Creams for C-Section Scar - any recommendations?

[Mikocat]

I had an EMCS 13 weeks ago, the wound took FOREVER to close up, but seems to be almost there now. I've been looking online for a cream to put on the scar to help fade it and there are some pretty dear ones out there. I don't mind paying £25 for a tube of something that works, but not if there's a cheaper alternative out there.

Does anyone have any recommendations please?

I haven't had an ELCS but I have some scarring on the crease on the inside of my knee from a nasty dog bite, Bio Oil has helped the scar to fade and not be so stiff. I did try arnica gel on it at first to help with healing, but I'm not sure if it did make it heal up better or not, but it did look much better much sooner than thought.

Have you had a look at the websites of the products, sometimes they offer free testers or sample packs.

Have you gone to your GP? I had a scar on my chest and did have some steroid injections/tape to reduce it on the NHS before they stopped treating cosmetic scars. I then went to a skin clinic to finish my treatment and it is almost invisible now. It's worth asking at your GPs because even if they won't give you a prescription they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Ooh, my dad raves about Bio-Oil. He uses it on a scar and can definitely see an improvement. It was recommended to him by the consultant after his op.

Hmmm I did use bio oil for my stretch marks and thought it was quite nice stuff, maybe I'll give that a go.

I never bothered, to be honest, as it faded on its own in time. I remember it looking like someone had drawn on me with a huge purple pen at the start, but it didn't take long to fade, and 2 years on it's silver, and has been for ages.

Have you tried Palmers? It's a lovely body cream for all over, but claims to be good for smoothing and moisturising scars too.

My Mom bought me 'Re-Gen' Cream. I love it. I've used it since 3 weeks post ELCS (so once all the surface skin/tissues had sealed and there was definitely no chance of external infections) once or twice daily.

I'm 14 weeks post CS now and the scar had gone from a red to a pink line. Massaging the scar has helped me to get used to the new sensation in that area of my body; I've never ad any of the typical numbness described by other CS mothers. As my OB said that massage to the CS scar helps tissue healing and regrowth, I assume this must be the reason why.

He did say that a regular moisturiser would do the same thing. No need to buy expensive creams.

I have used Bio Oil, but didn't like the greasy residue that would them mark my underwear.

HTH
MammaT

Bio oil or a silicone bandage!

Don't want to hijack this thread but wondering those who had sections, how long did it take for your scar to disappear? Mine is a year old and still quite red. Doctor assures me it is "a very nice scar".

Well, mine is almost 4 months on and it's gone from red to pink. Maybe it's to do with individual skin healing?

MT

transatlanticcitygirl mine is 2 years old, and silver with kinda pink edging. I was also reassured that it was a neat scar! I'm not really bothered though - it's not like many people get to see it

Got to say, I still have the odd twinge in it though, and sometimes it feels like I've pulled a muscle down there. It's always in the same bit though (far right) - perhaps there is some minor nerve damage or scar tissue underneath or something?

My scar is five weeks old, and even though it's been treated, it still sometimes weeps. Was any of yours the same? I'm getting stressed that it won't ever heal properly. Also, did your over hang lessen

the borrower I was told by my CMW that, when you are on 'the table' having the section, that the table -and your body - is tilted to the right, as that is where the surgeon stands to operate. You are cut from left to right, so everything (blood, stitches, etc) sort of pools to the right-hand side. You are probably feeling twinges there because of that; despite the time that has passed.

It's still fairly early days for me post-ELCS, but my worst discomfort/twinges, etc, was/is in the extreme right-hand side of my scar.

McPhee From posts I've read about the CS overhang, a lot depends on your weight, age, skin elasticity and how many babies you've had. For me, I was slim before my pregnancy and didn't gain much during (went from 9st 4lbs to 10st 9lbs), age 29, one daughter already (VB in 2009). I didn't have an overhang as such, but I did have a 'shelf'; a bit that looked like it jutted out just above my scar. Kind of like I had an invisible pair of pants on that were too tight. That started to disappear around week 6. Now at week 15, there is just a tiny puff above the extreme right-hand side of my scar.

HTH,

MT

bio oil is great for healing.

McPhee - I don't remember my scar weeping at all after 1 week post surgery... would get that checked..

@Mammatonic - ooo, that's a bit disconcerting. Is it anything to be worried about? And does the discomfort have any bearing on a potential future pregnancy?

Re the overhang / shelf thing - I don't have one, but my scar is very slightly raised - a bit like there's a small pipecleaner running the length of it behind.

Yes, I remember them tilting me to the side. I wondered why that was.

Hi mcPhee. My scar was weepy until about seven weeks but only at the ends. I did have to go to GP eventually as had an infection in one end. Cleared up well with antibiotics and is all healed now, just itches a lot. Might be worth going to see your GP they thought the problem with mine was a stitch hadn't dissolved properly.

I think they tilt you to the side to take the pressure off your womb as well.