Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences. Treatments include medication, freezing, injections, lasers and surgery. 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. I had my son Ruben on the 30th of June 2022 via elective c-section because I have Crohns Disease. 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. A Cesarean scar happens when you deliver a child through a Cesarean section, also known as a C-section. But others close incisions using surgical needle and thread (non-dissolvable stitches), although this process can take longer, up to 30 minutes. As the scar gets less tender, you can follow this procedure with your fingers on top of the scar. The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. The good news is post-surgery care is generally minimal, and these wounds tend to heal well. As it heals, it might be lumpy, feel tight, or develop a c-section shelf. Nerve damage. If your belly hangs over your incision, keep the area underneath your belly and near the incision dry. If you like, you can start gently moisturizing the area with lotion, salves or oils. Seek pain relief. Remember that everyones scars hold their own birth story and will look different from the next. I was not put to sleep but sedated, and I dont remember much from his delivery. Still have questions about your scars? Both incisions are equally likely to scar, but the scar will look different depending on its direction. This is called adhesions, and it can cause pain, inflammation and limited movement. These stitches are made from materials that the body can easily break down, so theyll dissolve gradually as the incision heals. However, a vertical incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal.. (305) 666-0258, Obstetrics This treatment reopens the skin of your scar and removes the scar. Both incisions are about 4 to 6 inchesjust big enough for your babys head and body to fit through. We recommend working on your scar for 3-5 minutes every day starting at 4 weeks postpartum. Infection not only puts your health at risk, but it can also make scarring worse. You can take a shower with the strips on and pat your incision dry after with a clean towel. So you can expect some scarring after the incision heals. How Long Does It Take for a C-Section Scar to Fully Heal? 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. It's fine to get the incision (and the Steri-Strips) wet, but you should avoid submerging your scar in a bathtub or swimming pool during the early days. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone is concerned about the look of their C-section scar. Along with taking care of your incision, watch for signs of an infection and other problems. If youve had staples, the staples will need to be removed, but most often they are removed in the hospital prior to your discharge. I was set on a VBAC for my second birth, but after therapy and lots of soul searching, I realized that I just needed a non-traumatic delivery, and for me, that was a repeat c-section. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. (1) Inflammatory Stage: The first stage is called the inflammatory stage and it lasts for the first few days after the c-section. If you have a C-section scar that other treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend scar revision surgery. 10 C-Section Recovery Tips. Research shows that theyre actually pretty effective at reducing abnormal scarring. It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. Cesarean scars often hold a lot of emotions, and just as the physical manifestation of the scar can be in need of attention, so can the emotional, even if the person with the scar isnt overtly aware. 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. It will start to shrink significantly within six weeks of surgery. With time and care, your scar will eventually fade and become less noticeable. 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. At first, your c-section scar will be slightly raised, puffy, and darker than the rest of your skin. Most C-sections are done the latter way, with 95% of procedures in U.S. being done via a "bikini cut." But with proper care and time, the pain should lessen. 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. Signs of an infection include: Treatment for an infection may require oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity. Pat your incision dry with a clean towel when you're done. It might be itchy while it's healing. It requires a sizable incision in the area as doctors must reconnect the muscle, fascia, and skin with sutures, and occasionally staples. Taking medication if necessary: If you are experiencing pain, inflammation or other complications, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage it. So thats why my scar is a bit funny., Incision type: low transverseClosure: glue, Here is my c-section scar from giving birth to two beautiful twin girls almost three months ago. Appointments 216.444.5725. They can also refer you to a therapist or support group if you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of your scar. NUVADERMIS Silicone Scar Sheets, Tape, Strips - USA Tested - Healing Keloid, C-Section, Tummy Tuck - As Surgical Cream, Gel, Patch, Bandage, Pad - Surgery Scars Treatment - 4 Pack 5.7"x1.57" 4.3 out of 5 stars 14,919 A Keloid scar forms from abnormal healing and extends beyond the original boundaries of the wound. 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. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. 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-Section Scar Healing Stages. Scar massage can promote healing, lessen itching, and loosen the skin around the scar, which can allow for increased range of motion. Common C-section internal scar mobilization techniques include: Scar Tissue Release And Integrated Therapies (STRAIT): this is a 3-dimensional fascial-release technique that reduces scar formation and . Thursday: 8:30am 5:30pm Do cesarean scars heal? The pouch (also called a uterine niche) develops when the c-section incision (cut) doesn't heal completely. What Can You Do to Encourage C-Section Scar Healing? "There have not been any good scientific studies demonstrating that any over-the-counter preparations are better than just proper wound care," says Rajiv B. Gala, M.D., the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' young physician at large. I had a hard time around five weeks postpartum where the incision had some abnormal dryness and redness that I couldnt get an answer what it was. Should I Give Myself a C-Section Scar Massage? But your full recovery will be measured in weeks, not days. If the wound itches, try to resist the urge to scratch it. