Caesarean Scar Care
The cesarean scar can be overwhelming for many women. Mainly because they consider it an unsightly element that detracts from their beauty and, therefore , affects their self-esteem.
Regardless of how obvious a scar is (or not), the most important thing is to know how to take care of it to ensure that it is softened and minimized to the maximum.
This is why we must inform ourselves about what care the cesarean scar requires and what we need to start getting down to business.
When a scar evolves correctly, the skin turns pink and flat. However, although recovery from cesarean section does not present any complications, its process is slow and laborious. You need to be patient and take good care of the wound so that the skin looks healthy.
The cesarean scar is becoming less noticeable since, now, they are usually located – horizontally – below the bikini line. In addition, surgeons use two techniques in particular to close the incision more delicately; these are:
- The threads.
- The Staples.
Most women heal without problems, especially if they have tried to follow the instructions of the treating doctor or dermatologist.
Only 5% of women develop keloids (abnormal growth under scar tissue) and require specialized care. Keloids are very evident not only because the skin thickens, but because it stings and hurts.
Caesarean scar care
Before the surgery
- Hydrate your skin every day. It is always positive that you keep your skin hydrated. Especially if you are pregnant. You do not know if your delivery will require surgery, so it is very positive for your skin to prepare for this. Keeping your skin hydrated helps you prevent unwanted stretch marks; That is why it is good that you apply moisturizer every day.
- Take care of your diet. Make sure to consume an adequate supply of proteins, vegetables and fruits each day. All have an important contribution to your body. Also drink a lot of water, that is the best secret of all women who strive to have beautiful skin.
After cesarean section
- Keep an eye on your dressing. When you come out of surgery you will discover that your wound is covered with a surgical dressing, which you should watch to make sure that you are not bleeding from the incision. The day after the cesarean section it is safe for the staff to lift the dressing and expose the wound to get air and, of course, to check for dryness.
- Always keep the wound clean and dry. If the wound has not become complicated and you are discharged, you should be alert to signs of infection, bleeding or opening of the wound. You should wash it with water and a neutral soap and dry it with a few light touches – as if you were using a speck to apply compact powder. You should avoid, at all costs, rubbing the towel over the wound.
- Ventilation. It is very important that the wound is outdoors for as long as possible, because the longer it is ventilated, the faster it will heal. Try to always wear cotton garments that allow the skin to breathe.
- Have rest. A cesarean section requires healing time, so it is important that you avoid sudden movements that affect the muscles of the abdomen, as this could affect the healing process.
- Go to a consultation to have the doctor check your wound. About 12 days after having the cesarean section, you should return to check the wound. During those days you must monitor the evolution of the scar ; the points to consider are:
- Redness of the skin.
- Pain on contact.
- If any edge opens, if it oozes or has any type of discharge or bleeding.
If your recovery has been optimal and the wound is closed, the stitches or staples will be removed. Remember that each person heals at different rates, so if the stitches are not removed, it is probably because the doctor considers that there is still time for the wound to heal properly.
You must be constant
Once the stitches are removed, and the doctor has verified that your cesarean scar has healed well, you can apply a moisturizing cream (with aloe vera, rosehip or other natural healing elements). This will help the skin regain its elasticity.
During the first weeks it is normal that you feel some discomfort and even a little pain in the abdomen. It is also normal to feel the area “numb”, that is, with little sensitivity. Little by little you will recover it, do not worry.
Keep in mind that it is not recommended to receive direct sun in that area until after about six months after the cesarean section. This helps prevent changes in the pigmentation of the new skin that is forming.
