A cesarean section(or C-section) is a major surgical procedure that's sometimes used to deliver a baby. After giving birth via C-section, there will be a closed incision (or cut) and eventually a scar across the abdomen.
It can take weeks to work through the healing stages of a C-section scar. This timeline can be impacted by the type of surgical incision made and other complications, like an infection.
This article discusses the C-section scar healing process, outlining tips for preventing and managing scar tissue.
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How Long Does a C-Section Scar Take to Heal?
A C-section incision is a major cut across your abdomen and uterus that's later closed up, usually with stitches. After the surgery, your body will start to undergo the wound-healing process, which will take several weeks and months.
Right After Delivery
Immediately following delivery, the surgeon will close up the abdomen and uterus with stitches for the healing process to begin.
Your incision may look slightly pink or discolored (depending on your skin tone) and slightly raised or puffy. The incision site will be pretty sore for the first couple of weeks, which can be relieved with pain management.
For several days, your C-section incision works through the inflammatory stage of wound healing. Although bleeding or severe pain may have stopped, the scar area will look a little discolored and swollen. This means your body's immune system is helping protect the area against infection.
Your healthcare provider may recommend standing up and moving around shortly after surgery to help prevent any wound-healing complications.
2 Weeks After Delivery
The rebuilding phase of healing occurs two weeks after delivery when the body produces collagen to help new tissue grow in the wound area. New skin forms over the top of the tissue, and the incision edges become tighter. The scar may appear thicker and the wound becomes a bit smaller.
Most pain around the C-section incision is resolved after the first few days. However, you may still be sore or tender for a few more weeks.
4 Weeks After Delivery
A scar will have formed as new skin tissue grows back, which may be slightly smaller than the original incision. The skin on this scar is new and won't be as strong as the surrounding skin.
The C-section incision area may be itchy or appear stretched, discolored, and shiny after the scabbing heals. The scar will continue to lighten as it heals and may almost disappear in the next year or two. For some people, though, C-section scars will never completely fade.
Why Does C-Section Scar Healing Sometimes Take Longer?
C-section scar healing takes time, as this is a major abdominal surgery that will require a period of recovery. How long it takes to heal can vary based on several surgical-related and personal factors.
Incision Type
C-section incisions are usually made horizontally (a low transverse cut). The surgeon may sometimes make a vertical cut, though this is rare.
Vertical cuts usually turn out to be longer incisions that impact how long it takes the skin and abdominal muscles to heal, potentially producing a more noticeable scar.
Infection
Somewhere around 2% to 7% of people who undergo a C-section delivery may experience infections after the surgery.
Getting an infection may prolong the wound-healing process. This may be more likely to happen in people who:
- Use tobacco
- Take corticosteroids
- Carry excess body weight
- Have experienced a twin birth
- Received a long incision
- Lost excessive blood during the surgery
- Have thicker skin tissue
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection like:
- An incision that's broken open
- Warmth or redness/discoloration around the incision site
- Swelling or pus from the incision
- Fever
Genetics
The time your skin takes to heal and what a scar looks like afterward is partly based on genetics. Some people may find their C-section scar heals more easily and quickly with minimal scarring, and for others, it may take up to two years to heal. Additionally, how quickly your skin heals may be impacted by a chronic health condition likediabetes.
Hard Lump Under C-Section Scar
In rare cases, a hard lump may develop under a C-section scar, which could be what's known as scar endometriosis. This may happen when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, within the incision.
Scar endometriosis is located on or near the C-section scar. You'll likely be able to feel or see a mass or bump underneath the skin. Othersymptomsmay include swelling and occasional discharge from the incision site.
A healthcare provider may surgically remove the lump or suggest other hormonal treatments.
A keloid scar (raised scar) can develop after a C-section. These scars may become large, itchy, painful, and take longer. They can be resolved with treatment from a healthcare provider.
Other Types of Pain in C-Section Scar
A C-section is a major surgery that will involve pain and discomfort throughout the healing stages. During the first few weeks after a C-section, you may experience pain on and around the incision. This type of pain is often intense and requires management with medication.
Some people may notice a sensation of numbness in the C-section scar, which is common at surgical incision sites. This occurs in the initial weeks following the surgery but could continue throughout the healing process.
Though it's rare, it's possible to experience other painful symptoms in and around the incision site due to C-section scar endometriosis. You may feel tenderness and discomfort in the lower abdominal region. C-section endometrial pain can happen regularly, or it can flare up with yourmenstrual cycle.
Signs C-Section Scar Is Fading
Your C-section scar will fade over time and look different from the initial incision wound. As it heals, the scar usually becomes thinner and flatter against the skin. Its color may shift to match your skin or appear lighter than your skin tone.
This is the remodeling stage, the final stage of healing, and can last up to a year or more.
How to Support C-Section Scar Healing
While it may seem like a long journey, some steps you can take during the recovery may minimize or, in some cases, prevent scarring.
Infection Prevention
Preventing infection is crucial for supporting the healing process and minimizing scarring after a C-section. To do so, consider the following steps:
- Change your surgical dressing regularly per your healthcare provider's guidance.
- Clean the incision site daily, and each time you change the dressing.
- Avoid soaking in a bathtub or swimming until your healthcare provider clears you for water-based activities (usually at least three weeks post-surgery).
Skin Care
Your healthcare provider may recommend skincare tactics to help reduce scarring, such as:
- Silicone sheets: These sheets and gelsare silicone strips applied directly to the scar site to keep the area hydrated and help the scar heal softer and flatter. Silicone may help reduce scarring and is a postoperative healing tactic surgeons use.
- Moisturizer: Regularly moisturizing the scar site is often suggested to help heal once the incision has fully closed. Check with a healthcare provider on whether one of the following may be appropriate for you to use on a C-section scar area:
- Petroleum jelly
- Medical grade honey
- Antibiotic ointment
Physical Therapy
Once a healthcare provider clears you for light exercise, incorporating daily short walks can promote healing by increasing blood flow. Some research shows excess weight may increase the chances of scarring, as additional layers of fat underneath the skin can interfere with incision closure.
It's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on the timing and amount of exercise suggested after your C-section.
Self-Massage
C-section scar tissue self-massage is a newer tactic that research shows may help even out bumpy or uneven scars during the healing process.
Your healthcare provider will likely want you to wait at least four to six weeks after the C-section to start a scar massage routine. If you're approved to try this, moisturize the scar area and slowly incorporate gentle pressure by making manual small circles along the scar line.
Summary
The incision made during a C-section delivery produces a scar, which can take weeks and months to heal fully. Most people experience pain post surgery as the skin tissue rebuilds and a scar forms. Any prolonged pain, swelling, fever, or noticeable bumps underneath the incision area should be checked out by a healthcare provider.
Keeping your C-section incision area clean and moisturized can help prevent infection and minimize scar tissue formation.