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lasting pain should be addressed by your healthcare professional. If youre feeling self-conscious, discuss ways to minimize these scars with your doctor. A C-section might be a safe procedure, but its still a major surgery, so its important to properly care the incision to prevent injury and infection. Using cold compresses: Compresses help with swelling. 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). Everyones body is different. ), and other factors. While uncommon, your scar may have a raised characteristic, known as a keloid. A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgery to deliver a baby and results in a scar across the mother's abdomen. C-section scars Post-operative care after a C-section can present big challenges for some women, especially in regards to the aesthetic appearance of their scars. It also means you'll need to be more aware of what you can and can't do as your body heals. Inflammatory stage. In the meantime, heres what you should know about types of incisions, types of closures, how to support healing, and how to minimize scarring. 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. So easy and delicious. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. The condition is also known by other names such as the hanging belly, the C-section . Wednesday: 8:30am 5:30pm Keep a close eye on it for signs of infection, which can include heat, swelling or liquid weeping from the incision. Let's just lay it out there: An emergency C-section isn't the dream outcome when you go into labor. Are There Any Other Ways to Reduce the Appearance of a C-Section Scar? https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/having-a-c-section.aspx [Accessed March 2021]. The skin incision is about the length of your middle finger just above your pubic hairline. Wear loose clothing: This will help to avoid putting pressure on the wound. To keep it clean, use just water or very mild soap but avoid vigorous scrubbing. The micro currents (also known as direct currents) release the thickened scar tissue, as well as the fascia and muscles impacted by the scarring. Typically, are three different types of cesarean incisions: In general, your scar should not ooze pus or bleed. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet after your C-section. If you have metal staples, your doctor will remove them three to seven days after surgery. You may find that, over time, your scar fades or is less noticeable to you if you are consistent with moisture and massage. Other organs in the reproduction realm that may also form adhesions can be the . C-section scar mobilization. The good news is that C-section scars are usually small and below the bikini line. It turned out I had a pulmonary embolism, and the doctors told me I saved my own life coming into the emergency room. 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. "You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger," Lo says. A huge thank you to everyone who sent in your cesarean scar photos for this couldnt; we couldnt have done it without you. Instead, apply a cool compress or cream to ensure nothing is wrong with the healed c section scar. Compression garments can be super helpful for this stage. These are: Keloids are a type of raised scar that grow to be larger than the original wound, and can appear thick and lumpy. When to do it? Both incisions are about 4 to 6 inches, and a scar will form once the wound heals. In addition to pain, c-section scars can also cause inflammation. 3. Silicone has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. 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. It is important to keep an eye on your scar and see a specialist such as. Keep the area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for your stitches. I wanted to share the most important do's and don'ts after a c section and core c section recovery tips that got me back on my feet and feeling good as soon as possible. In our experience, most women arent taught how to do this,but it has so many benefits. What is the difference between a doula and a midwife? They also heal more quickly and cause less pain than vertical incisions. They can fade on their own with time or with treatments, but a visible line is often left. Inflammatory stage During the first few days after your C-section, your body will be in the inflammatory stage. 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. DOI: Taking care of my scars with massage. Signs of infection to watch out for after a C-section While the scar is healing, it's normal to experience things like pain, bleeding, numbness and sometimes itching, but it's important to contact your GP straight away if any of the below symptoms crop up as it could be a sign of infection: You have a fever Potential future treatments BioCorneum Advanced Scar Treatment + SPF 30. If you have Steri-Strips (small, white, sticky bandages) directly over your incision, don't try to wash them off. You can continue doing it until at least 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its truly never too late to start! For instance, you should know how to keep c section incision dry when overweight. Absorbs quickly. They can also limit movement and flexibility, and may interfere with breastfeeding. When to do it? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Take time to rest and let things heal before you get back to your daily routine. Home / Health & Wellness / Women's Health. 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. These include: Aside from doing things to help minimize the pain and promote healing, you should take care of your scars in various ways. Keeping your body healthy is the best way to heal from surgery quickly. Your email address will not be published. Warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing at the incision site, Worsening pain or sudden onset of abdominal pain, Any fever (even if your incision looks fine), Pain or burning when urinating, the urge to pee frequently when not a lot comes out, or urine that is dark and scanty or bloody, Menstrual-type bleeding past the first four days after delivery, or bleeding that comes back after slowing, Heavy bleeding at any time, or bleeding with clots and cramping (if you soak two pads an hour for two hours straight, your bleeding is considered heavy), Severe or persistent pain or tenderness and warmth in one area of your leg, or one leg that's more swollen than the other, Pain in one or both breasts, especially if accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms, Severe headache that doesn't respond to pain medication or comes back immediately after the medication wears off, Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if you feel incapable of caring for your newborn. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Hemostasis. Below youll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. Going home after a c-section. This is a great time to start some gentle massage of your Cesarean scar. If you see any of these signs of infection on your incision, call to see your doctor right away! Proliferative stage. Experts share healing tips from just after birth to beyond. 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. The good news is its never too late to address your scars appearance if its something you want to do. So our goal is to get the tissue moving in all directions thats where scar mobilization comes in. Luckily, there are a bunch of ways you can help your scar heal. 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. There are no proven methods of removing keloid scars naturally. This can cause the wound to open up and become infected. 2022 Hello Postpartum. This type of scar is harmless, but you may not like the look of it. Friday: 8:30am 3:00pm Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You should clean the wound with soap and water every day to prevent infection. All youll need are fabrics from around your house that have varying textures ranging from soft to rough. Hypertrophic Scar. If you already have a C-section scar, then you have several options to make it less obvious. Any surgical site can become infected without the appropriate care. C-Section Revision Surgery. 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. Always follow your surgeons instructions for caring for your incision. The scar tissue can block the milk ducts, making it difficult for the baby to nurse. You will have a scar but this will fade over time. towel first. 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. Silicone sheeting and gel Silicone sheeting and gel will help to soften the c-section scars. If the appearance of your C-section scar is upsetting you, there are possible ways to change its lookand not all require surgery. 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. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cesarean-birth [Accessed March 2021], Mayo Clinic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Following recovery, deep c-section scar tissue massage paired with proper exercises can release tissue and encourage proper collagen alignment. C-section recovery isn't easy and while you're healing from surgery, you're also caring for a new baby. Keep your incision clean, and avoid scrubbing or otherwise irritating it. Rest when possible. Pushing yourself too hard can slow down the healing process or even cause damage. formId: '61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2',
During the healing process, the c-section scar can form adhesions if not appropriately cared for. If you have a larger scar, steroid injections can help flatten it and make it less obvious. If your baby is having a health emergency, it lets your surgeon get to them quicker and begin treating them. 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. In rare cases, your C-section incision might open (or reopen). What should my c-section scar look like? At Hello Postpartum, we aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and support tools. The buildup of scar tissue can cause pain and future pregnancy complications. You may find that hospital-issued mesh panties feel best. The experience was a healing one for me. Dissolvable stitches are used to close your uterus. We'll tell you if it's safe. Appearance concerns aside, Lo says a C-section scar massage can help prevent chronic pelvic pain. Our site uses cookies. Womens Health, Monday: 8:30am 5:30pm The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). If you have a preference for closing the wound, discuss this with your doctor beforehand. Place your fingertips so the pads of your fingers lay just above your scar line. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. If you experience any of these feelings because of your types of c section stitches, it is important to schedule an. Another important note: This is also the point where you should be keeping an eye out for infection. Infection is another possible complication of c-section scars. Even if moms do pay close attention to the care of their scar site, sometimes adhesions unfortunately just occur because of how the body reacts to such intense change. But if it doesnt, talk to your doctor. 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. A scar revision, which takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it. 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. A post c-section massage is one of the most important things you can do after having a c-section to care for and help your scar to heal. Do your best to keep pressure off of the incision. It just really helped me to overcome my insecurities." . However, with proper care, you can give yourself a better chance of keeping scarring to a minimum. C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. to voice your concerns. 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). Walking is good for healing, but strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavier than your baby will have to wait. Eating healthy: A healthy diet can help your body heal faster. This results in a larger scar. Exercising: Moderate exercise can help promote healing.
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