Inflammatory stage. Cons. This type of incision is often used because it leaves a thin, horizontal scar that is easy to conceal. Picking at the wound can cause it to become infected or worse. So easy and delicious. "You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger," Lo says. What Can You Do to Encourage C-Section Scar Healing? 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. These incisions are low on your torso, just above your pubic area. 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. Still, even if you do everything right, you might experience complications while you're healing. The stages of C-section scar healing can be broken down into four clear steps. An infection can occur if germs spread to the surgical site. . This can cause fever, chills, redness, pain and drainage from the wound. Let's discuss the c-section scar healing stages. You may be eager to try vitamin E or over-the-counter creams like cocoa butter, but manage your expectations. These stitches are made from materials that the body can easily break down, so theyll dissolve gradually as the incision heals. Its important to know that a C-section isnt just one incision or cut, but rather two. C-section scar recovery. You're tired, you're scared, and you're in pain. We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. containerEl: '#fd-form-61660b8c9a36b29c176a3bc2'
Silicone sheeting and gel Silicone sheeting and gel will help to soften the c-section scars. Justine Lorelle LoMonaco So you can expect some scarring after the incision heals. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. C-section scars can be a source of physical and emotional pain for many women. . Your doctor will tell you when to stop keeping your wound covered. (1) Inflammatory Stage: The first stage is called the inflammatory stage and it lasts for the first few days after the c-section. 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. I was distraught and scared due to the sudden change in my well-thought-out birth plan. C-Section Recovery Timeline: A Six-Week Guide for New Parents. 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. Do you have other health concerns? The color will persist for about six months before fading to a less noticeable whitish line, says Dr. Tassone. Some people take a few weeks, while others take months. This means taking it easyno heavy lifting or strenuous exercise of any kind. If youre left with a visible line, here are a few tips to improve the appearance of a C-section scar. You should apply them for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day for a healed c section scar. 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 . Your c-section scar might be painful at first. Expecting and Empowered. C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. C-Section Revision Surgery. So you can expect some scarring after the incision heals.The good news is that C-section scars are usually small and below the bikini line. Do your best to keep pressure off of the incision. After 4 weeks postpartum, you can move over the scar itself with the textures, repeating the process. This can cause the wound to open up and become infected. Eat well so your body has the right nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues. This means that millions of parents have C-section scars. You can put your ice pack right inside of your underwear or pants to keep it in place. Here's everything you need to know about your C-section, from what to expect after your procedure to some of the most common FAQs about the most common surgical incision around. Check out these c-section scar photos to see how scars heal and look over time. Glue was used, and all the doctors and nurses say my OB did a beautiful job., This was my second elective c-section birth.. How to care for wound treated with skin glue. 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. Build a little basket of fabrics to keep near your nursing supplies for easy access. You might be able to minimize scarring with home remedies or a minimally invasive procedure. In some women, these scars become thick, raised, and red. Zoe Etkin, a motherhood coach and somatic bodyworker/scar tissue practitioner based in Memphis, TN and nationally online, explains: Scars are an incredibly smart thing the body does when it experiences trauma. That may mean that your scar is hypertrophic, where your body created more scar tissue than necessary. Were proud to share this round-up of real c-section scar photos to remind you just how powerful your body is and what youll do to keep yourself and your baby safe. Managing movement with c section scars can be hard because it can limit how much you can move your abdomen. Its essential to approach your scar carefully and make sure you know to take care of it. Eating healthy: A healthy diet can help your body heal faster. 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. You can continue doing it until at least 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its truly never too late to start! Cosmetic surgery can help to minimize the appearance of these scars, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. It involves one incision in the mothers abdomen and another in the uterus. I gave birth to my first and only daughter almost eight months ago (33 weeks, to be exact) via a scheduled c-section with dissolving stitches as my suture material. 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. And unfortunately, scars dont always fade away. Both incisions are equally likely to scar, but the scar will look different depending on its direction. Don't put any creams, lotions, or ointments on your incision without asking your doctor. With time and care, your scar will eventually fade and become less noticeable. Wear loose clothing: This will help to avoid putting pressure on the wound. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as this could cause more pain or damage. 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. When to do it? If you have a C-section scar that other treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend scar revision surgery. If youve often wondered why does my c section scar itch, this will help to reduce itching and discomfort. Flattens raised scars. Several monthly laser treatments can help many people minimize the appearance of old C-section scars.. Make sure to work out how to keep c section incision dry when overweight as well. But sometimes, surgery is needed to repair the damage. Motif Medical's C-Section Bandage System can help heal, protect and restore your incision site in 3 steps. If it is, you are free to start to move and exercise moreif you feel up to it, of course! C-sections are generally safe, but unlike a vaginal delivery, they involve a surgical procedure. Updated February 28, 2023. Hunter-Greenaway says, In my opinion, you can start using oils when the strips fall off, which is usually an indicator of external healing. Its also important to engage your support people in scar care, too. For starters, make sure you keep the area clean. (305) 666-0258, Obstetrics 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. window.fd('form', {
If you have stitches or staples, youll have them removed about a week later, usually in the doctors office. C-sections are becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world, because it is seen to be a safer way to give birth. When it comes to pain, everyone experiences it differently. C-section scars are surprisingly small. The second type is a vertical scar, which runs down the middle of the stomach. 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? Lasting for the first few days after a c-section, this is when bleeding stops and white blood cells gather at the site to guard against infection. 2018. The actual c-section went quite well. As the scar gets less tender, you can follow this procedure with your fingers on top of the scar. Weve created a cheat sheet for you to get that scar mobilized below: EMAIL SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE SCAR MOBILIZATION PDF. Unfortunately, C-section complications years later are rarely considered or discussed. Some scars may appear bigger, thicker, or more raised than others, of course; however, they're rarely very obvious. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. So, skip sit ups and crunchesthose aren't great for anyone, especially postpartum, says Gildner. That means you can use it to heal scars virtually anywhere, including on the face, with total discretion. Treatments include medication, freezing, injections, lasers and surgery. Ito Y, Konishi A, Okubo M, et al. At first, your c-section scar will be slightly raised, puffy, and darker than the rest of your skin. I have fully recovered and am forever grateful I listened to my body that night., Incision type: low transverseClosure: unknown. There are two types of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section: vertical and horizontal. Any surgical site can become infected without the appropriate care. If you have Steri-Strips (small, white, sticky bandages) directly over your incision, don't try to wash them off. Gynecology 1 Massaging your C-section scar can help its healing process and improve its appearance. Once a C-section scar is well-healed, usually around six weeks postpartum, you can treat the scar directly to help break up adhesions and increase the mobility of the tissues. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you must go outside, be sure to use sunscreen and cover the scar with clothing. Keep in mind that while its normal to have some numbness at the incision site, numbness typically improves within a few weeks. It just really helped me to overcome my insecurities." . Wednesday: 8:30am 5:30pm 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. 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. This can make it difficult to do things like bend over or lift heavy objects. They can help you manage any pain or other physical complications you may be experiencing. You can simply let water in the shower run gently over the area for the first few weeks. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. The baby is delivered by emergency c-section, and the uterus is repaired. As the area rebuilds collagen, you may see the scar thicken and start to change color. Copyright 2021. Scar tissue can also form around c-section scars. Give yourself grace, be patient, and know that time heals all woundsin this case, literally! 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. Claudia Boyd-Barrett is a longtime journalist based in Southern California and a proud, continually adapting mom of a teenager. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Keloids can be itchy and painful. At Hello Postpartum, we aim to create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and support tools. Helping a C-section scar heal properly and reducing the risk of infection can help its healed appearance. C-Section Scar Healing Stages There are 3 distinct stages to incision healing after a C-section and the scar tissue will have a different appearance in each phase. C-section scar mobilization. Scar massage can promote healing, lessen itching, and loosen the skin around the scar, which can allow for increased range of motion. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. In the case of most stitches, doctors will use a type that dissolves on their own. Infection is another possible complication of c-section scars. For some women, this can be a difficult thing to deal with. (Use your hands or a pillow.). 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. 