C-Section scars (During and after healing)
C-sections are major abdominal surgery where an incision is made in the abdomen and the uterus to deliver the baby. The incision is then stitched up and left to heal over a period of several weeks. Similar to all cuts or wounds, the healing skin leaves behind a cesarean section scar line on the abdomen that will be visible for a year or more and beings to fade over time.
Types of cesarean incisions
The c-section incision is done either as a vertical cut from the navel along the pubic line or as a horizontal cut in the lower abdomen. The horizontal cut or the ‘lower transverse incision’ is the most preferred type of incision as it is less painful and less visible on the waistline after healing.
The vertical cut is a more classical approach and is mostly used during an emergency cesarean section. Women also report more c-section scar pain with this type of incision, and it leaves behind a more noticeable scar.
Healing stages of the c-section incision
The incisions are closed using a number of methods such as surgical staples, dissolvable stitches, non-dissolvable stitches, or surgical glue, which all serve to keep the wound closed as the tissue heals. There are 3 stages the incision goes through as it heals:
Inflammatory stage: The inflammatory stage lasts for the first few days after the delivery and is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain like all wounds.
Proliferative Stage: The second stage lasts for 3-4 weeks, where the fibroblast cells make their way into the wound to produce collagen and pull the edges together. The scar gets thicker during this stage and changes colors as it begins to shrink.
Remodeling Stage: This is the final stage of incision healing. It can go on for months and up to a year, where the thick puffy scar gradually flattens and matches the surrounding skin.
Caring for the incision during healing
It is essential to properly care for the incision to avoid infection or injury that might lead to further scarring. Here are some tips:
- Clean the incision every day. Run warm water on it during the shower and gently clean it with soap.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid applying pressure on the healing incision.
- Avoid strenuous exercise that stresses the abdomen. Wait until the incision has completely healed.
- Use heat therapy to ease the pain and soreness for a few weeks.
Reducing the appearance of scars
Although c-section scars do not go away completely, their visibility on the skin can be greatly reduced. Here are some known ways to help with it:
- Scar massage: A massage using a c-section scar cream containing vitamin-E or silicone gel can promote increased blood flow and encourage tissue growth.
- Silicone sheets or gel: Applying silicone sheets or gel directly over the scar has shown to be beneficial in softening and flattening the scar.
- Laser therapy: laser therapy is a skin treatment used to repair damaged parts of the skin and heal deep scars.
Conclusion
C-section incisions take 3-4 weeks to heal and a few more months to flatten. It is important to properly care for the incision to avoid infection and further scarring as it heals. The scar subsides in a year but still remains visible for a long time.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar#takeaway
https://www.medicinenet.com/do_c-section_scars_go_away/article.htm
https://www.birthinjuryhelpcenter.org/c-section-scars.html
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