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regnancy and childbirth are sometimes represented by memorable scars. These scars can be forgotten for a while or endured because we are holding the most precious gift of all: our little bundle(s) of joy. But after birth, especially if you underwent a C-section, it’s normal to begin to consider care tips to heal your scars, even from the comfort of your home.
Millions of women give birth through cesarean section, and they have the scars to remember this moment. Fortunately, these scars, while being memorable, can be healed too. We know that you’d love to feel beautiful again and have your smooth bikini region and unhindered movement back. Therefore, you must take the necessary steps to care for yourself post-surgery. This is a very crucial moment and isn’t something to be careless about or ignore.
Check out c-section scar care tips to help you heal at home…
- Keep it clean: When you first come home from the hospital after a C-section, the most important care tip is to keep the area clean. Just like you’d wash a cut with water, you’ll also do the same for your incision site, but gently.
- Use the strips: Also, utilize the special strips given to you by your doctor to put on the scar. After a few weeks, when your doctor says it’s okay, you can start massaging the area with some lotion or oil.
- Eat healthily: In addition, it’s important to always eat a healthy diet and drink enough water as it supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
- Don’t swim: You should also avoid swimming in the pool during the early days of post-surgery care so as not to infect the wound.
- Move around: As you start feeling better, try to move around, but not too fast. Don’t lift things heavier than your baby at this point to avoid stressing and opening the wound, which might affect the healing process. In addition, when you’re in pain, talk to your doctor so they can suggest ways to make it feel better.
- Watch the cut: Always keep an eye on how the scar looks. If it starts to show worrying signs, like turning red or leaking fluid, that’s a sign to talk to your doctor.
- Be patient: Lastly, be patient. Healing takes time, and your body knows what it’s doing. With a little extra care, your scar will get better over time.
How long does it take to heal?
Although the exact healing period for a C-section scar varies from person to person, it usually takes six to eight weeks for the skin to heal and the scar’s surface to close. It’s important to know that tissue healing can take many months to a year (or longer), during which the scar tissue could keep changing and getting softer. All of these happen beneath the surface of the scar.
Any potential side effects?
For the first few weeks when the scar is healing up, you’re likely to have symptoms like:
- Pain
- Itching (try to control yourself from scratching the itch as much as possible)
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Cramps
How to minimize the chances of getting a permanent scar
Massages can minimize the chances of having a permanent scar. You’d start this a few weeks after the surgery once the incision has healed enough. Use a mild, hypoallergenic lotion or oil that’ll be gentle for your skin. Then, gently massage the scar in a circular motion. The idea is to encourage better blood flow to the area as that can help soften and flatten the scar tissue. Do this for a few minutes each day.
Another tip to effectively care for c-section scars at home is the use of silicone sheets. They’re often recommended by doctors because their effectiveness is well known. Apply these sheets directly on the healed skin — they work by putting gentle pressure on the scar and creating a hydrating environment. This can help flatten and soften the scar over time. These discreet sheets are usually worn for several hours a day and fit seamlessly under your clothes.
Featured image: b-d-s/iStock
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