C-section scars: types, cares & healing

A C-section scar is the result of a caesarean—a surgery where doctors make an incision through your skin, abdomen and uterus to deliver your baby safely.

This surgical procedure is done when a vaginal delivery might be risky for you or your baby’s health or if there are complications during your pregnancy or the birth of your baby. 

The scar forms as the wound in your abdomen and uterus heals. In the beginning, you may feel some pain and tenderness. But with proper care, your body will start the natural stages of recovery. As time passes, the skin over the scar will slowly improve, and the pain will lessen.

It’s important to care for your scar to avoid infection and to help it heal properly. The wound from your C-section is not just on your skin—your uterus also needs time to heal. With attention to your health and proper aftercare, your scar will become less noticeable, and your body will recover fully.

There are two main types of incisions doctors use during a caesarean delivery. The type of incision you had may depend on your body, your baby’s position, or whether the delivery was an emergency.

• Horizontal (low transverse incision): This is the most common incision and is made across the lower part of your belly, just above your pubic area. Doctors often choose this because it heals well and tends to leave a smaller, less noticeable scar. It’s also known as the “bikini cut” because the scar is usually low enough to be covered by underwear or a swimsuit.

• Vertical (classical incision): This type of incision is less common and is usually only done in emergency situations or if your baby was in a tricky position. It runs from just below your belly button down toward your pubic area. It might involve deeper layers of the uterus, which can sometimes result in a slightly longer recovery. It may be more visible than a horizontal incision, your body is beautifully unique, and this scar is part of your incredible journey to motherhood. 

No matter which incision type you have, both are safe and allow your surgeon to bring your baby into the world in the best way for you both. Your health and your baby’s health are always the priority during this important surgical birth procedure.

The type of scar you’ll have depends on the incision your doctor made during the surgical birth procedure. Scars can look different from person to person, and your own scar’s appearance will change over time as it heals. 

Here’s what you might expect:

• Horizontal scar: This scar is usually a thin line that runs just above your pubic hairline. At first, it may look red or pink, but over time, it will fade and soften. For many moms, this type of scar blends into the skin’s natural creases and becomes less and less noticeable with time.

• Vertical scar: It runs from your belly button down to your pubic area. It’s often longer than a horizontal scar and might take a little more time to fade. However, with proper care, this scar will also heal well, and like all scars, it will become less visible as time goes on.

Your scar is part of your story. As you heal, it may become a reminder of the incredible strength you showed during your pregnancy and delivery, bringing your baby into the world.

Right after your caesarean birth surgery, your body will begin healing, both inside and out. Your uterus will heal internally, while the skin and outer layers of your incision will close up externally. 

Here’s a breakdown of the healing stages so you know what to expect:

• The first few days: Right after your surgery, your incision will be closed with stitches, staples, or glue, and it will be covered with a bandage. You’ll likely feel sore and tender around the area, but this is completely normal. The hospital staff will check on your wound to make sure it’s healing properly, and they’ll give you instructions on how to care for it at home. The focus during this time is to prevent infection and make sure the wound is clean.

• The first week: You may notice some redness, swelling, and possibly a little bruising around the scar. It might feel tight or raised, and you could experience some itching as it begins to heal. Don’t worry, these are all signs that your body is doing exactly what it needs to heal after surgery. During this period, watch for signs of infection like increased redness, pus, or severe pain, which might require medical attention.

• After the first month: As the weeks go by, your scar will start to feel less tender, and the redness will begin to fade. It may still feel firm to the touch, and some itching might continue. Your uterus is also healing during this time, so be mindful of your activities. This is a good time to start being extra gentle with yourself—avoid lifting heavy objects, and rest as much as you can to support your body’s recovery. 

• Three to six months later: By now, your scar will have softened and lightened in color. Most of the discomfort will have gone away, though the area might still be a bit sensitive. Over time, the scar will continue to fade and become less noticeable, blending more into your skin. The wound inside your uterus will also have healed significantly by this stage, but it's important to continue being gentle with your body to avoid any setbacks in your recovery.

Healing takes time, but as your body recovers, you'll notice small improvements every day. Every step forward is part of your body’s journey to health.

Taking care of your scar is an important part of your recovery after a caesarean delivery. With a little attention, you can help your wound heal in the best way possible.

Here are some tips to make sure you’re giving your body what it needs:

• Gently wash your incision with mild soap and water, but be sure not to scrub. Pat it dry softly with a clean towel, and avoid putting any lotions or creams on it until it’s fully closed. Keeping the area clean will help prevent infection.

• Watch for any signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or oozing from the scar. If you notice anything unusual, or if the scar becomes very painful, call your specialist to check in. Preventing infection is key to a smooth recovery.

• Wear loose clothing: Tight or scratchy clothes can irritate your scar and slow healing. Choose soft, loose-fitting clothing to give your scar room to breathe and heal without friction.

• Moisturize and massage: Once your scar has fully closed and your doctor has given you the go, you can gently massage it with moisturizing creams or oils. This can help soften the scar tissue and improve its appearance over time. Creams with ingredients like vitamin E or silicone may be especially helpful.

• Protect it from the sun: If your scar is exposed to the sun, it can become darker and more noticeable. When you’re outside, make sure your scar is covered with clothing or sunscreen to protect it.

By following these simple tips, you can help your wound heal and minimize the appearance of your scar over time. But if you’re ever unsure about how your wound is healing, don’t hesitate to get advice from your healthcare provider.

Even though most C-section scars heal without any problems, it’s important to know when to contact your doctor for extra care. 

Here are some signs that you should reach out:

• If your scar becomes very red or swollen

• If any pus or unusual discharge is coming from the scar

• If the area around your scar is very painful

• If you develop a fever or feel generally unwell

Your doctor is there to help you, so never hesitate to ask questions or voice any health concerns you may have. You know your body best, and it’s always better to check in if something doesn’t feel right.

For many moms, a caesarean birth scar isn’t just a physical mark—it can carry emotional weight, too. You may feel unsure or even self-conscious about the way your body has changed, and that’s completely understandable. Please know that you’re not alone in these feelings, and it’s okay to take time to adjust to your body’s changes.

Your scar is a beautiful reminder of the journey you’ve been through. It tells the story of your strength in bringing your baby into the world—from pregnancy to delivery. Over time, you may even come to embrace it as part of your motherhood journey.

If you find that you’re struggling emotionally with your scar, don’t be afraid to reach out to a loved one, a counselor, or even your doctor. Talking about how you feel can be incredibly healing.

Your C-section scar is a part of your journey into motherhood. With proper care and attention, your scar will fade, and its emotional weight will lighten, too. Every scar tells a story. This one is a sign of your surgery to deliver your baby safely. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns, and take care of your health, both body and mind, as you heal.