What you need to know about cesarean section scars

A cesarean section scar occurs when you give birth to a baby by cesarean section. A cesarean section is a major surgical procedure that can result in significant scarring.

Here's what you need to know about how they can affect your health.

Types of cesarean section scars

There are two types of incisions a surgeon can use during a cesarean section: vertical and horizontal. Both incisions are equally likely to heal, but the scar will look different depending on its direction.

Vertical incisions are more commonly used for emergency cesarean sections because they are faster to perform. If your child has a medical emergency, this will allow your surgeon to contact them more quickly and begin treatment. However, a vertical incision is considered more painful and takes longer to heal.

On the other hand, horizontal incisions are more common in elective cesarean sections. These incisions are low on the torso, just above the pubis. Many mothers prefer horizontal incisions because they are easier to hide. They also heal faster and cause less pain than vertical incisions.

The impact of a cesarean section on your health

A cesarean section is a major operation. The surgeon needs not only to make an incision in the abdomen, but also to make an incision in the uterus to remove the baby. Like any major surgery, a cesarean section can affect your health in the weeks and months following it. After a cesarean section, you should watch out for problems such as:

Infection. Any surgical site can become infected without proper care. Keeping your incision site clean and protected can help you avoid infections. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

Pain from the incision site getting worse over time
-Drainage or pus coming from your incisions
A fever of more than 38 C

Nerve damage. Classic cesarean and bikini incisions involve cutting certain nerves in the abdomen. As you recover, the abdominal area will most likely become numb. Many people find most or all of the sensation in the abdomen. However, if the numbness persists for several weeks or you experience shooting pains in your stomach and legs, talk to your doctor about nerve damage.
Hypertrophic scars. A cesarean section can lead to scarring. In some women, these scars become thick, raised, and red. This may mean that your scar is hypertrophied, where your body has created more scar tissue than it needs. A hypertrophic scar is harmless, but it may irritate when you wear clothes or you may not like the way it looks.

Treatment of cesarean section scars

If you already have a cesarean section scar, there are several ways you can make it less noticeable.

Silicone treatments. Silicone has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. Using a silicone gel or silicone sheet on a scar can help your body remove unsightly scar tissue.
Steroid injections. If you have a large scar, steroid injections can help flatten it and make it less noticeable. Your doctor may recommend monthly steroid injections so you can look the way you want.
Laser therapy. Medical lasers can help soften old scars and remove raised scars. A few monthly laser treatments can help many people minimize the appearance of old cesarean section scars.
Scar revision. If you have a cesarean section scar that other treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend surgery to resurface the scar. This procedure re-opens the skin of your scar and removes the scar tissue. The goal is to allow the area to heal again with less visible scarring.

Preventing cesarean section scars

Everyone's body is different. Some people tend to have more scars after injury or surgery. However, with proper care, you can give yourself a better chance of minimizing scarring.

Keep it clean. Always follow your surgeon's instructions for caring for your incision. Infection not only puts your health at risk, but it can also aggravate scars. Keep the area clean and follow instructions for dressing and caring for sutures.
Don’t stress your incision. Movement, bending, and twisting can put pressure on the incision, causing it to heal more slowly and possibly heal more. Take time to rest and let things heal before you resume your daily routine.
Take care of your body. Stay hydrated and eat healthy after your cesarean section. Keeping the body healthy is the best way to recover quickly after surgery.