Scar care after cesarean section

Almost one in three children in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is now born by cesarean section. The operation is usually remembered later by a narrow scar just above the pubic bone. At first, this can be quite noticeable. However, if you pay attention to a few small details, it will only be visible as a fine white line in a few months. In this article, we will tell you how you can support not only the external but also the internal healing of your scar. Additionally, you will find a guide for a healing scar massage.

The Cesarean section , medically known as "cesarean section," owes its name to the myth that Roman Emperor Caesar was brought into the world this way. Today, no one can confirm this, but the fact is that this method of delivery is now common practice. The approximately 10 to 20 cm long incision is closed at the end of the operation with a suture or clips. The wound bonds within a few hours, and after five to ten days, the stitches can be removed or the clips taken out. After three weeks, the outer wound is usually well healed. Your scar is probably still red and slightly swollen at first. It may take up to a year for it to reach its final state. But as soon as the scab has fallen off, you can start with scar care and thus help make your scar as inconspicuous as possible. Scar care is not only sensible for aesthetic reasons: after a cesarean section, sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling can occur in the scar area if muscle fibers and nerve endings were affected during the procedure. With targeted stimulation, you can promote their regeneration.

Duschen statt baden

Usually, there is nothing against showering on the day after your cesarean section. Of course, only if you already feel sufficiently well again. You can then gently pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Avoid using body shower products in the first few days to prevent irritating your wound too much. However, once the stitches or clips have been removed, using shower gel and soap is also unproblematic. It’s best to wait a little longer before taking a full bath until the cesarean scar has fully healed, so that the tissue does not soften too much beforehand.

Lockere Kleidung tragen

To prevent your clothing from chafing your scar and to avoid putting pressure on the area, switch to soft, loose underwear and pants during the initial period. You will best feel when you can start wearing tight jeans again without it feeling uncomfortable.

Nicht schwer heben

Once the external wound has healed, one quickly forgets that a major procedure was also performed internally. And its injuries take significantly longer to heal than what is visible from the outside. Therefore, avoid heavy lifting in the first few months after a cesarean section, and for example, carry large groceries into the apartment in several trips. The signals from your body are the best guide for how much you can handle. You can usually carry your baby without worry from the beginning.

Einen Bauchgurt tragen

During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are stretched significantly. An abdominal belt can provide support to your belly after birth and thus aid in the postpartum recovery. This is also true after a natural birth, but especially after a cesarean section, many women appreciate the stabilizing feeling because they can only start postpartum exercises later due to the surgery.

Sonnenlicht vermeiden

Protect your C-section scar from direct sunlight. As with any scar tissue, the skin's pigmentation ability is impaired there, so UV radiation can cause a permanent light or dark discoloration of the scar. In everyday life, it is probably not a problem for you to protect it from the sun due to its location. ;) Only during visits to the tanning salon and sunbathing should you avoid it in the first year.

Narbenmassagen durchführen

Once your scar has healed externally, you can start massaging it regularly. This has a positive effect in many ways: firstly, the massages make the tissue supple so that your scar does not tighten or peel unpleasantly from the surrounding area. Additionally, it stimulates blood circulation and thus promotes the body's natural wound healing. And finally, the stimulation contributes to the regeneration of nerve cells, which can help with numbness. For the massage, you can use, for example, a natural or calendula ointment. The latter also has anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing effects. Due to its antibacterial properties, St. John's Wort oil is also suitable as an alternative for scar massage. Special scar creams are usually not necessary. The positive effect of the massages is more likely triggered by the touch than by the applied product. When massaging, try not to pull your scar apart. Instead, stroke in circular motions towards it or run two fingers along the right and left sides of the scar. We have compiled other massage techniques in our infographic. Ideally, perform the massage twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes. The touches should never be painful or uncomfortable for you!

You can apply these techniques – individually or in combination – during a simple but effective scar massage:

Im Zweifel Deine Hebamme fragen oder zum Arzt gehen

During the your midwife will regularly check the healing progress of your C-section scar and ensure everything is in order. Usually, the injuries from the procedure heal very straightforwardly. Initially, bluish hematomas or fluid collections in the form of small lumps around the wound may occur. This is completely normal. They are usually broken down by the body within two to three weeks. Even if your scar starts to itch at some point, you don't need to worry. On the contrary, this is even a sign that your wound is healing. The itching is caused by the severed nerve endings being irritated by growing connective tissue. However, if something seems unusual to you, do not hesitate to speak to your midwife or your doctor about it. For example, if your scar begins to throb unpleasantly or suddenly hurts after previously improving, it could be a sign of an infection. Also, in case of fever, intense burning, or the discharge of wound fluid, blood, or pus, you should always contact your midwife or your doctor as quickly as possible.

Sissis Tipp: Ein Narbenpflaster verwenden

If you are struggling with poor wound healing and a raised scar, our recommends a special silicone patch. It seals the scar area airtight and watertight, thereby increasing the skin temperature at this spot. This way, your metabolic processes are stimulated and the regeneration of connective tissue is supported. The patch, which you can get at any pharmacy, helps to make your scar flatter and paler. However, you should only use it after the wound has fully closed and the stitches or clips have been removed.

Some women perceive their scar as a supposed flaw and can hardly wait for it to become less noticeable. It usually takes at least six months for the incision to start fading. So, be patient with your scar. And even if it remains more noticeable despite care and massages, your cesarean scar is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, it is a permanent reminder of something beautiful – the arrival of your little explorer!