Many expectant mothers choose cesarean sections for various reasons—pain during childbirth, concerns about difficult labor, or maintaining figure—but once the initial joy of motherhood subsides, the unsightly scar on their abdomen often becomes their deepest regret. Many moms-to-be worry about cesarean scars. Below are some effective ways to minimize scarring!
What will the C-section scar look like?
After a cesarean section (C-section), the scar on your abdomen will initially appear slightly raised and swollen. Its color will be darker than your normal skin tone, appearing bright red.Currently, most C-sections use a lower transverse incision, meaning your scar will run horizontally along the bikini line (the edge of the pubic hair growth area).
Pay special attention to caring for your abdominal wound. Within 6 weeks post-surgery, the C-section scar will noticeably shrink. The surgical incision is only 10.2–15.2 cm long and 0.32 cm wide. As the incision site gradually heals, the scar will narrow to about 0.2 cm wide.
How can I improve the appearance of the scar?
Once an unsightly scar forms, it cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, prevention is paramount to avoid unsightly scars postpartum. Applying even, effective, and sustained pressure to the sutured wound early on is the most effective method for preventing unsightly scars. If a scar has already formed, surgery is the most effective way to improve overly raised, wide, or depressed unsightly scars.Scars tend to favor individuals with keloid-prone skin, where even minor wounds can leave noticeable, exaggerated scars. Therefore, those with keloid-prone skin are advised to avoid cesarean sections.
Preparing for Cesarean Section
Once a cesarean is decided, enhance nutrition before and after delivery. Consume plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, lean meat, and pork rinds—foods rich in vitamins C and E and essential amino acids—to promote blood circulation and improve epidermal metabolism. Avoid spicy foods like chili peppers, onions, and garlic to prevent itching.Chronic conditions such as malnutrition, anemia, and diabetes can hinder wound healing and promote scarring; these should be actively treated. Prior to surgery, undergo thorough full-body cleansing and receive prophylactic antibiotics. After surgery, change dressings frequently to maintain a clean, dry environment around the wound, preventing infection, hematoma formation, and delayed healing.
Selecting the appropriate cesarean section incision type before delivery:
(1) Vertical Incision
Surgical Method: A vertical incision approximately 15 cm long is made in the midline below the navel.
Advantages: Facilitates enlarging the incision if unexpected complications arise during surgery. The surgical field is clearer, and the procedure is generally faster.
Disadvantages: The scar is less aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, due to greater tension on the scar tissue, vertical incisions are more prone to scarring or abdominal hernias.
(2) Transverse Incision
Surgical Method:A horizontal incision of approximately 10–15 cm is made along the upper edge of the pubic bone, at the upper border of the pubic hairline, resembling a smile.
Advantages: The incision is more aesthetically pleasing and less prone to abdominal hernias and scar tissue formation.
Disadvantages: The surgical field of view is reduced, making it less suitable for complex procedures or obese patients.
Selecting Appropriate Suturing Methods
Cesarean section wound closure techniques have evolved from early non-absorbable nylon sutures requiring removal, to currently prevalent synthetic sutures (commonly called absorbable sutures) that can be concealed within the wound for a more aesthetic appearance and self-dissolve. Modern options like cosmetic staples and clips also exist, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.【Absorbable Sutures】Generally, wounds closed with absorbable sutures offer convenience—no post-operative removal is needed, shortening hospital stays and reducing wound pain. However, in rare cases where absorption is poor, small abscesses may form at the suture sites, causing pain, discomfort, or even granuloma formation.【Surgical Staples or Clips】 These can be removed once the wound has healed (typically 5–7 days post-surgery), leaving no residual irritation at the incision site. However, the process of removing staples or clips may cause temporary discomfort or pain at the incision. Additionally, slight scarring may occur at the staple or clip sites.
Happy Pregnancy Tip: Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Mothers planning a cesarean section are advised to discuss with their doctor and choose the most suitable approach.
Postpartum Protective Measures
Avoid strenuous activity before and after suture removal, and prevent excessive stretching or lateral bending of the body. When resting, adopt a slightly flexed lateral recumbent position to reduce abdominal wall tension.Immediately after suture removal, apply continuous pressure using silicone compression bandages or elastic mesh sleeves. This effectively prevents scar formation by creating localized oxygen deprivation in the scar tissue, thereby inhibiting scar growth.
Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the surgical incision forms a scab, scar tissue begins to proliferate. At this stage, the area may appear red, purple, hardened, and raised above the skin surface.This phase typically lasts three to six months. As fibrous tissue proliferation gradually subsides, the scar flattens, softens, and darkens to a brownish hue. During this stage, itching and pain may occur. Particularly during heavy sweating or weather changes, the itching can become unbearably intense, often leading to scratching until bleeding occurs. Hence, scar patients often describe tolerating pain as easier than enduring the itch.
Proper management: Apply topical medications like hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, or betamethasone to relieve itching. Avoid scratching, rubbing with clothing, or washing with hot water, as these actions intensify local irritation, trigger inflammatory reactions in connective tissue, and exacerbate itching.Additionally, avoid prematurely picking scabs from surgical incisions, as this may remove epidermal cells still in the repair phase or even tear away dermal tissue, stimulating the wound and triggering stinging itch. Sun exposure should also be avoided to prevent UV-induced pigmentation. Physical therapies like wax therapy or magnet therapy can help minimize scarring.