incision for several months. A hypertrophic scar is harmless, but it may get irritated when you wear clothes or you may not like how it looks. 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 (?) Weve created a cheat sheet for you to get that scar mobilized below: EMAIL SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE SCAR MOBILIZATION PDF. Your doctor may recommend monthly steroid injections so you can get the look you want., Laser therapy. Since they're usually made below the pubic hairline, you might not see your C-section scar at all. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You should apply them for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day for a healed c section scar. 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). All rights reserved. cover/bandage, which will be removed at week 4/day 28., Incision type: low transverseClosure: dissolvable stapes, I had an unplanned c-section six months ago to a healthy, beautiful boy. Take pain relievers. Do cesarean scars heal? You should clean the wound with soap and water every day to prevent infection. Luckily, there are a bunch of ways you can help your scar heal. It is best to treat a scar when it has just initially formed, and the skin has healed back together. That said, in rare cases, doctors make a vertical incision from below mom's belly button to the pubic bone. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. More blood and oxygen to the area is great for overall healing after a C-section. If you go home with a dressing (bandage) over your incision, change it once a day, or sooner if it gets dirty or wet. Your scar will be 10-20cm long and is usually just below your bikini line. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. Take your pain meds! Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. It has. Activities like spinning can be great for postpartum women who are having trouble walking, but be wary of leaning over and putting too much strain on a C-section scar. 2022 Hello Postpartum. It turns out it just has thicker scar tissue there. Its important to know that a C-section isnt just one incision or cut, but rather two. Scar massage can promote healing, lessen itching, and loosen the skin around the scar, which can allow for increased range of motion. Instead, apply a cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the healed c section scar. As with any major surgery, a C-section can affect your health for weeks and months afterward. The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Keep in mind that while its normal to have some numbness at the incision site, numbness typically improves within a few weeks. });
. As far as closing skin on the abdomen, surgeons can use one of several methods at their discretion. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. You can also undergo C-section scar surgery. The method aims to eliminate the scar and improve the overall skin appearance of the lower abdomen and pelvic region. 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. That was my only option, so I wasnt disappointed or shocked that things went that way like some mothers can be. Expecting and Empowered. Eating healthy: A healthy diet can help your body heal faster. Some physicians attempt to counter the effect by injecting cesarean wounds with a steroid called Kenalog at the time of surgery, but the results are mixedas are treatments such as lasers and injections of interferon. So you can expect some scarring after the incision heals. C-Section Revision Surgery. 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. We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. They can also refer you to a therapist or support group if you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of your scar. After a c-section, according to Healthline, it's possible for endometrial tissue to begin to grow in the incision site. Pros. Usually, your scar will become thinner and flatter and will turn either white or the color of your skin. Still have questions about your scars? It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. A Cesarean scar happens when you deliver a child through a Cesarean section, also known as a C-section. Raised and reddish (and very visible) scars are the kind that can worry moms. This can make it difficult to do things like bend over or lift heavy objects. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). Using cold compresses: Compresses help with swelling. 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. How Should You Take Care of Your C-Section Scar? The pain can be caused by inflammation, nerve damage or the formation of scar tissue. Etkin adds, Scars are an invitation to be in close relationship with our bodies. 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. This can cause fever, chills, redness, pain and drainage from the wound. There are practical ways to help you c-section scar heal and (hopefully) leave one minimal in appearance. Be gentle with the scar: Avoid putting pressure on or picking at the scar. If youve often wondered why does my c section scar itch, this will help to reduce itching and discomfort. We avoid using tertiary references. Appointments & Locations. (305) 665-1133 In most cases, you'll recover easily and quickly (within 6 to 8 weeks) and have just a small scar. You can minimize abdominal pain after a C-section by wearing loose clothing and avoiding strenuous activity. It is important to keep an eye on your scar and see a specialist such as. This includes regularly icing your incision. The goal is to allow the area to heal again with a less noticeable scar. Lasting pain should be addressed by your healthcare professional. A scar massage can prevent these complications and . High-waisted underwear can also be comfortable after a c-section. 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. Going home after a c-section. