Caring for Your Caesarean Section (C-Section) Scar
What Happens After a C-Section?
A C-section scar affects several layers of tissue, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deeper fascia. While many women are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of the scar, it is important to recognise that C-section scars can also impact movement, posture, and sensation.
How Your Scar Heals
Initial Healing Process - after a C-section the wound goes through several stages; homeostasis (stopping the bleeding), inflammation (removes damaged tissue), proliferation (growth of new tissue), and remodelling (long-term strengthening of the tissue).
Scar Maturity - your scar will take time to mature, often up to 12-24 months. Initially, it may appear red and raised. Over time, it should lighten in colour and flatten as the collagen fibres in the tissue reorganise.
The way your scar heals can be influenced by many factors including your health, wound care practices, and the surgical technique used. For example, people with diabetes, obesity, or a history of abnormal scarring may experience slower healing.
Why is Scar Assessment Important?
Assessing your scar helps to identify potential issues. Key things we look for include:
Scar height, thickness, and elasticity
Mobility of the scar and how it affects surrounding tissue
Pain or discomfort during movement
Skin sensation changes (e.g. numbness or tingling)
Scar Complications
Infection - due to their location, C-Section scars can be at risk of infection, particularly within the first seven days after surgery. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, and discharge from the wound.
Adhesions and Contractures - some scars may adhere to underlying tissues, limiting movement and causing discomfort. Vertical incisions carry a higher risk of developing adhesions.
Abnormal Scarring - keloid or hypertrophic scars (thick, raised scars) and atrophic scars (where the tissue remains sunken) are potential complications that can affect appearance and function.
Tips for C-Section Scar Care
Hygiene - keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid soaking the wound; instead, opt for showers with water flowing over the incision. Loose, breathable clothing and cotton underwear are recommended.
No Scrubbing - use gentle soaps to clean the area without scrubbing.
Protect The Area - avoid unnecessary strain on the scar tissue. For example: covering the area with a towel when coughing or sneezing and turning onto your side to get out of bed.
Use Silicone-Based Products - they work by keeping the skin hydrated and help the scar heal better. Silicone gel sheets are ideal for C-section scars, and should be applied once the wound has fully healed.
Scar Tissue Massage - once your wound has healed and your healthcare provider gives the green light, scar tissue massage can help improve scar mobility and adhesions.
Your C-section scar will change and improve over time, but active care and attention are key to optimising both it’s appearance and function. If you have concerns about your scar or experience pain, please contact us or book an appointment using the below link.