How To Keep Your C Section Clean

C-Section Scars: Care Basics During and After Healing

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on June 1, 2021

Worried about the scar you'll have after a C-section? Here's more information on what to expect, plus how to help your incision heal properly and minimize scarring.

As a mom, your goal is for your baby to arrive in the world healthy and safe. And if that means it's by C-section, the resulting incision represents a miracle of life — your beautiful baby.

Still, it's natural to want to do everything you can to ensure that the wound heals well and scar tissue is minimized. The good news: Most C-section scars heal nicely, leaving only a faint line just above the pubic hair line that's easily covered up by clothing, underwear and bathing suits.

Types of C-section incisions

During a C-section, your doctor makes two incisions. The first is through the skin of your lower abdomen, about an inch or two above your pubic hair line. The second is into the uterus, which is where the doctor will reach in to deliver your baby.

The type of cut on your abdomen may not be the same as the one on your uterus.

The incision on your abdomen will be either:

Horizontal. A low-transverse incision (or a "bikini cut") is used in 95 percent of C-sections today. That's because it's done across the lowest part of the uterus, which is thinner — meaning less bleeding. It's also less likely to split if you try to have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) when delivering a future baby.
Vertical. Also known as a "classical" C-section, this incision is down the middle of the uterus. It used to be common, but now is typically only reserved for certain situations. For example, it may be done for prematurity, the baby is nestled low in your uterus or in another unusual position, or if an emergency requires immediate delivery. Vertical incisions may be slightly more painful and take a little longer to heal.

The incision on your uterus will be either:

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Low-transverse incision
Low vertical incision
Classical incision

How are C-section incisions closed?

The incision on the uterus is always closed with dissolvable stitches, but the one on your skin may be closed in one of three ways:

Staples. Your doctor uses a skin stapler to close the incision with metal staples — a popular choice because it's the easiest and quickest option.
Stitches. Using needle and thread, your doctor brings the incision together. While this method takes a little more time, some experts believe it could be a better option. Some research suggests that women whose C-section incisions are closed with stitches may be significantly less likely to develop wound complications than those whose incisions are closed with staples.
Glue. Surgical glue seals the skin (no worries, it won't wash away), which is then topped with a transparent dressing. Some experts say that glue heals fastest and leaves the finest, least visible scar. But it's not always an option. Doctors can use glue depending on several factors, including how the C-section went, whether you had a horizontal incision, and the consistency of your abdominal skin and fat.

Types of C-section scars

Most times, C-section scars heal properly. But sometimes your body's healing process goes into overdrive, which can lead to problems with scarring. The issues that could crop up include:

Keloid. A keloid scar occurs when scar tissue extends beyond the original boundaries of the wound, possibly resulting in lumps of scar tissue around the incision.
Hypertrophic scar. A hypertrophic scar is thicker, firmer and usually more raised than a normal scar — but unlike a keloid, it stays within the borders of its original incision line.

How can you help a C-section scar heal?

Following these tips will help your C-section scar heal better:

Keep it clean. Once a day (when you shower), let soapy water drip down your wound. There's no need to waterproof it, but you should avoid vigorous scrubbing. When you're done, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
It might be possible to use ointment and cover your scar. Some doctors say it's okay to apply a topical antibiotic or petroleum jelly and cover the wound lightly with a bandage; others say it's better to apply nothing and leave the wound uncovered. Talk to your doctor about which is best for your scar.
Air it out. Air promotes healing in skin injuries, so whenever possible, expose your scar to air, such as by wearing a loose gown at night to get the air circulating.
Keep your appointments. If your incision was closed with stitches that don't dissolve, be sure to go to your follow-up postnatal appointments so your doctor can remove them. The American College of Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends that the first postpartum doctor's check-in happens within three weeks of giving birth instead of four to six as previous guidelines suggested, with another comprehensive checkup within 12 weeks of delivery. For C-section births, the timing and frequency of your doctor's visits might be different, so talk to your practitioner about when to come in after having the baby.
Hold off on exercise. You need to take it easy to allow the scars on your uterus and your abdomen to heal. So avoid bending or twisting your body or making sudden movements as much as possible, and don't pick up anything heavier than your baby. Get the okay from your doctor before resuming exercise.
Get moving. Just because you can't train for a marathon right now doesn't mean you can't stay active. Increased blood flow, in fact, helps healing and decreases your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis, or DVT (a blood clot that's more common during pregnancy and the postpartum period). Once you feel up to it, pop baby in that stroller and take a walk around your neighborhood.

How long does it take a C-section scar to heal?

