Postpartum

The cesarean section scar

Cesarean section is a medical intervention that is performed in an emergency or when there are no conditions for a natural birth. The clear sign that a woman has undergone this type of surgery is the cesarean section scar, an indelible sign of the birth of her child.

The scar after a caesarean section is approximately 12 cm long and is located in the bikini area. Today, an intra-cutaneous suture is mainly used. This means that the suture is not superficially visible, but only the ends of the suture (right and left) can be seen.

In rare cases, the suture is stapled with staples.

After the cesarean delivery , she is dressed and covered with a large plaster. The plaster can be removed after a maximum of 3 days . The best way to remove the glue from the patch is to moisten it or do it directly after a shower.

I recommend getting a mirror and looking at the scar. This may appear bluish or reddish in color. It’s a natural coloring that you don’t have to worry about! It can take a very long time, like a year, before the scar disappears completely and takes on the appearance of the surrounding skin.

What does it feel to the touch?

The scar area may feel very numb and hard during the first six months. This is because the nerve tracts in the skin were surgically cut.

The C-section scar may appear swollen and hard or even “bumpy” after the first few days. The reason for this is that serous fluid builds up under the skin. The wound fluid, however, is absorbed into the surrounding tissue over time and is soon no longer palpable.

Some women also report itching around the scar. This is usually a good sign and tells us that your wound is starting to heal.

After a few months, the tactile sensation in the scar area finally returns, as the nerves in the skin restore the sensory innervation.

But if the scar appears red, hot or bleeding, contact your midwife or gynecologist immediately. Same thing if you experience a general feeling of malaise associated with temperature or shiver.

Points removal

Removal usually takes place 4 to 10 days after the cesarean and is done either by the doctor or midwife.

The discharge letter indicates how the suture was made and the material used. Often the thread is self-dissolving so trimming the ends of the knot may be sufficient. Otherwise the removal consists in cutting and pulling every single stitch.

4 Tips to manage the cesarean section scar

  • Already in the first 24 hours after the cesarean section, one should move as much as possible. Try to get up and do something to increase mobility. Make sure you are not carrying or lifting heavy objects.
  • From the moment they give you the ok after the operation to eat and drink it is important to take food and above all liquids from that moment and in the following days.
  • At first, wear loose-fitting pants and a top that won’t rub the scar so you don’t irritate it.
  • Rest, allow for good healing of the different layers of tissue.

Cesarean section scar care

Good care is important to promote healing.

You can take a shower, it doesn’t matter if the scar gets wet, as long as you use clean water and a pH neutral soap. Then pat it dry and dry it well and cover it again with the plaster.
When wound healing is complete after about 3 weeks, you can perform scar massage 2 times a day for 5-10 minutes. This massage promotes blood circulation.

A scar massage should in no case be related to pain.

For the massage you can use almond oil, calendula or St. John’s wort oil.

Almond oil is a neutral oil and great for scar care. The other oils and ointments are anti-inflammatory, decongestant just like almond oil.

Happy healing.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *