Cesarean Scar Care: Guide to help you know everything about C-section scar

Cesarean Scar Care: complications, treatment and care

There can be no greater happiness than the arrival of a child into the world. An adventure that leaves many marks, scars that are definitely worth having. And many of them shine with pride since they are a symbol of the effort and love that is born within the mother at the same moment that she knows that she is pregnant.

However, as time goes by it is normal for moms to want to regain their body and look the same as before starting their pregnancy. Feeling good about yourself is essential to enjoying a full life. With the more facets the person feels satisfied with, his well-being will be greater. And the aesthetic aspect is one of the many facets that human beings have. For this reason, many women are in need and desire to correct the scars on their bodies. One of those that most worries women is the cesarean section scar, since, despite the good work that doctors do today in a delivery operation, it is still a scar, and of quite large dimensions.

How is a cesarean scar made?

At present, cesarean section scars, despite being somewhat long, are very discreet and barely perceptible, because they are made suprapubically horizontally over the pubis. And best of all, the incision is made in the so-called bikini area. In this way it is hidden by underwear or bikini bottom; hence its name, because of the concern that it can be seen when one goes to the beach or the pool.

Generally, the scar from a cesarean section does not present aesthetic problems for women, but we must not forget that this intervention always has an emergency nature and, depending on how such an emergency is, the surgeon will not be able to prioritize the aesthetics of the patient over of other factors. So you may have to perform a median laparotomy type scar, that is, vertical; or that it is not low enough in the case of horizontal. In both situations, the scar will be visible and impossible to camouflage, because it will reach the middle of the abdomen (vertically) or above the bikini line (the horizontal scar).

On the other hand, apart from the incision, there are also stitches. To close the wound, the surgeon may use surgical thread or staples. Today’s staples are not like the old ones, which left a lot of marks. The current ones leave the same appearance as the points.

What complications can a cesarean scar have?

But in any case, we are talking about a scar, and it may not evolve favourably despite the care we take. There are some risks associated with a cesarean scar. The patient may suffer haemorrhages, infections, intolerance to the suture material, dehiscence (the scar reopens), among others.

In addition to postoperative complications, healing problems can also arise that will negatively influence the appearance of the same. The cesarean section scar can undergo hypertrophy, become attached (sunken inward), widened, with visible suture marks, even cause excess skin that remains hanging. If any of these circumstances finally occur, we can always resort to some treatment for scar correction that currently exists, which are usually very effective.

Essential care for a cesarean scar

It is very important to keep the scar clean and dry for the first few weeks. To do this, the wound should be washed with mild soap and water and done very carefully for the first few days. In addition, an antiseptic must be applied (such as iodine or chlorhexidine) and then covered with a hypoallergenic and breathable tape (the latter is very important).

You should remain at rest for the first few days and do not make great efforts for a few weeks until the wound has completely healed. It is also advisable to wear a compression girdle for at least a couple of months, as it will help to mitigate abdominal pain.

In any case, the doctor will advise you on what types of care you should follow. And if at any time you notice any pain or an abnormal appearance, you should go to the doctor to be checked. It should be noted that it will not be until six months when the patient is fully recovered from the cesarean section.

Care to improve the appearance of a cesarean scar

The healing process is long, so it is important to be patient and perform constant and daily care. This is the only way to get the wound to be as concealed as possible. There are several practices that the patient can perform for this:

1. Rosehip oil: This oil has very powerful moisturizing and regenerating properties due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamins that favour the formation of collagen.
2. Silicone patches: These put pressure on the scar and act as dressing massages. They prevent the scar from sticking to deep tissues and edema from forming while improving circulation in the area. Massages must be performed when authorized by the doctor.
3. Physical exercise: When the doctor gives permission, it is advisable to perform physical exercise that does not involve a significant effort on the abdominal area.

What scar correction treatments are there?

If the cesarean scar ultimately evolves unsatisfactorily, the patient can resort to medical treatments to improve her appearance.

1. Dermabrasion: Indicated when the abdominal muscles have a good tone and there is little skin flaccidity. With a surgical instrument, the scar tissue is lifted and the area is treated with antibiotics and mineral oils that prevent the formation of new scars.
2. Liposuction and tummy tuck: Recommended in those cases in which the muscles are relaxed and there is excess skin tissue. The excess fat of the patient is eliminated and the skin of the abdomen area is rejuvenated. This treatment is not recommended for women who wish to become mothers again.
3. To be: The laser causes damage to the scar area, thus activating the metabolism of fibroblasts, cells that are responsible for the formation of collagen. In this way, the appearance of the scar is greatly improved.
4. Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the scar, reducing its size due to vasoconstriction and anoxia (lack of oxygen in the area).
5. Corticosteroids: The corticosteroids injected into the scar reduce the excess formation of the factors that intervene in the scarring process.