In France, about one in five children is born by cesarean section. A narrow scar just above the pubic bone is a reminder of this operation. At first, however, the scar can be quite noticeable. With proper care, in a few months you should see only a thin white line. In this article, we’ll show you how you can promote internal and external healing . You’ll also find tips and guidance for gentle scar massages.

The cesarean section, medically called "Sectio caesarea," is said to get its name from the myth that the Roman Emperor Caesar was born this way. Although no one can truly confirm this today, the procedure has become common in our time. The 10 to 20-centimeter-long incision, closed with sutures or staples at the end of the operation, allows the wound to close within a few hours. Within five to ten days, the stitches or staples can be removed. After three weeks, the external wound is generally well healed. However, your scar may remain red and slightly swollen. It can take up to a year for the scar to reach its final appearance.

Once the scab has fallen off, you can start scar care to help make it as discreet as possible. However, caring for it isn’t only about appearance. After a cesarean section, sensory changes such as numbness or tingling may occur around the scar. These usually happen when muscle fibers and nerve endings are affected during the procedure. With targeted stimulation, you can support their regeneration.

Prefer showers over baths

Generally, there is no contraindication to taking a shower the day after your cesarean section, especially if you feel well. Just remember to dry your wound by gently patting it with a clean towel. During the first few days, avoid using too many shower products on the area to prevent irritation. Once the stitches or staples have been removed, using soap and shower gel is no longer an issue. When it comes to baths, it’s best to wait a little longer—at least until the cesarean scar is fully healed—so the tissues don’t soften too much.

Wear loose-fitting clothes

To prevent clothing from rubbing against your scar or putting pressure on the area, it’s often recommended to wear soft, loose underwear and pants. When you can wear tight jeans again without discomfort, it’s usually a sign that you’re recovering well.

Avoid lifting heavy loads

Once the external wound has healed, it’s easy to forget that a major operation also took place inside your body. Internal tissues take longer to heal, so it’s advisable to avoid lifting heavy loads during the first few months after your cesarean section. Your body’s signals and sensations are the best guide to what you can do. In general, you can carry your baby without worry from the very beginning.

Wear a belly belt

During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are significantly stretched. An abdominal belt can support your belly after your newborn arrives. This can also be helpful after a vaginal birth, but especially after a cesarean section, as many women appreciate the feeling of support while waiting to begin toning exercises later on.

Avoid sunlight

Protect your cesarean scar from direct sunlight. As with any scar tissue, the skin’s ability to pigment is altered, so UV radiation can cause permanent light or dark discoloration. In everyday life, it’s usually easy to keep your scar out of the sun because of its location. Only visits to tanning salons and sunbathing should be avoided during the first year.

Massage your scar

Once the visible part of your scar has healed, you can start massaging it regularly. On the one hand, massages soften the tissue so your scar is less likely to feel tight. On the other hand, blood circulation is stimulated , which supports healing . Finally, stimulation can contribute to the regeneration of nerve cells , which may help reduce numbness. For example, you can use a natural oil or a calendula ointment for massage. Calendula has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help relieve possible swelling. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, St. John’s wort oil is also particularly suitable for scar massage. Creams specifically marketed for scar care aren’t necessary; the positive effect of massage comes more from the pressure applied than from the product used.

Under no circumstances should you avoid the scar during massage. Instead, make circular movements toward it, or move two fingers along the line, from right to left and vice versa. We have compiled additional massage techniques in our infographic. Ideally, massage your scar twice a day for five to ten minutes. The pressure should never be painful or uncomfortable.

For a simple but effective massage, you can use these techniques individually or in combination.

In case of doubt, discuss it with your doctor

During the postpartum period, your midwife will regularly monitor the healing process of your cesarean scar and check that everything is progressing well. In general, wounds heal easily. At first, some bluish bruising or small swelling around the wound may occur. This is perfectly normal and is usually broken down by the body within two to three weeks. Even if your scar starts to itch at some point, there’s no need to worry. On the contrary, it’s often a sign that your injury is healing. The itching is caused by severed nerve endings being irritated as the tissue regrows.

However, if something seems unusual to you, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. For example, if your scar begins to throb uncomfortably or suddenly, it could be a sign of infection. If you have ... fever , a severe burning sensation , or a leak of fluid, blood, or pus , you should always contact your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Advice: use a scar patch

If you experience poor healing or a raised scar, our midwife Sissi Rasche from LILLYDOO recommends a special silicone dressing. It has the advantage of sealing the scar area hermetically and increasing the skin temperature there. This stimulates metabolic processes and supports connective tissue regeneration. As a result, this dressing, which you can get at the pharmacy, can help make your scar flatter and paler. However, you should only use it once the wound is completely closed and the stitches or staples have been removed.

Some women see their scar as a flaw and are eager for it to become less noticeable. It takes at least six months for the incision to lighten. So try to be patient with your scar. And even if it remains visible despite care and massage, your cesarean scar is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, it’s a lasting reminder of something infinitely beautiful: the arrival of your little adventurer!