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Elastoplast’s expert has answered your questions about healing after C-sections

100 replies

YanaMumsnet · 07/07/2020 11:49

Despite the rate of caesarean births doubling in the past 15 years, 1 in 5 women still report that they don’t feel comfortable talking about them. A new study, commissioned by healing expert Elastoplast, uncovers the challenges women face and aims to drive a positive conversation about C-sections to help mothers heal better and feel better. While some women are able to embrace their C-section scar, many new mums might have concerns about how their body will heal, as well as the emotional impact this may have. With this in mind, Elastoplast have invited Dr Anne Henderson to answer your questions about C-sections.

Here’s some more information on Dr Anne Henderson: “Dr Anne Henderson is a highly experienced Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, having spent 17 years as a senior consultant at a major acute NHS Trust, following an undergraduate degree from Cambridge University and postgraduate medical training in the South East. She has worked as a consultant within the NHS as well as private sectors providing truly holistic care while leading the way when it comes to caring, innovative, whole-woman focused practice.”

Here’s what Elastoplast has to say: “We want women to heal better in order to feel better, and so have developed Scar Reducer patches, available in XL size suitable for caesarean scars – a simple and safe solution to help heal new and old scars. Knowing that they are equipped with an effective way of treating their scar, we hope women feel more confident in their own skin."

Perhaps you’d like to know the ins and outs of the healing process? Or maybe you have questions about how you can boost your new body confidence after a C-section? Post your question on the thread below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one lucky MNer will win a £150 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

We’ll be selecting questions for Dr Anne to answer during a one-hour session that’s taking place on this thread on 21st July.

We also have 5 x Elastoplast Scar Reducer XL Patches to give away to 5 Mumsnetters* who post their questions on the thread below. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning, please write “I’d like to win a plaster” alongside your question for Dr Anne* and you’ll be entered into the prize draw.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

*The study was conducted by OnePoll between 21st-30th January 2020 and polled 1000 women who've had a C-section birth, commissioned by Elastoplast. Participants were recruited online and were incentivised to participate. According to this research, 80% of women agree seeing their scar in the mirror causes them negative feelings, from embarrassment and failure to sadness. Over a third (35%) admitted they felt a dip in self-esteem post-surgery, and 40% felt pressure from social media to bounce back in an unrealistic time frame.
**Elastoplast Scar Reducer patches can be found from Boots.com and other retailers across the UK. For further information on the full Elastoplast range, please visit www.elastoplast.co.uk .

Elastoplast’s expert has answered your questions about healing after C-sections
Elastoplast’s expert has answered your questions about healing after C-sections
OP posts:
BristolMum96 · 07/07/2020 14:59

I'd like any general tips for healing well after a c section. My first birth was natural but next time will be a section and I have no idea what to expect. (Please enter me to win a plaster too!)

Montydoo · 08/07/2020 09:20

I did not have a C section, but did have a laparotomy for an ovarian cyst, leaving a thin red line across my tum, after a couple of years, it does itch sometimes, and the redness has faded and it's still there - I feel my bikini days are over, I want to be proud of overcoming surgery, but how ?

userabcname · 08/07/2020 10:15

Can these be used by breastfeeding mothers? I bought some wound coverings for my incision but when they arrived I read the instructions and they weren't suitable for nursing mums. I would also like to know tips to reduce my overhang (other than weight loss which I'm currently doing).

Luckyme30 · 08/07/2020 10:27

I am currently pregnant and noticed that my previous scar from surgery is raised slightly and feels a bit more obvious when I run my finger over the scar - is this normal?

I’d love to win a plaster too :)

Tickly · 08/07/2020 11:18

What's the best way of reducing the hardness under a CS scar - mine looka good on the outside but is a big long lump when you touch it? When can you start doing something about this?

ElfCakes · 08/07/2020 12:30

What's the best way to reduce a keloid scar? It's been over 2 and a half years and it's still raised and red and bumpy, and numb a tiny bit in the middle.

