How to care for a caesarean scar?

Caesarean section is an operation that enables safe delivery of a child in the event that it is impossible to give birth naturally. The procedure consists in cutting the skin and subcutaneous tissues in layers and opening the abdominal cavity, and then cutting the uterine muscle to extract the newborn. 

Each breach of the skin and internal organs results in the formation of scars related to the wound healing process. In this article, we advise future mothers: what do cc dissolving sutures look like, we introduce the wound healing process and indicate what is best to use for a cc scar. We invite you to read.

Caesarean section and the convalescence process 

There are many factors that affect the course of cesarean section, as well as the difficulty of performing it, and thus possible complications related to the recovery process. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

• character surgery;
• mode performance of the procedure, i.e. whether it is performed urgently or planned;
• is it first surgery to open the abdominal cavity, or next;
• and in which week of pregnancy a cesarean section is performed.

There are also different ways of opening the abdominal cavity. We have the option to: transverse incision, just above the symphysis pubis and now less frequently performed: longitudinal incision, vertically in the midline of the body.

Postoperative scar after cesarean section 

What all types of cesarean sections have in common is the surgical scar. The most tangible and visible on the skin, it arouses the most interest.

It is worth remembering that the scar after cesarean section also affects the organs below and in the abdominal cavity. Those sutured during the operation, as well as those that may form postoperative adhesions in the close vicinity. Examples include the bladder and the surrounding tissues.

The wound healing process after each operation is an important topic, not only from an aesthetic point of view.

The appearance of a caesarean section scar is influenced not only by the course of the operation and the operator's experience, but also by the healing process, possible inflammatory complications within the wound and individual predisposition to abnormal wound healing. However, you can influence this process to varying degrees and improve the quality and appearance of this scar, which we will talk about later in the text.

Keloids and the wound healing process after cc

In some people there is a tendency to so-called keloids. This is an abnormal wound healing involving an overgrowth of connective tissue at the site of the scar. Keloids are usually convex, hard, thickened, often wider than the original scar. There are various methods of treating abnormalities in a cesarean scar.

What for a cc scar: treatment 

When you were pregnant, you probably wondered at least once what is best to use for a cc scar. There are many methods of treating scars, including:

Silicone treatments

Silicone gels or patches have the property of gradually reducing the visibility of scars.

Steroids

When administered topically, they can help achieve a flattened scar effect. Most often, it is necessary to perform several injections, used every month.

Laser therapy

It helps to reduce the prominence of the scar and make the scar softer, more harmonious with the healthy skin around.

Scar revision

It is a surgical excision of an old scar and sewing the skin back together. The treatment gives a chance for the wound to heal properly. Especially when the healing hindering factor was temporary, such as wound infection, improperly controlled diabetes or immunosuppressive treatment. Otherwise, unfortunately there is a risk that a scar overgrowth or kelo will occur this time.

How to care for a cesarean scar?

When thinking about what to apply on a cc scar, you need to be aware that some complications in the healing process do not depend on the management of the postoperative wound. However, we know that a number of errors in caring for the incision site can significantly deteriorate its final condition and appearance. How to prevent abnormal wound healing, or how to care for a caesarean section scar?

Adequate postoperative wound hygiene

It is very important to keep the skin clean in this area and to follow the instructions of the doctor performing the procedure. Wound infection is not only a health hazard, but also causes abnormal healing and, as a result, an unsightly appearance of the scar.

A sparing lifestyle

In the early postoperative period, a sparing lifestyle should be carried out with effort adjusted to the organism's abilities. Stressing the scar area, stretching the skin, or excessive physical activity in the early stages of healing, when the scar is still fresh, can hinder proper tissue fusion. It is also important to avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. However, this does not mean avoiding exercise altogether. Staying active is associated with better blood flow in the tissues, which, among other things, improves the healing process.

Optimal hydration and a healthy diet

This is not an ordinary cliche, but an important postoperative recommendation. We know that providing the body with the right micro and macro elements is crucial for its proper functioning, including proper wound healing.

Wound healing process after cesarean section 

Wound healing is a multi-step process. There are three phases for the proper rehabilitation of a scar, due to the variety of methods of treatment:

• Inflammation phase - the first phase is the inflammation phase that lasts up to five days after surgery;
• The stage of proliferation - the second phase, called the proliferation stage, lasts up to about 6-8 weeks after the operation;
• Modeling phase - the last is the modeling phase. It lasts from six months to two years after the procedure.

It is worth noting that the scar never reaches the full mechanical strength of the skin before the incision. Its maximum strength after healing is about 80% of the strength of undamaged skin.

Closing the abdominal wall

How are the abdominal shells closed after cesarean surgery? They can be used to close the skin incisions after cesarean section seams insoluble, absorbable, less often staples and surgical adhesives. Insoluble sutures and staples need to be removed after approximately 7 days.

Are you wondering what they look like and what are the cc-dissolving seams really?

Soluble sutures are threads that undergo gradual biodegradation after different periods of holding tissues in close proximity. The dissolving time depends on the material from which they are made. It ranges from 2 weeks to 2-3 months. During this time, you can, of course, gradually resume your normal activities as directed. The presence of seams does not interfere with everyday functioning.

What the cc-dissolving seams look like depends on type of thread used to close the leather. It may be white and then it is completely invisible in the wound. If the thread is blue or purple in color, it may show slightly under the skin in some areas of the wound. It is worth emphasizing, however, that what the cc-dissolving sutures look like does not really matter for the final appearance of the scar.

When to see a gynecologist: symptoms

Occasionally, the caesarean scar within the skin looks normal, but in the deeper layers of the abdominal cavity, there is abnormal healing, intraperitoneal adhesions, or incomplete uterine fusion. What symptoms should prompt a consultation with a gynecologist?

• Pain when urinating;
• Persistent pain in the lower abdomen;
• Pain in the area of ​​the subcutaneous tissue, repeated during menstruation;
• Prolonged bleeding or spotting between periods;
• Difficulty getting pregnant again.

The healing process of a caesarean section wound requires careful care to reduce the chances of complications. Compliance with postoperative recommendations, e.g. what best helps a cc scar, as well as general care for this area from the first days after surgery, most often allows you to achieve the desired physiological and visual effect of the scar.

In the event of a failure of the healing process, keloid formation or other unwanted changes, there are treatment methods that give a chance to improve this condition and thus a greater quality of life.