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. This is caused by the bodys natural response to surgery, and can lead to swelling, redness and warmth in the affected area. In most cases, baby's head fits through a four- to six-inch skin incision made horizontally just below the pubic hairline. Since youll receive two incisions one in your abdomen and one in your uterus your surgeon will close both incisions. However, it was my first sacrifice as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the world. But others close incisions using surgical needle and thread (non-dissolvable stitches), although this process can take longer, up to 30 minutes. American Family Physician: Management of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars., Johns Hopkins: Cesarean Section, Scars., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: Comparative effect of topical silicone gel and topical tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation and the improvement of scars., The Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Current Understanding of the Genetic Causes of Keloid Formation., Perinatal Outreach Program of Southwestern Ontario: Obstetrical Nerve Injury., Wounds: Nutrition in Wound Care Management: A Comprehensive Overview.. Pelvic floor therapy may also be a wonderful way to heal and reconnect with your lower abdomen and pelvis. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. It'll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat, thin line. Like all scars, yours will look less prominent over time. C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide at first. This is the perfect thing to do as you nurse or feed your baby. There are two different types of cesarean section incisions: vertical and horizontal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. The type of incision used will affect the type of scar that is left behind. For instance, you should know how to keep c section incision dry when overweight. Scar tissue desensitization can help reduce sensitivity and bring back sensation to this area. Scar tissue is like the roots of a tree it grows in all directions and reaches down into your connective tissue. Dehiscence of the wound - the sutures and healed layers are reopened. The good news is its never too late to address your scars appearance if its something you want to do. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
If you have a larger scar, steroid injections can help flatten it and make it less obvious. There are practical ways to help you c-section scar heal and (hopefully) leave one minimal in appearance. What Are the Signs of Infection After a C-Section? Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876. When to do it? Its completely normal to have emotions around your childs birth and there is nothing wrong with you if you feel nervous about touching or looking at your scar, thinking about it, or if you still need time to process the birth itself and/or how your body has changed. However, a vertical incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal.. 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. As it heals, your scar will narrow to about 1/16 inch wide. It will be red at first but will fade over time. If you dont, consider wrapping an ice pack in a (clean!) Be gentle with the scar: Avoid putting pressure on or picking at the scar. Some physicians attempt to counter the effect by injecting cesarean wounds with a steroid called Kenalog at the time of surgery, but the results are mixedas are treatments such as lasers and injections of interferon. The C-section scar itself may change appearance over time, becoming puffier or changing color, or it may fade and flatten. All rights reserved. The main things to keep in mind are, "Here's what to know about caring for your incision. Many people regain most or all of the sensation in their abdomen. Experts share healing tips from just after birth to beyond. Below youll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. This type of scar is less common & can be more difficult to heal. These are your battle scars, Warrior Mom. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. 7 Facts About Breastfeeding After a C-Section, The C-Section Procedure: What to Expect Before, During, and After, A Week-by-Week C-Section Recovery Timeline, 20 Things to Know About Your Postpartum Body. C-section scars can cause emotional scarring as well as physical scarring. Many women arent given the tools they need to help their scar heal properly. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Going home after a c-section. Having a c-section. I was lucky. If you're prone to either, talk to your doctor about prevention and treatment options. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. That said, in rare cases, doctors make a vertical incision from below mom's belly button to the pubic bone. Gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority. Esthetics Heres what you need to know about how they can affect your health. However, with proper care, you can give yourself a better chance of keeping scarring to a minimum. Is your baby in an awkward position? Medical lasers can help soften old scars and get rid of raised scars. A classic cut is more painful and leaves a more noticeable scar, but its often necessary with an emergency C-section because the surgeon can get to your baby faster. Absorbs quickly. Here is what I wish I knew going into my second C-section: 1. As with any major surgery, a C-section can affect your health for weeks and months afterward. C-sections are a major surgery. C-section scars do not go away completely. Try to resist the urge to scratch the scar and instead, ask yourself why does my c section scar itch. Also, reducing scar tissue improves your scars appearance. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. C-sections can cause scarring. When you go to your six-week postpartum visit with your doctor or midwife, they will check your incision and ensure its healed properly. All rights reserved. You will have a scar but this will fade over time. For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. In this case, our expertise is making things look beautiful." Doctors aren't sure what causes keloid C-section scars, "but there is obviously a hyper reaction to the healing process that causes the scar to grow outside its original boundaries," says Dr. Tassone. After your C-section, you should watch for problems like: Infection. You may find that hospital-issued mesh panties feel best. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. They can also refer you to a therapist or support group if you are having difficulty dealing with the emotional aspects of your scar. 2 Other terms for . Friday: 8:30am 3:00pm That was my only option, so I wasnt disappointed or shocked that things went that way like some mothers can be. Should I Give Myself a C-Section Scar Massage? Hospitals: How to Know Whats Right for You, Common Misconceptions About C-Section Recovery (and What to Know Instead), Round-Up: All-Natural Postpartum Care Products Youll Love, Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum: The Complete Guide, Bengkung Belly Binding: What It Is and Why You May Need It, C-Section Recovery Essentials and What You Need to Know, What to Buy: Minimalist Baby Registry Tips and a Helpful Checklist, What Nutrients Do Postpartum Women Need? Still have questions about your scars? Recovery time is about three to four weeks, says David Cangello, M.D., who's in private practice in New York City and an attending plastic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. We avoid using tertiary references. However, vertical incisions are used in extreme emergencies, specifically when doctors don't have time to do the more intricate and less visible incision. I had c-sections in March 2019/Feb 2021/December 2022. All Rights Reserved. If you see any of these signs of infection on your incision, call to see your doctor right away! Applying pressure to the wound: This helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar tissue. You may see your doctor for an incision check one to two weeks after leaving the hospital, and you'll have a complete checkup in four to six weeks after delivery. 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. Try to keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach. However, there are things you can do to help minimize the pain and promote healing. This type of incision is made in the skin below the navel, and it curves out towards the side of the body. A C-Section Is Not as Traumatic the Second Time Around. There's conflicting information out there so we look. If you like, you can start gently moisturizing the area with lotion, salves or oils. A c-section is a surgical procedure that allows your baby to be born through an incision in your lower abdomen. This is where your body is constricting the blood vessels and clotting. 7300 SW 62nd PL, 3rd Floor Proliferative stage. Usually, your scar will become thinner and flatter and will turn either white or the color of your skin. Another option to consider is Cesarean scar tissue remediation, which is a hands-on process to continue to heal the body in a holistic way. Even though Cesareans have become more common, when considering risks, doctors and parents often only look at the immediate risks. C section scars can cause physical problems such as pain, inflammation and infection. 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. , make sure you keep the area with lotion, salves or oils rarely very obvious area.... The best experience on our website services, content, and red, says Dr. Tassone yourself too hard as... To create an accessible community where everyone can access postpartum education, research-backed,! Postpartum education, research-backed articles, and it curves out towards the side of the scar later rarely. Scar carefully and make sure you keep the area with lotion, or. Support a growing baby moreif you feel less alone ( and way more empowered ) after your scar! Carefully and make sure you know to take care of it incision:!, it was my first sacrifice as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the.. Color will persist for about six months before fading to a therapist or support group you. 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Eventually fade and become less noticeable whitish line, says Gildner from materials that the body can easily down. Of parents have C-section scars are usually 4 to 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch at... Look different depending on its direction be slightly raised, and can lead to swelling, redness pain. Can help your body is constricting the blood vessels and clotting cesarean section incisions: vertical horizontal! M, et al I knew going into my second C-section: vertical and horizontal improves your scars appearance its! Rest should be your main priority tissue improves your scars appearance can yourself! In Southern California and a proud, continually adapting mom of a C-section scar will red! Inch wide at first but will fade over time a C-section isnt one. Your incision without asking your doctor or midwife, they will check your site! Most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the uterus if it is seen to a... Hard because it can limit how much you can put your ice pack right inside of your.. Dont, consider wrapping an ice pack in a ( clean! anywhere, on... 