I'd like to win a plaster

LatteLover12 · 08/07/2020 13:23

Is there a difference in healing when you've had more than one caesarean?

My scar is good and neat after two c-sections but I'm a few weeks away from my third!

Any tips would be appreciated.

I'd like to win a plaster!

Nottheshrinkingcapgrandpa · 08/07/2020 14:16

7 years on, my scar is still quite visible. What can I do?

JulesJules · 08/07/2020 14:43

Are the plasters suitable for use on any other scars?

Monstamio · 08/07/2020 14:56

How do these actually work? And when is the optimum time to start? I'm due to have my second c section next month.

I'd like to win a plaster!

WoolyMammoth55 · 08/07/2020 17:12

Can you give a general run-down on what the typical c-section recovery looks like, please? I'll be having a c-section in a few months having had a vaginal delivery last time, and it would be good to know what to expect. (Please enter me to win a plaster too :) - thanks!)

toastandmoretoast · 08/07/2020 17:16

I would like to know if c section scars cause itching when healing and what you can do to soothe them?

RenegadeMrs · 08/07/2020 20:18

How soon after a c section is it safe to use these? I gave birth last week and have been advised to air the scar if possible.

Ewandreams · 08/07/2020 22:13

When does the feeling come back in the area where the scar is? I've still got numbness 6 months in? Thank you

Ewandreams · 08/07/2020 22:13

When does the feeling come back in the area where the scar is? I've still got numbness 6 months in? Thank you

Ewandreams · 08/07/2020 22:14

When does the feeling come back in the area where the scar is? I've still got numbness 6 months in? Thank you

Dogwalks2 · 08/07/2020 22:33

My first born was an emergency c section blue lighted from a small DG midwife unit to A main hospital. My c section even now 20 years on is tiny and unless I point it out you wouldn’t know.
Delicious versed my next 2 kids vaginally much easier for recovery.

emphasisofmatter · 08/07/2020 23:18

Would this work on a c section scar from a few years ago? And how soon after the section should you use the plaster?

I'd like to win a plaster please

anxiouswaiting · 09/07/2020 08:39

I'd like to win a plaster

My last 2 c-sections I ended up with an infection in my scar. My last one was quite bad and parts stafted to open up again, it was 4 months till I felt I was starting to heal properly. Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of it happening again next time?

jacqui5366 · 09/07/2020 10:20

I had a C section 11 years ago, then a natural birth, I am planning number 3 - If I was to have another C section - would that increase the size of the scar and is there anything I could do to reduce the healing time post delivery

Asuwere · 09/07/2020 10:23

How do the plasters work? It says it works on new and old scars but is it more effective the earlier you use it?
How quickly can you use it? I thought it was best to leave a scar uncovered?

I'd like to win a plaster.

Sweetpea1989 · 09/07/2020 10:28

My question would be what are the warnings signs to look out for in recovery, and how long will I feel numbness in the area? Best way to reduce any signs of scarring.
I’m 4 weeks PP c section baby :)

Clementine8 · 09/07/2020 10:35

I’m 9 weeks post my 2nd section. The first one had a lovely neat scar and initially it looked like it was going to be the same this time however one end became infected and the stitches tried to break through leaving a red, uneven, unsightly scar. Would the plaster improve this?
Also how do Know if my stomach muscles have healed enough to run. I know I’m a while off this yet but I’d like to be able to make sure it’s safe and fully healed before I run.

I’d like to win a plaster 🩹

Hitchingmyskirt · 09/07/2020 12:40

I’ve been really fortunate to have two good c-section experiences with an easy recovery both times, however I have the tell tale belly overhang over the scar. I could do with losing a little weight (shouldn’t pretend I don’t 😂) but will I ever be able to get a flat tummy again or should I accept there will always be a small pouch?

Apsh2020 · 09/07/2020 14:03

I'd like to win a plaster

Is it better to keep the wound covered or open to air?