Hypertrophic Scar. The first is a horizontal scar, which is located just above the pubic bone. Everyones body is different. Build a little basket of fabrics to keep near your nursing supplies for easy access. 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. 2017;9:81-88. If you have tape covering your incision, you can apply an ice pack directly to your incision. What should my c-section scar look like? Using silicone gel or a silicone sheet on your scar can help your body break down unsightly scar tissue., Steroid injections. I had c-sections in March 2019/Feb 2021/December 2022. At first, your c-section scar will be slightly raised, puffy, and darker than the rest of your skin. In medical terms, this is called C-section dehiscence. After a c-section, according to Healthline, it's possible for endometrial tissue to begin to grow in the incision site. The amount of time it takes for a c-section scar to heal varies from person to person. Always follow your surgeons instructions for caring for your incision. Is your labor not progressing? Physical therapy is another potential treatment. A C-Section Is Not as Traumatic the Second Time Around. 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. We cant stress enough that its really never too late to work on your C-section scar. While scars can definitely make for a good storytime, most women are not excited about having a c-section scar. formId: '61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2',
Try to resist the urge to scratch the scar and instead, ask yourself why does my c section scar itch. (n.d.). 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. Insurance does not cover a plastic surgeon's involvement; Dr. Cangello charges $3,000 and says that fee is on par with other surgeons'. The stages of C-section scar healing can be broken down into four clear steps. 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. Doula vs. Midwife: Whats the Difference? They come off most easily when wet, so remove them right after a shower. Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. You will have a scar but this will fade over time. Appointments 216.444.5725. BioCorneum Advanced Scar Treatment + SPF 30. Avoid heavy lifting or straining during those first few months. These stitches are made from materials that the body can easily break down, so theyll dissolve gradually as the incision heals. If you have a bikini cut in your abdomen, your surgeon will also make a bikini cut uterine incision, called a low transverse incision. Many women experience sensitive or numb skin around their surgical area, which can be really uncomfortable. Check out these c-section scar photos to see how scars heal and look over time. Your c-section scar might be painful at first. You may find that, over time, your scar fades or is less noticeable to you if you are consistent with moisture and massage. Sometimes doctors will use adhesive strips that will fall off after a few weeks. Don't put any creams, lotions, or ointments on your incision without asking your doctor. Scar revision. The efficacy of silicone gel for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. I was not put to sleep but sedated, and I dont remember much from his delivery. Keep the area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for your stitches. For example, you could use cotton, silk, felt and something rougher like a paper towel or sandpaper. Do cesarean scars heal? It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. What Can You Do to Encourage C-Section Scar Healing? The buildup of scar tissue can cause pain and future pregnancy complications. However, I was pleasantly surprised. 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. However, a vertical incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal.. This treatment reopens the skin of your scar and removes the scar tissue. This means that millions of parents have C-section scars. Infection not only puts your health at risk, but it can also make scarring worse. Using cold compresses: Compresses help with swelling. 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. Managing movement with c section scars can be hard because it can limit how much you can move your abdomen. containerEl: '#fd-form-61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2'
Gynecology 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. Step 3 is intended for use after the wound is completely closed. When to do it? Not only does the surgeon need to make an abdominal incision, but they also need to make an incision in your uterus to remove your baby. if you think you might have an infection. 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. The glue gradually peels off as the wound heals. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/having-a-c-section.aspx [Accessed March 2021]. 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. Best of luck ladies! Other organs in the reproduction realm that may also form adhesions can be the . C-section scars do not go away completely. The type of incision used will affect the type of scar that is left behind. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences. You're tired, you're scared, and you're in pain. window.fd('form', {
In our experience, most women arent taught how to do this,but it has so many benefits. 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. An infection can occur if germs spread to the surgical site. If youve had staples, the staples will need to be removed, but most often they are removed in the hospital prior to your discharge. If you have a preference for closing the wound, discuss this with your doctor beforehand. to voice your concerns. Your wound will take about 6 weeks to heal. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Helping a C-section scar heal properly and reducing the risk of infection can help its healed appearance. Initially, the scar can be painful, and if left alone, scar tissue can be problematic, causing problems in your pelvic floor muscles and the abdominal wall. How to care for wound treated with skin glue. Silicone sheeting and gel Silicone sheeting and gel will help to soften the c-section scars. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Scar tissue is like the roots of a tree it grows in all directions and reaches down into your connective tissue. You may find that you still have a bit of pain from time to time, and numbness is also common. For parents who birthed surgically, its vitally important to understand C-section scar healingboth physically and emotionally. C-section scars can cause emotional scarring as well as physical scarring. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Hemostasis. Beginning four to six weeks post-surgery (get your doctor's clearance first), massage the scar, working it with a rubbing motionfirst side to side, then up and down; then diagonal. Applying pressure to the wound: This helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue. All About C-Sections: Before, During, and After. Keep a close eye on it for signs of infection, which can include heat, swelling or liquid weeping from the incision. A scar revision, which takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it. Here are the 3 best ways to take care of your C-section scar: The best way to prevent scar tissue from building up is to focus on controlling the inflammation around the scar. 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. What Are the Signs of Infection After a C-Section? 2021;18(22):11998. This treatment reopens the skin of your scar and removes the scar. This means taking it easyno heavy lifting or strenuous exercise of any kind. It might feel a bit odd at first and thats okay! Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. You may also have feelings about the birth itself or the resulting scar, whether the C-birth was planned, unplanned, emergent or otherwise. If youre fortunate, your C-section scar will heal nicely and youll only have a thin line as a reminder of your surgery. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. While uncommon, your scar may have a raised characteristic, known as a keloid. Its important to know that a C-section isnt just one incision or cut, but rather two. Compression is also amazing for reducing pain and swelling and protecting your incision area. It occurs after a cesarean birth (c-section). C-section scars are a form of cosmetic surgery, and as such they come with the same risks, benefits and side effects that any other form of cosmetic surgery does. As it heals, your scar will narrow to about 1/16 inch wide. Friday: 8:30am 3:00pm Here is what I wish I knew going into my second C-section: 1. Keeping your incision site clean and protected can help you avoid infections. Cesarean delivery is one of the most common surgical procedures in women, with rates of 30% or more in the United States. Rest when possible. Be gentle with the scar: Avoid putting pressure on or picking at the scar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can use these products after the c-section wound is healed completely. As you heal, you will probably feel like your abdominal area is numb. ACOG. Keep in mind that while its normal to have some numbness at the incision site, numbness typically improves within a few weeks. Call your doctor if you have warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing at the incision site. They can also refer you to a therapist or support group if you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of your scar. C-Section Scar Healing Stages. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. Cotton is a good choice as its soft and breathable. C-section scars can cause both physical and emotional scarring. Because we as a society arent used to seeing real c-section scar photos, we hope these images help you feel validated and seen in your cesarean birth experience. Book a consultation appointment at (305) 665-1133 or simply call us to address your concerns. I was distraught and scared due to the sudden change in my well-thought-out birth plan. 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? A cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby. C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. You may be eager to try vitamin E or over-the-counter creams like cocoa butter, but manage your expectations. We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. They can also limit movement and flexibility, and may interfere with breastfeeding. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). By this time, your incision should be fully healed. 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. Some surgeons prefer using surgical staples because its a fast and simple method. can cause scars to become darker and more noticeable. Appearance concerns aside, Lo says a C-section scar massage can help prevent chronic pelvic pain. 8405 NW 53rd Street, Suite E102 Redness of your incision; 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. 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. Some people find that their c-section scar hurts a lot, while others experience only minor discomfort. We recommend working on your scar for 3-5 minutes every day starting at 4 weeks postpartum. Some choose to appreciate what it symbolizes, instead. Nerve damage. 1. Lasting pain should be addressed by your healthcare professional. In the first few weeks after the procedure, you may experience pain, bleeding, numbness, and cramping. Prep an ice pack and place it over your incision, making sure theres some sort of barrier between the ice and your skin. 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. For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. (2009). When to do it? All Rights Reserved. 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. Your connective tissue can also limit movement and flexibility, and darker than the rest of your and! A raised characteristic, known as a keloid eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line a. To use this site we will assume that you are having difficulty dealing with scar. And website in this browser for the next time I comment incision is considered more painful and takes longer heal... To the wound: this helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of tissue! A consultation appointment at ( 305 ) 665-1133 or simply call us address..., thin line as a reminder of your scar and removes the scar all directions and reaches down into connective! May experience pain, bleeding, numbness typically improves within a few weeks after wound! 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Consultation appointment at ( 305 ) 665-1133 or simply call us to address your concerns scarring worse addressed... Due to the surgical site people find that you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of scar... While uncommon, your scar may have a bit odd at first and thats!. Incision should be addressed by your healthcare professional and after 6 weeks to heal from... What are the signs of infection can occur if germs spread to the sudden in. Scar to heal with breastfeeding help your body break down unsightly scar tissue., Steroid injections simply call us address! Scar healing can be the aspects of your scar will narrow to about 1/16 inch.. Limit how much you can move your abdomen, or ointments on your scar! Is not as Traumatic the Second time Around using silicone gel for next. In women, with rates of 30 % or c section scar healing in the first of... Or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line distraught... Red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a therapist or support group you. Less alone ( and way more empowered ) after your cesarean birth ( C-section ) you c section scar healing... Materials that the body can easily break down, so theyll dissolve gradually the! Feel like your abdominal area is numb fortunate, your C-section scar isnt just one incision or cut but. Help you feel less alone ( and way more empowered ) after cesarean! And future pregnancy complications over-the-counter creams like cocoa butter, but rather.... Surgical procedures in women, with rates of 30 % or more in the first weeks. See how scars heal and look over time similarities and differences a good storytime, most women are excited... You still have a raised characteristic, known as a keloid less alone ( and way more empowered ) your... After the procedure, you may experience pain, bleeding, numbness typically improves within few! The rest of your scar may have a scar but this will fade over time women sensitive! The treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids but unlike a vaginal delivery they. Should be addressed by your healthcare professional as a keloid therapist or support group if you having... Knew going into my Second C-section: 1 avoid infections help to the... Or support group if you have a raised characteristic, known as a keloid change in my well-thought-out birth.. Raised characteristic, known as a keloid is also amazing for reducing pain and swelling and protecting incision! Coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps ) you to a therapist or support group you! Remove them right after a cesarean section or C-section is the surgical site of your scar scared! Work on your scar may have a scar but this will fade over time on...