2nd C-section - surgery and scar questions

[MrsAmos]

Hi all, had DS1 by EMCS 19mths ago and just been booked in for ELCS with DC2 at end of June. As this one is elective (unless anything happens between now and then), I am being booked in at a different hospital where there will be a different team of surgeons / consultants etc. This might sound silly but I wondered if they cut over the original scar as standard or if I can at least request that they do? I hadn't really thought about it until now but have heard (or read!) that they sometimes make a completely different cut and that 2nd scars are often worse and take longer to heal etc - I never had any issues or infections with current scar and would obviously prefer any resulting scars to be as neat as possible - although totally accept that they do whatever they need to get the baby here safe and well etc. Thanks MNetters.

I had my 2nd section 9 days ago, my first scar was quite thick, the surgeon cut out my first scar and made a nice new one, she said there was no reason they couldn't use the first scar, the only problem they encountered for me was that my bladder was attached to the scar tissue although it didn't cause any dramas
I have found that I have recovered so much quicker this time as well after about 4 days I wasn't even taking pain killers anymore, I think I was more aware of my limitations this time
Good luck with everything

I've read that any subsequent cuts are made over the original scar - but obviously ask this question as soon as you can. I was able to ask particular questions at the Pre-op appointment (I've had one ELCS, which was last month) but obviously you wouldn't have had the Pre-op with your EMCS.

Very best of luck x

Thanks so much - have pre-op appt the day before surgery so will ask then. Great to hear that recovery was quicker - I was actually very lucky with the EMCS and felt pretty good but agree about knowing the limitations! Don't think I'll be taking myself off for a shower on day 2 this time....passed out last time, not clever!

I've had 2 EMCS. 1st time round I had a lot of problems with the scar - infections resulting in painful lumpiness which was still there 4 years later. One of the best things after my second EMCS was that the surgeon took the time to tell me that he'd spent time doing a good job on the incision (which was on the site of the first one) and had "tidied everything up a bit". I've not had any problems with this scar. I would make a point of asking/talking about your concerns. Hope it all goes well for you.

I have had 2 ELCS andthey used the same scar. I think unless there is some problem preventing it they do this automatically.

I've had 2 ELCS by the same surgeon, and he cut out the old scar and pulled everything tighter, so I've only 1 scar and no overhang.

I'm booked for cs number 2 in Sept, I've also worked in maternity theatres and have never seen a surgeon make 2 scars. They incise on the old one and make it nice and tidy at the end in my experience.

A booked section is lovely and relaxed so they'll have plenty of time to do a nice job!

Thanks everyone, feel much better now! Will try to discuss it at pre-op appt too.

Hi - I've had 2 ELCS, one 4 years ago and one last week.

After they had finished stitching me up this time, the surgeon told me they had not gone through the old scar as we had discussed pre-op because it was "unusually low" (She hadn't seen the first scar until we were in theatre. It is sort of a curvy U shape and very low down in the pubic area). My new incision is more of a straight cut, right below the natural hairline - so still 'hidden' I suppose, but about 2 inches above the old one. All healing well, and I have none of the numbness that I had the first time round.

I have 2 scars - emcs 18 yrs ago and elcs 14 yrs ago. Very close to each other one slightly longer than the other. First one is about 0.5cm below the second. Never thought to question it - both keloid. They have never bothered me - like my stretch marks they are the marks of motherhood which I am glad to wear

They cut through my EMCS scar when they did my ELCS. No problems healing, I was just a lot lazier second time around.

However they did cut out my scar when they did my hysterectomy to make sure it healed up nicely. So I've had a 1cm tummy tuck on the NHS . 3ys on from that the scar is almost invisible.

My first emcs scar was neat and discreet, was just a silvery line fairly quickly.

Had a 2nd emcs 8 months ago and if anything it's even better. Same incision site but barely visible now.

I found recovery with both fairly easy (never needed painkillers, up and about within a couple of hours each time) but I would advise against picking up and swinging around your older child. DD was 4.4 when I had DS and I was too desperate to treat her normally so lots of chasing her and picking her up and managed to reopen my wound. I almost felt too well iyswim.

I've had three CS through the same scar, or so it looks. It's thicker than it was when it was just one, but has healed well - my third was the best recovery!