Congratulations, you are now a mother! Whether or not you opted in for a c-section or it was an emergency surgery, you have done a wonderful job of bringing your baby into the world. But as any mother who has gone through a c-section surgery would know, the recovery period is a long journey and one that often comes with a lot of pain. When it comes to c-section scar treatment, it is one of the most important things for mums to do during this recovery phase.
Firstly mummies, just remember, you have just gone through major life-altering surgery and unlike other surgeries, this one also resulted in you becoming a parent.
You should view having the c-section scar as a badge of honour and a testament to your bravery. So many women are also on this same journey that you are.
While many mummies have gone through a c-section, what you need to know is that not all c-section incisions are the same.
Types of C-Section Incisions
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During your surgery, your doctor makes two incisions. The first is through the skin of your lower abdomen, about an inch above your pubic hair while the second is into the uterus, where your doctor will then reach in to deliver the baby1.
The incision of your abdomen will be either:
-
- Horizontal: A low-transverse incision that is used in most caesarean surgery. It is done across the lowest part of the uterus because it bleeds less and is also less likely to split if you choose to have a vaginal birth in the future.
- Vertical: The incision is down in the middle of the uterus and is only done by doctors for an emergency delivery. It is slightly more painful and requires a longer time to heal.
Which one did your doctor do for you?
Types of C-Section Closures
No matter which direction your doctor decided to make the cut, the closure will play a big role in how the scar heals.
During the Cesarean surgery, you will receive two incisions – one in your abdomen and another on your uterus.
The incision on your uterus is always closed with dissolvable stitches. These stitches are made from materials that the body can break down, so they will dissolve gradually as the incision heals2.
However, the incision on your abdomen will be closed with these three ways. They are:
- Staples – It’s the most popular choice because it’s the easiest and quickest option.
- Stitches – This method takes more time, but some research suggests that women who chose stitches may be significantly less likely to develop wound complications3.
- Glue – Surgical glue seals the skin and is then topped with a transparent dressing. Some experts stated that glue heals faster and leaves the least visible scar. However, the doctor can only use the glue method depending on how the c-section went.
The C-section Scar
Once the wound closes and the skin heals, that is when the scar starts to form. Hypertrophic or raised scars developed in 41% of women 12 weeks post caesarean delivery4. Therefore this is the critical period to treat scars so that they can heal optimally.
These scars are known as:
- Keloid – A keloid scar occurs when scar tissue extends beyond the original boundaries of the wound, resulting in lumps of scar tissue around the incision5.
- Hypertrophic scar – The scar is thicker, firmer and more raised than a normal scar. It stays within the borders of its original incision line, unlike a keloid6.
C-Section Scar Treatment
Credit: iStock
Surgical wounds can take months to heal, however, the earlier you begin to manage your c-section scar, the faster and better it will recover.
Despite having to adjust to a new and very busy schedule, there are no shortcuts to reducing the visibility of your scar. Healing takes time and effort.
Here is what you SHOULD NOT do, to begin with:
- Put toothpaste on the scar
Some ingredients in toothpaste include fluoride, glycerol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
These ingredients can be harsh on the skin and even induce irritation and burning sensation. Some people applied it over their acne to shrink its size.7
But this method must never be used as c-section scar treatment. In fact, doing so might make your incision heal slower than you expect it to be!
- Using citrus fruit like oranges
Citrus fruit is a popular ingredient in skincare as it contains high levels of antioxidants. However, it is not the best c-section scar treatment because fruit juice can be highly acidic which can burn and irritate the skin.
On the other hand, never use citrus oil undiluted on your skin because they are highly active oils with astringent properties and photosensitivity that activates under direct sunlight.
This may cause chemical burns on your skin8. It is important to instead look for a product that contains the same ingredients without all the harmful side effects.
- Rubbing alcohol
It is commonly used for a number of skin-related purposes such as fighting acne, cleaning wounds, etc. In this instance, you absolutely do not want to rub alcohol on your c-section scar.
Rubbing alcohol is a harsh substance that can damage and burn skin while removing the skin’s natural oils that contribute to the skin’s pH balance9.
Try This Instead
The best way to reduce c-section scar is by using scar reduction products, that can certainly help in lightening and flattening the c-section scar.
Silicone gel is the first-line therapy recommended by experts worldwide for the management of scars10.
At the Asianparent, we recommend Dermatix UltraⓇ, a clinically proven scar formulation to lighten, soften and flatten c-section scars.
It is a gentle, non-oily gel-based formulation with unique CPX silicone technology and vitamin C ester to help improve the appearance of surgical scars.
CPX, a unique silicone technology aids in scar improvement by maintaining skin’s optimal hydration, while Vitamin C Ester helps to enhance the lightening of the scar (similarly to how Vitamin C products for our face also helps to lighten acne scars).
The combination of these two key ingredients makes it ideal to use on hypertrophic scars and keloids.
Ideally, you should start scar treatment with Dermatix UltraⓇ as early as 10-14 days after c-section surgery or once the surgical wound has dried and closed, to achieve the most optimal results.
Dermatix UltraⓇ also supports your body’s natural recovery process by protecting your scar and regulating collagen production to minimise scar formation. It has an over 85 per cent success rate in softening and diminishing hypertrophic and keloid scars11,12.
The best part about it is that it is suitable for daily use. For best results, apply Dermatix Ultra twice daily for 2-3 months for normal scars; 6 months or more for deeper and longer scars such as surgical scars, or until you experience the full benefit of scar treatment.
So take good care of your c-section scar. Avoid applying products that have not been recommended, and treat your c-section scar healing process with tender loving care by purchasing your tube of Dermatix Ultra here today!
Reference:
- (n.d.) C-Section Scars: Care Basics During and After Healing, Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/c-section-scars
- (n.d.) C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar
- (n.d.) C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar
- (n.d.) Brown BC, et al. The Hidden Cost of Skin Scars: Quality of Life after Skin Scarring. J Plast Recontr Aesthet Surg 2008;61:1049-58
- (n.d.) C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar
- (n.d.) C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar
- (n.d.) What’s in your toothpaste? A look at 5 common ingredients. Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/whats-in-your-toothpaste.html
- (n.d.) 6 Rules for Using Citrus on Skin. Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/6-rules-for-using-citrus-on-skin
- (n.d) Isopropyl Alcohol (Surecomfort). Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/isopropyl-alcohol-topical
- Kim S, et al. Update on scar management: guidelines for treating Asian patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2013; 132(6): 1580-9
- Fulton JE. Silicone gel sheeting for the prevention and management of evolving hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dermatol Surg 1995;21:947-951
- Mercer NSG. Silicone gel in the treatment of keloid scars. Br J Plastic Surg. 1989;42:83-87
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