Keloid scar from c-section? Had a VBAC with cut or tear? How does the scarring compare?

[louschmoo]

That's it really. I have a keloid scar from my EMCS 18months ago. Scar is ridged, red and tender/sore to touch. At the time it was very neatly done and it's only developed this heavy scarring as it's healed. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and trying to decide whether to have a VBAC or ELCS. One of my concerns is that if I have a cut or tear during a VBAC i might have a similar scar in my perineum. A sore keloid scar in my abdomen doesn't cause me any real bother, but in my fanjo... well that would be distressing to say the least. So, does anyone have any experience of this or advice to offer?

No experience here, but a thought: could you ask to be referred to a Consultant Dermotologist to seek advice regarding this issue?

I had an emergency section with dc1 and the scar was keloid. It was very painful, and annoying. With DC2 I had a planned section which was much easier and the surgeon took time to remove a lot of internal scaring and completely cut out the old scar. My new scar healed beautifully and is almost invisible now. If you have a VBAC there is no reason why a new scar would be a problem.

Thanks both. Had a VBAC appointment with the consultant and she was pretty confident that any cut/tear from a VBAC would heal much better. She also thought that if I have an ELCS they would be able to tidy up the old scar as well (not that I'm too bothered about that). So I'm booked for an ELCS at 41+3, although hopefully will go into labour and have VBAC before that.

Good luck :)

I have a keloid scar from appendectomy but my extended 2nd degree tear didn't seem to "scar" at all.

Did find sex painful for about 8months after birth though so I do wonder if some of the scar tissue healed a bit tight. At a year it's completely pain free now so must have stretched!

That's good Tarka! The consultant did seem confident that a cut or tear would heal much better. I don't fancy the thought of a keloid scar in my fanjo, that would be a major issue for me!

Had a cut that healed badly (outer stitches fell apart too soon) and that was painful for quite a while after, but that's obviously not the usual outcome from an episiotomy. Just a bit unlucky! Good luck