C-section scar
Are you going to have a C-section or have you already had one? This operation causes an abdominal wound that leaves a scar after healing. The right care ensures better recovery of a caesarean section scar, reduces discomfort, and helps prevent abnormal scarring.
C-section scar problems
A C-section creates a wound and therefore a scar. If the scar heals properly, it will flatten within a few weeks to months and remain at skin level. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. On average, 50% of surgical scars develop into hypertrophic scars. A caesarean section scar may cause the following symptoms:
- Redness and swelling in the early healing stage.
- Itch or pain as the scar forms.
- A raised or thick scar.
- Tightness or tension around the scar area.
To avoid these symptoms, treat your scar as early as possible. Silicone therapy, like Scarban C-Section, is the Gold Standard in The International Scar Management guidelines.
Learn everything about your scar and treatments options in the free scar guide!
C-section scar formation
After your C-section the resulting scar tissue is your body's solution to close your wound as quickly as possible. This is necessary to protect your body from infection and excessive moisture loss. The scar tissue itself isn't as strong or flexible as healthy skin which is why you may experience issues with your skin function and cosmetic outcome.
Recovering from a C-section takes time, but the right care can make all the difference. Our week-by-week C-section recovery tips for UK mums explain how to support healing, reduce discomfort, and promote optimal scar recovery.
An abnormal scar, such as a hypertrophic or keloid scar, may develop after the surgery. These scars often become thickened, hardened, and red. It is impossible to predict if or when an abnormal scar will develop. It depends on many factors.
One of the most important factors is excessive moisture loss from the scar. Therefore, it is crucial to help your scarred skin to minimise moisture loss as much as possible.
Scar healing occurs in different stages, from initial inflammation to full maturation, and each phase plays a role in how the scar develops.
Learn more about the healing stages here (link to new page or blog?).
C-section scar treatment
The most widely used treatment method for preventing and treating abnormal scars is silicone therapy. Its effectiveness is scientifically proven.
A silicone sheet provides coverage for fragile skin. Scarban reduces moisture loss, helps your scar to calm down and recover faster.
Scarban C-Section Recovery Kit is a pre-shaped silicone sheet specially developed for scars after a caesarean section. A scar will never completely disappear, but minimisation is possible. By starting scar treatment after wound closure, you can treat and/or prevent abnormal scar formation and related symptoms.
✓ Proven effectiveness
✓ Relieves complaints such as itching and pain
✓ Trusted by professionals
Recommended C-section scar treatment
Scarban C-Section is trusted by scar specialists and midwives across the UK. Professionals such as Hannah Poulton (HLP Therapy) and Emma Holly (Restore Therapy) recommend Scarban’s medical-grade silicone sheets for supporting caesarean section scar healing.
Watch the video below, where Scar Specialist & C-Section Expert Hannah Poulton explains why silicone is essential for effective scar treatment.
This video is used with permission from Hannah Poulton - HLP Therapy limited.
Different types of scars
Normal scars may be red, itchy and thick in the first few weeks. Over time, they will become flatter, softer, and change colour. A normal scar takes about a year to fully mature and settle into its final shape and colour. During this period, the scar may develop into an abnormal scar. In this, different types are distinguished, including:
Hypertrophic C-section scar
Hypertrophic scars are raised and red, but remain within the original incision site. They typically develop within a few weeks and can continue up to 6-9 months. A hypertrophic scar is stiff, red and can cause itching and pain.
Keloid C-section scar
Keloid scars extend beyond the original incision and can occur immediately or over time, while hypertrophic scars stay within the original incision boundaries. A keloid scar is extremely thick, red to purple in colour and 'proliferates'. Without treatment, this scar continues to grow.
Hypertrophic C-section scar
Hypertrophic scars are raised and red, but remain within the original incision site. They typically develop within a few weeks and can continue up to 6-9 months. A hypertrophic scar is stiff, red and can cause itching and pain.
Keloid C-section scar
Keloid scars extend beyond the original incision and can occur immediately or over time, while hypertrophic scars stay within the original incision boundaries. A keloid scar is extremely thick, red to purple in colour and 'proliferates'. Without treatment, this scar continues to grow.
Treat your C-section scar with Scarban