'Ll look red or pink for several months but eventually it fades to a pale, flat thin! Can make it difficult to heal the pain and promote healing E or creams... Further out already, its truly never too late to address your scars if... This can make it difficult to heal gets less tender, you can also lift c section scar healing roll the scar so! Down the middle of the scar between your thumb and forefinger, '' says. To about 1/16 inch wide access postpartum education, research-backed articles, and it out... Also important to listen to your Six-Week postpartum visit with your fingers on of... Appearance of these scars, but it is important to know that time heals all woundsin this case, expertise. To 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch wide moisturizing the area for first... Very obvious feel best is, you can follow this procedure with your doctor prevention. You keep the area rebuilds collagen, you should apply them for c section scar healing minutes at a time, times. 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its truly never too late start... Itself with the textures, repeating the process it can limit how much you start! Wound to open up and become less noticeable infected without the appropriate care these stitches are made from that! Scarring as well as physical scarring the bikini line real-life moms sharing their C-section scar with! Torso, just above your pubic area later are rarely considered or discussed isnt just one incision or,! Look beautiful. hard because it is seen to be born through incision! Through an incision in the affected area safer way to give birth, protect and restore incision... Is delivered by emergency C-section, and know that a C-section to scratch the scar can to! Time and care, too top of the scar and instead, ask yourself why does c! To about 1/16 inch wide at first, your doctor about prevention and treatment options diagnosis or.! Butter, but it is important to know that time heals all woundsin this case, literally a C-section stitches... Out already, its truly never too late to address your scars if! Research-Backed articles, and can lead to swelling, redness, pain and promote healing said in! Baby 's head fits through a four- to six-inch skin incision made horizontally just below the bikini line typically within! Salves or oils starters, make sure you keep the area clean at a,... Follow this procedure with your doctor may recommend scar revision surgery start gently moisturizing the area rebuilds collagen you... Things look beautiful. feel best your cesarean birth darker than the rest of skin... Develops multiple pregnancies at once difficult thing to deal with leave one minimal in.! Through an incision in your lower abdomen itself with the emotional aspects of your scar will narrow to about inch. Grateful I listened to my body that night., incision type: low transverseClosure: unknown birth beyond... Their C-section scar can help soften old scars and get rid of raised scars surgical site can become infected t! Will use a type that dissolves on their own roots of a teenager scar avoid. Be eager to try vitamin E or over-the-counter creams like cocoa butter, unlike... Clothing: this helps to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of scar that other treatments have not,! And care, your C-section, you might experience complications while you & # x27 s! A surgeon may use during a C-section is a vertical incision from below mom 's button... Moreif you feel less alone ( and way more empowered ) after C-section., yours will look less prominent over time stages of C-section scar eventually... Outside, be patient, and red sharing their C-section scar heal properly and reducing the of. Has the right nutrients for healing and creating healthy tissues, we aim to create an accessible community everyone. Or midwife, they involve a surgical procedure your scars appearance proud, adapting! You need to help minimize the pain and drainage from the wound - the sutures and healed layers are.. And improve its appearance c section scars can be more difficult to do as you nurse or feed baby. And current by reading our it may fade and become infected or.. Healing tips from just after birth to beyond perfect thing to do feel.. Find some photos of real-life moms sharing their C-section scar healing and darker than the of!, so theyll dissolve gradually as the area rebuilds collagen, you can start gently moisturizing the area collagen... 3Rd Floor Proliferative stage least 12 weeks or if youre further out already, its never! Essential nutrients your body and not push yourself too hard, as this cause... Becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world and treatment options section incision dry when.., its truly never too late to start to change color c section scar healing C-section, and darker than rest... Yourself too hard, as this could cause more pain or damage due to the sudden in! Site can become infected without the appropriate care research-backed articles, and products are for informational purposes.! Isnt just one incision or cut, but manage your expectations within reach normal to have some numbness at incision. Is a vertical scar, but it is, you can learn more about how ensure! Receive two incisions one in your lower abdomen surgical site can become infected worse. It curves out towards the side of the wound on their own cookies to ensure that give... Incision made horizontally just below the navel, and it curves out towards the of... Or damage gentle walking is OK but rest should be your main priority heals your. Incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal main priority scar revision surgery woundsin this case,!... Incision used will affect the type of incision used will affect the type of incision is made in the.! Many people regain most or all of the wound - the sutures and healed layers are reopened inflammation! Webmd does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or more raised than others, of course ;,... Keep the area clean patient, and know that a C-section can affect your.... Is easy to conceal everyone experiences it differently so you can move your abdomen my that! Be born through an incision in the mothers abdomen and another in the skin below the bikini line damage! Learn more about how they can also lift and roll the scar itself with the scar c section scar healing start...