C-Section Scars | Treatment, General Info & Aftercare

The c section scar is the result of the vertical incision made during the surgical procedure and is approximately 4-6 inches long. How wide it is depends on how well it is treated, how much tension will be on the wound and scar tissue, someone's lifestyle, genetics, and the wound healing process.

The scar is most commonly located on the lowest part of the tummy, just above the pubic bone. Because of its location it is mostly covered by underwear or clothes. Incisions on other locations are less common. Here are some c-section scar photos.

Logically the location of the c-section scar depends on where the incision(s) is (are) made.

• The classical Caesarean section involves a midline longitudinal incision which allows a larger space to deliver the baby. However, it is rarely performed today as it is more prone to complications.
• The lower uterine segment section is the procedure most commonly used today; it involves a transverse cut just above the edge of the bladder and results in less blood loss and is easier to repair.
• A crash Caesarean section is a Caesarean performed in an obstetric emergency, where complications of pregnancy onset suddenly during the process of labour, and swift action is required to prevent the deaths of mother, child(ren) or both.
• a repeat Caesarean section is done when a patient had a previous Caesarean section. Typically it is performed through the old scar.

I stumbled upon this question on Yahoo Answers about c-section scar treatment and the answers given point out how many misconceptions about scar healing (in general) exist.

The question:

"I had a C-section 6 weeks ago and the scar is red and puffed up. Does anyone recommend a scar treatment for it? and when should I start applying the scar treatment?"

Commonly scar treatment should not be started until the wound has closed. But this doesn't imply that before this time nothing can be done. In fact, appropriate and decent wound care is essential in reducing scarring later on. Therefore, proper wound care should be the principal focus.

A wound that heals fast and without problems such as excessive inflammation and infections has lower risk of developing excessive scar tissue. Wounds that are not kept clean and looked after are prone to poor scar healing.

• reducing swelling and redness
• softening the scar tissue and toning it's color down
• reducing itching and pain
• preventing the scar from bulging and growing into a hypertrophic or keloid scar

• reduce the unpleasant feeling when underwear or jeans are bothering the c-section wound or fresh scar
• are backed with a silky, ultra-thin, soft fabric which is opaque colored so it conceals the scar during treatment

When a c-section scar is red and puffed up silicone strips can be a practical solution. It it is true that many scars, especially those resulting from surgery, can be red, bumpy, and look awful but eventually they will improve.

Treatment and Prevention
Silicone dressings however, which are in many cases FDA Class 1 Medical Devices, do not only improve the scar appearance, they also reduce or take away itchiness and pain. On top of that they reduce the chance on developing hypertrophic (red and raised) and keloid c-section scars. (keloids are scars that grow beyond the normal wound boundaries.)

There are several abdominal binder brands such as the Swelly Belly Band, the belly binding belt, and the AbdoMend c-section abdominal binder.

Some more benefits of wearing these is that they stop itching of the abdominal incision, speed up your c section recovery, reduce swelling, protect the wound, and offer comfort when wearing a seat belt. The AbdoMen belt is also available in a c section recovery kit.

Moisturize
Scientists demonstrate that hydration is beneficial to treatment of scars. You can moisturize the scar tissue by using a lotion or cream of your liking. In my opinion any moisturizing cream will do. It doesn't have to be an expensive scar cream. Vaseline has shown in one study to be more efficient than an onion extract based cream such as Mederma. It is thought this is due to Vaseline's hydrating properties

Protect Your Scar From UV Radiation
UV rays are detrimental to scar tissue. Always avoid exposing your c-section scar to UV rays from direct sunlight and or tanning beds. Use a high SPF sunscreen, also when wearing thin clothes because many fabrics do not prevent the sun radiation from coming through.

Start Treating The Scar ASAP
The fresher a scar, the more efficient treatments will be. So after the wound is closed scar treatment can be applied immediately. But never before the wound is healed completely. Proper wound care will also benefit scar appearance. Keep the wound moist and clean.

Initially Focus on Non Invasive / DIY Methods
Over time scars will improve. Make use of non invasive methods and avoid the more intrusive methods as steroid injections and surgery as much as possible. The scar has to heal again and new scar tissue will come into existence.

Take a Look Into Supplements That Speed Healing
Not all, but certain supplements that are claimed to enhance the surgical healing process actually work. Vitamin C is one of these proven effective dietary supplements. Here's more info on how to improve surgical healing with supplements.