How to improve the appearance of a cesarean scar

A cesarean delivery has certain risks and leaves a lot of mental and physical consequences, although the important thing is that mother and child are well. As the days go by, worries begin with the cesarean section scar, since beyond the wound heals properly, the physical aspect remains. Today we are going to learn how to improve the appearance of the cesarean scar, and it involves a few basic, logical and very important steps.

Obviously there are not the same methods and advice now with the dermatological advances that our mothers, aunts and grandmothers had. We are going to give a series of quick and very important tips with which we will make the cesarean scar heal faster and leave the least possible mark.

First of all, it should be said that we must always follow the advice and recommendations of healthcare personnel, and if it is the advice of our private doctor, the better. Each body is different and when it comes to cesarean sections, each case is different and may need guidelines and a different recovery time than others.

What type of cesarean scar do you have?

Almost 25% of deliveries end in cesarean section , either emergency or scheduled. In the vast majority of these cases, the scar is quick to heal and does not cause major complications, but let’s not forget that the main thing is to heal that wound and then focus on the physical aspect.

A cesarean section is not a cut with a blade, precisely, it is a surgical intervention where an incision is made in the abdominal wall and in the woman’s uterus to be able to remove the baby.

It has many risks, but still sometimes it is the only solution to end the story with a happy ending. This technique is decided by doctors in an emergency, but there are times when it is agreed with the father and mother.

Un cirujano realizandouna cesárea Cesarean section is usually done when natural delivery is complicated , there is a risk of death, the baby is suffering, there are problems with the placenta, the cord or the mother’s life is at risk, the baby is very poorly positioned, etc.

There are 2 types of cesarean section scars, one vertical and one horizontal. The latter is the most common, the most concealed and the one with the best recovery. But this is not at random, or by the whim of the doctors, but each one is decided under certain circumstances.

  • Suprapubic route: it is about the horizontal scar, which is practically imperceptible when it is closed and it is properly healed and cared for. Sometimes there are suture marks, skin folds, darker skin in that area, etc.
  • Middle laparotomy: it is about the vertical scar and this one is more complex. Both in the care and in making it disappear easily.

Tips for scar recovery

As we have said, the most important thing is that the wound heals well and there is no risk of infection, but for everything to go as smoothly as possible there are a series of steps that must be done before, after the cesarean section or delivery, during recovery and in the last weeks.

Always well hydrated skin

Correctly hydrated skin, through a good diet, water-based hydration and creams, will be healthier than skin that is not cared for. When we say healthy, we do not mean smooth skin without blemishes, but skin that is more resistant to changes, firmer and more elastic .

We must prepare our body several months before conceiving, because the same with our skin, we must prepare it for the changes that are coming. The healthier and more hydrated the skin, the faster the recovery and the more likely the scar will be minimal.

Cleaning and cures

During the recovery process, once the cesarean section is already a reality, we must perform the appropriate cures and try to strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctors so that you do not become infected and heal in a healthy way.

Normally it is advisable to wash the wound with soap and water and not cover it excessively, but it will depend on each scar and each intervention. If we notice that something is not going well, it is best to go to the doctor immediately.

Un hombre dando un masaje en la cicatriz de cesárea

Physiotherapy and massages

When the wound is healed, we move on to the next step, which is to regain our skin, muscles, and our self-esteem. Thanks to advances in medicine and physical therapy, our body will recover quickly and safely.

The massages will help to put the skin in place and usually begin about 15 days after the intervention. The massage will help the regeneration of the skin and should be done with essential oils or aloe vera.

Apart from going to a specialist, we can also learn to perform these massages at home, since we are doubling the efforts and increasing the hydration of the damaged skin. Neither is it good to be obsessed, since we could harm ourselves.

These massages and postpartum physiotherapy specialists will also avoid internal discomfort, tight skin and the obnoxious adhesion of the scar. Adhesion is when internal scars can connect one or more internal organs and that in the long term can lead to obstructions in the organs that have been affected.

Genetics and healthy life

In this case, and especially if we are breastfeeding, we do not recommend following some type of strict diet for the sole purpose of losing weight. We have to eat well, in a varied and healthy way, but without making many restrictions and without being too radical, eliminating possible important food groups, such as fruits, for example.

The mother’s genetics is essential, since that will determine the type of skin, if it is prone to irritation, if it heals quickly, if it is dry skin, if it tends to stretch marks, etc. Since in that genetic information you will know keloids can form in scars.

Before proceeding with this type of intervention, it is important to notify those responsible for our diseases, how our body has reacted on similar occasions, how our skin is when it is damaged, etc.