By two weeks, your scar should look and feel much better. That said, it can take anywhere from six weeks to three months before you're fully healed.

Is there anything you can do to minimize C-section scarring?

Though the C-section scar will fade on its own over time, a few simple tricks can help minimize scarring:

Silicone sheeting. You can buy these small sheets over the counter; they generally cost around $40 for a 12-week supply. It's unknown exactly how silicone sheeting works to improve scars, but some research has shown that it may help soften and flatten scars, especially if you have a tendency to form keloids or hypertrophic scars. Silicone sheeting can begin three or four weeks after your C-section (ask your doctor); you may see results in a month (though you might need to use them longer for more aggressive scars).
Silicone gels and creams. Silicone gels and creams serve the same purpose as silicone sheets and are also OTC for about $50 for a 30-ounce tube. Again, always ask your doctor before trying any treatment for your scar.
Limit sun exposure. Sunlight can cause a scar to be more noticeable by making it darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, so try to keep it out of direct sunlight for the first year and apply sunscreen thereafter.

Are there cosmetic options to minimize a C-section scar?

Maybe your scar didn't heal like you thought it would, or maybe you just want it gone. While there's no way to erase a scar completely, there are a few options that can improve its look and feel.

Non-surgical procedures

With these procedures, there's not a long waiting period before you can get started:

Laser therapy. Some lasers can remove discoloration, while others help soften the texture. You can begin once any stitches are removed from your C-section (and your doctor clears you) — and you'll likely have a better outcome if you get laser therapy sooner rather than later. Check with your OB/GYN (some perform laser therapy), or consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. You might need between one and four treatments before the scar reaches its final look. Laser scar treatments aren't covered by insurance and costs between $250 to $1000, depending on the number of treatments needed.
Steroid injections. For more aggressive scars (those that have formed keloids or become hypertrophic), an injection of a long-acting steroid can reduce inflammation and help the scar to flatten and become less noticeable. Your doctor can inject the incision site at the time of your C-section to (hopefully) prevent hypertrophic or keloid scarring. If you have already had your C-section, you can get your first injection as soon as the scar heals. You'll need to get injections monthly for anywhere from three to six months, depending on the severity of the scar. Steroid injections may be covered by your insurance, but it's approved on a case-by-case basis. Each injection usually costs about $50.

Surgical procedures

Because a scar's appearance may improve, doctors generally won't do any repairs before six to 12 months after a C-section. If you're still interested in surgical options then, talk to your doctor about whether any of the following options could work for you:

Scar revision. With this procedure, a surgeon removes the skin around scar completely and then, with precision, sutures the new wound — leaving a thinner and less visible scar. A scar revision may help if your C-section scar is wide or has thickened, if you've formed a keloid or hypertrophic scar, or if you simply don't like it and want something less noticeable. Removal of the scarred tissue and reclosure may be covered by insurance on a case-by-case basis. The cost of scar revision depends on the length of the scar and whether it can be done with local anesthesia or if it requires sedation. Prices can range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Tummy tuck. If you have excess, loose skin on your stomach, your doctor may recommend abdominoplasty. During the procedure, a surgeon cuts away extra fat and skin (including the C-section scar) and carefully stitches the incision together. This probably isn't a good choice if your C-section scar is small, since a tummy tuck scar is typically longer. But if your scar really bothers you, a tummy tuck could be right for you. Costs vary widely depending on where you live and whether you need a mini-abdominoplasty versus a full abdominoplasty, as well as whether you're also getting liposuction. Tummy tucks aren't covered by insurance.

Is it normal for a C-section scar to itch?

Itching is very common since the nerves in the area have been disrupted. Avoid scratching. To calm itchy skin, you can apply a minimal amount of OTC sunburn cream to the skin around the scar. Or hold an ice pack (or ice) wrapped in a towel to the area for about five to 10 minutes.

Is it normal for a C-section scar to smell?

As long as you keep it clean, the area shouldn't smell — so if it does, check with your doctor as it could be a sign of infection.

Is it normal for a C-section scar to feel numb?

Yes. Many women experience numbness or a tingling sensation in the area, which usually goes away with time. Mention it to your doctor if you're concerned.

Signs of C-section scar infection: when to see your doctor

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

Redness, warmth, or swelling of the incision or skin surrounding it
Fever higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit
Oozing or drainage from the incision site
Foul smell from the area
The wound becomes hard or you feel increasing pain around the wound
Pain or tenderness in a specific spot of the incision (note that while some pain is normal for the first few weeks, it should be generalized — not pain that you pinpoint to a specific spot)
Your incision splits open

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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