Acesarean section(or C-section) is a majorsurgical procedurethat’s sometimes used to deliver a baby.
It can take weeks to work through the healing stages of a C-section scar.
This timeline can be impacted by the pop in of surgical incision made and other complications, like aninfection.
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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?
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.
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.
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?
How long it takes to heal can vary based on several surgical-related and personal factors.
Incision pop in
C-section incisions are usually made horizontally (a lowtransversecut).
The surgeon may sometimes make a vertical cut, though this is rare.
Additionally, how quickly your skin heals may be impacted by a chronic health condition likediabetes.
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.
Akeloid scar(raised scar) can develop after a C-section.
These scars may become large, itchy, painful, and take longer.
They can beresolved with treatmentfrom a healthcare provider.
During the first few weeks after a C-section, you may experience pain on and around the incision.
This pop in 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 atsurgical incision sites.
This occurs in the initial weeks following the surgery but could continue throughout the healing process.
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.
Most people experience pain post surgery as the skin tissue rebuilds and a scar forms.
Keeping your C-section incision area clean and moisturized can help prevent infection and minimize scar tissue formation.
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