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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

7 C-Section Scar Healing Tips

C-section scars are the result of the vertical incision made during the caesarian birth procedure and are generally about 4 to 6 inches long. How wide it is depends on how well it is treated, how healthy someone lives, genetics, and how well the wound heals. The scar is located on the lowest part of the tummy, just above the pubic bone. Because of its location it is mostly covered by underwear or clothes but nevertheless realizing the best scar appearance possible is important to most of us.

Tip 1: Keep the c-section wound clean and prevent infections.
Keeping the surgical wound clean is the first step into providing the best circumstances for optimal scar healing. The use of wound dressings based on medical honey is increasing. There is a growing amount of very convincing evidence on its efficacy. And even better, there are no side effects. Ask your surgeon or doctor about these dressings. (they are also available on Amazon
)

Tip 2: Use a supportive c-section compression belt.
In some cases a supportive elastic belt is provided by the hospital. It provides compression which has shown to benefit wound healing and offers comfort and support to the patient. Compression also seems to aid with scar healing so the use of such a C-Section compression binder could be prolonged until after the wound has closed and when a scar has formed.

Tip 3: Treat c-section scar contractions by massage.
It might happen that a scar becomes (partially) contracted. The cause generally is a clutter of dense collagen in the dermis underneath the scar. Scar contraction can be prevented by the aforementioned pressure therapy. Massage is a common used way to dissolve the withered tissue. Gently massaging the tissue two times daily in upward circular movement should result in improvement.

Tip 4: Use silicone gel sheets.
Especially suited for surgical scars, preventing hypertrophic and keloid scar tissue development and treating it as well. This is the only topical treatment proven effective. Makes scars softer, flat, and tones them down into a more skin-like color.

Tip 5: Avoid heavy exercise.
Even when the wound is closed and the scar is already a few months old it still is in development. Overstretching by e.g. heavy exercise can make scars wider.

Tip 6: Do not expose your c-section scar to sunlight or sunbeds.
The radiation will make the scar worse. Always apply a strong sunscreen.

Tip 7: Do not smoke.
Smoking is very detrimental to the skin and scars in particular. Try quitting or cut back on smoking as much as possible.

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