Are you scheduled for a c-section, or are you already recovering from the procedure? A c-section is a major event, both physically and emotionally. Your body needs time to recover, and the operation leaves a lasting mark: a scar. Proper care of your c-section scar can speed up recovery and helps prevent issues such as thickening, redness or itching.
What is a c-section scar?
When a c-section is performed, it leaves a wound that heals into a scar. In some cases, the scar settles over the course of several months to a year and remains at skin level. However, the healing process doesn’t always go as expected: the scar remains red, sensitive, tight, thickened or begins to itch.
C-section scar symptoms
While some scars stay within the boundaries of the wound, others grow beyond them. A normal scar can develop into an abnormal scar. On average, around 50% of all scars following surgery develop into hypertrophic scars. A c-section scar may cause the following symptoms:
Start treating the scar as soon as possible to prevent these symptoms.
Keloid or hypertrophic c-section scar
There are two types of abnormal scars that are common after a c-section:
C-section scar healing stages
The wound from a c-section is usually closed after about three weeks, but full scar healing takes much longer. It can take up to 1-1,5 years for the scar to fully mature. During this time, your c-section scar can develop into an abnormal one. Factors such as your skin colour, genetic predisposition and how well the scar is cared for all play a significant role.
During the scar healing stages, symptoms like redness, itching or a tight, pulling sensation may persist. This is because the skin struggles to retain moisture. This is why it’s vital to keep the skin well hydrated and protect it from drying out with a good scar cream and silicone scar sheets.
Untreated c-section scar development
If your c-section scar is left untreated, it can start to develop into a hypertrophic scar about 6 weeks after wound closure. However, it is also possible that this happens later. In the first 1-1,5 years after wound closure, your scar is still active and can develop into an abnormal scar. This can be prevented by starting scar treatment early.
Your c-section scar after 1 year
After the first year you can start to see the end result. For some, this means that the scar stays flat and often a little lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. However, this is not guaranteed for many women. Starting (preventative) treatment, can improve your chances of achieving this result.
Can you get a friction rash on your c-section scar?
Yes. This is because a scar is very sensitive, and your c-section scar is usually under clothes. The scar can rub against these clothes and the friction can cause a rash. The scar itself can also cause symptoms, such as itching, pain and redness. To reduce these symptoms, and additionally prevent friction rash, it is recommended to treat your scar with Scarban C-Section.
Why does my c-section scar hurt or itch years later?
If you don’t treat your scar (preventative or for treatment) it is possible that your c-section scar can hurt or is itchy years after your c-section birth. Pain around the scar is often triggered by sudden movements, such as getting up quickly, or during or after exercise. Scarban C-Section can prevent these symptoms and reduce them, even for old scars.
C-section scar overhang
A c-section scar overhang, where the tummy hangs over the scar, is a common concern. In some cases, this may be partly related to the scar itself.
Your c-section scar can become hard, tight and thick. Your stretched skin and tummy can then hang over this tight and hard scar. Using Scarban C-Section helps make the scar softer, more flexible and promotes better healing.
Other causes of your c-section scar overhang can be:
After your birth, it takes a while for your body to recover. Your skin, muscles and organs need time to return to their original state. Make sure that you take time to recover from your c-section and only start exercises when you are allowed to and your body can handle them.
Scar treatment for your c-section scar
The most widely used method for preventing and treating abnormal scars is silicone therapy. Its effectiveness is scientifically proven.
Scarban C-Section is a pre-shaped silicone sheet specifically developed for c-section scars. It covers the delicate scar tissue and reduces moisture loss, which helps to:
The scar recovers faster. While a scar will never disappear completely, it can become much less noticeable with the use of silicone sheets. Start treatment as soon as the wound has fully closed to prevent or reduce abnormal scars and their symptoms.
Silicone therapy: the preferred scar treatment
Silicone scar therapy, such as Scarban C-Section, is the first-choice treatment for scars according to international scar treatment guidelines. It is the most commonly used approach for both prevention and treatment of scars. Moreover, it is one of the few non-invasive scar treatments with strong scientific support.
Watch the video below, where c-section and scar specialist Hannah Poulton (HLP Therapy) explains how silicone works and why it’s very effective in helping your c-section scar heal properly.