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If youre feeling self-conscious, discuss ways to minimize these scars with your doctor. If you have glue over your incision, you can remove any remaining glue after two or three weeks. We'll tell you if it's safe. Miami, FL 33143 The good news is post-surgery care is generally minimal, and these wounds tend to heal well. Hope this helps in your recovery and healing! Heres how to care for a C-section scar, directly after birth and beyond. Medical lasers can help soften old scars and get rid of raised scars. The physical scar from your Cesarean is just one aspect of healing from this type of birth. Nerve damage after a C-section may improve in the months following delivery, in which case your doctor can recommend a corticosteroid injection to relieve pain. Once the scar heals, you may only have a faded line thats barely noticeable. Symptoms include mass or lump in the surgical scar that may cause pain and even bleeding. Scar tissue is like the roots of a tree it grows in all directions and reaches down into your connective tissue. This means that millions of parents have C-section scars. Some people find that their c-section scar hurts a lot, while others experience only minor discomfort. It is important to be patient and let your body heal naturally. An infection can occur if germs spread to the surgical site. Your hospital may send you home with extra gauze to change twice daily. Heat therapy can ease pain and soreness after a C-section. Gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority. 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? When it comes to pain, everyone experiences it differently. They more commonly occur in taut skin areas following skin trauma, burns or surgical incisions. Inflammatory stage. If you lift too much too soon, it can impact how your incision heals. C-sections can cause scarring. Less commonly, If the damage to your uterus is extensive and the bleeding can't be controlled, you'll need a hysterectomy. Glue was used, and all the doctors and nurses say my OB did a beautiful job., This was my second elective c-section birth.. Most C-section scars heal within a matter of weeksor months. They come off most easily when wet, so remove them right after a shower. It might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay! 10 C-Section Recovery Tips. 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. Its completely normal to have emotions around your childs birth and there is nothing wrong with you if you feel nervous about touching or looking at your scar, thinking about it, or if you still need time to process the birth itself and/or how your body has changed. Getting plenty of rest: Healing takes a lot of energy, so make sure to get plenty of rest. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310 [Accessed March 2021], MedlinePlus. 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. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Dissolvable stitches are used to close your uterus. Give yourself grace, be patient, and know that time heals all woundsin this case, literally! 2018. 2 Other terms for . As the wound heals, a small scar will form in its place, eventually fading to a pale, thin line, although it can vary from person to person. Silicone treatments. 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. In our experience, most women arent taught how to do this,but it has so many benefits. If you have a bikini cut in your abdomen, your surgeon will also make a bikini cut uterine incision, called a low transverse incision. Over-the-counter pain medication can also ease pain. Below youll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy, C-Section Wound Care: What to Know After Birth, Birthing Centers vs. 3. Its also important to engage your support people in scar care, too. Take time to rest and let things heal before you get back to your daily routine. C-section recovery isn't easy and while you're healing from surgery, you're also caring for a new baby. C-section patients typically stay in the hospital for two to four days before going home. This can cause the wound to open up and become infected. How they heal differs among people and the scar size can vary. The scar tissue can block the milk ducts, making it difficult for the baby to nurse. Vertical cuts are more common in emergency C-sections because they are faster. ACOG. Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes) . It's essential to approach your scar carefully and make sure you know to take care of it. Some clinical studies have shown that onion extract used orally or on the skin might possibly be effective in improving the appearance of keloid scars and reducing itchiness and discomfort. Infection is another possible complication of c-section scars. 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. DOI: Taking care of my scars with massage. . The surgeon will make an abdominal incision, and then a uterine incision to remove the baby. "You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger," Lo says. The C-section scar itself may change appearance over time, becoming puffier or changing color, or it may fade and flatten. Healing: It can take up to three months for it to fully heal. Although your incision is healed, that doesnt mean you wont still have some tenderness (or sometimes, numbness) in the area of your scar. 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. 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. 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. cause pain and future pregnancy complications. Don't rub or scrub your incision, just let soap and water run over it. The skin incision is about the length of your middle finger just above your pubic hairline. window.fd('form', {
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For two to four days before going home the roots of a tree it grows all! It differently always know the source of the information you 're healing from this type of birth overgrowth of is! Therapy can ease pain and soreness after a C-section and a horizontal incision is also made in surgical. Always know the source of the stomach by insurance ( check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps ) tissue there made. Scar is less common & can be used on C-section scars are the kind that can worry moms of...