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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:
Marpan · 09/07/2020 15:43

I have a lumpy area At the side of my
Cesarian, is it likely this is scar tissue that needs massaged? It is at the side that was cut slightly more Due to needing to use forceps.
My GP said it is not a hernia, But did not offer any further info!

I’d like to win!

NudgeUnit · 09/07/2020 17:30

Am I the only one who can't really see the difference between the before and after pics?

LovelyBranches · 09/07/2020 17:45

I have had two c sections, the first was perfectly smooth, the second is smooth on one half and then a big dip/overhang on the other half. It’s really strange. Is there anything that can be done about this?

RockCrushesLizard · 09/07/2020 18:14

I'm pretty shocked by the idea that any of us need to reduce our scars.

Especially C-section scars - the location means that no-one is going to see them unless you're removing your knickers, and anyone seeing me with no knickers had better not mind the visible reminders of my kids.

Pregnancy and birth generally changes us permanently, in a million little ways, and the expectation that we should pop back to this smooth, scarless, stretch mark less creature really winds me up.

I have had a life, it has left it's mark, and that's fine - what I don't need is some multinational trying to generate insecurity by creating a product to deal with my alleged flaws. It's so exploitative.

ShowOfHands · 09/07/2020 20:21

I don't have any questions but to reassure a few people, I've had two emcs and the scar is invisible. And not just because it's hidden behind an overhang! The little pooch does diminish in size but sometimes, it just won't go. I'm v slim, a size 8, active and eat a clean diet but the scar is tight and the loose skin and changed geography will never go. It's not noticeable in clothes and I don't notice it now.

My best tip for healing is get up ASAP. Listen to your body but being active aids recovery.

torthecatlady · 10/07/2020 02:28

How do these players actually work? Do you need to apply any creams or oil first? How long does can each plaster be worn for?

“I’d like to win a plaster”

Solomi · 10/07/2020 08:22

My first c section scar was tiny and so neat but the 2nd one the consultant couldnt sew me up properly and the end of the scar is now thick and dark. I have very bad skin for scarring as it is.
Could I use the plaster kn a 5 year old scar?

ArnoldJRimmer · 10/07/2020 15:52

Any advice on scar tissue? I've had 2 c sections, 3 laparotomies for ovarian cysts, several laparoscopies also for ovarian cysts and also to diagnose and then treat pelvic adhesions. I'm in constant pain and after a recent colonoscopy was told it was so excruciatingly painful because of adhesions preventing any flexibility. I've sort of resigned myself to living with the pain but was wondering if there was anything I could do to help it.

Also, any advice for the dreaded overhang GrinI've been underweight for most of the last year (hence the colonoscopy) but there's just no shifting it

kateandme · 10/07/2020 17:08

if you have more than one c section.would tehy go through the same point or would it make a whole new separate scar?

kateandme · 10/07/2020 17:10

ooh forgot to add “I’d like to win a plaster

DuDuDuLangaLangaBingBong · 10/07/2020 21:25

@kateandme

if you have more than one c section.would tehy go through the same point or would it make a whole new separate scar?
My second one went through the first and ended up a bit longer.

(Kids are 20 and 8 now)

My question is about allergens, I often have reactions to Elastoplast type plasters, microderm tapes and various other sticky-skin-use products - Are these scar reducing plasters suitable for people with skin like mine?

After my second c section the wound was covered with a large sheet of cling film type-stuff. I’d had a spinal block so I wasn’t aware of the allergic reaction until it began to wear off and I was really itchy. DH took a look and called a midwife, who was horrified and the two of them had to lift me and hold me in a shower immediately! Luckily it was long enough ago to seem quite funny now.

I’d like to win a plaster (but not if it makes me look like the postpartum elephant man from the waist down!)

MrsFrTedCrilly · 11/07/2020 00:02

Can these be used for other abdominal surgery scars? I had an ovarian cyst removed and they went in my old C/s scar, it’s itchy and bumpy will this reduce?
I would like to win a plaster

YesIDoLoveCrisps · 11/07/2020 00:40

If I sunbathe should I cover my scar with extra suntan lotion or let some sun get to it?
I would like to win a plaster please Smile

squee123 · 11/07/2020 10:29

I’d like to win a plaster Smile

I'd also like to know what to do about pubic hairs growing around the scar, I have one right by the scar that's starting to ingrow and I'm worried it will impact the scar. Thanks!

Puddlelane123 · 11/07/2020 12:15

Not strictly a question about c-sections but I would so appreciate an answer on this from such an experienced obstetrician....

What is the best way to encourage wound healing after an episiotomy? In the three years between my first and second labours (and two different episiotomies) the advice differed markedly in how to care for the wound. The first time I was encouraged to have lots of salty baths and apply witch hazel to my pads - all very soothing but the healing took forever and I ended up with hideous scar tissue. Second time round I was told to keep the wound as dry as possible, to shower rather than bath and apply nothing to it. On this occasion I healed perfectly. Was this just coincidence?

Please enter me into the prize draw

EvilHerbivore · 11/07/2020 17:32

I had a laparotomy whilst pregnant with DS1 and so the scar is awful (like the jokers mouth!) and it sometimes itches or hurts if my knicker elastic have been on it for any time - it was 10 years ago now though, is there something that can be done at this point?

DennisTMenace · 11/07/2020 19:21

I’d like to win a plaster

Why is my scar both numb and sensetive at the same time and what can I do to help that?

tweetypi · 11/07/2020 20:46

I had a vaginal delivery the first time and will have a c-section next time. Is there anything I can do prior to surgery to get my skin/body in the best shape for healing well? I'd like to win a plaster too.

WilmaJean · 11/07/2020 21:11

I'd like to know the best way to help reduce the overhang after 2 c-sections (other than weight loss)?
I'd like a plaster Smile

MonetManet · 11/07/2020 23:46

I still have two stitches visible from my c-section over 10 years ago. A doctor removed a few that were remaining after the nurse had pulled the majority out, but I still have 2 left and visible. If I have a second section will they still use the same type of stitches and if so is there a way to prevent it from happening again?

Pegase · 12/07/2020 16:25

I'd like to win a plaster.

In the early days of recovery, when the incision reopens following infection, how long does it take to heal over?

Heismyopendoor · 13/07/2020 08:07

I would like to know if my overhang will ever disappear? I’ve had three c sections and have two separate scars as for section two and three they couldn’t go in the same scar as the first due to it being too low down.

ohdannyboy · 13/07/2020 10:05

I am due to have a diagnostic laparoscopy, (sometime soon) This will be my second in 6 years, I have a thick scar from the first, but want to avoid this for the next procedure, what would you recommend for this to be lessoned ?

Kennylou12 · 13/07/2020 13:53

I would love to know the best ways to promote healing when the wound is largely covered by stomach and how to know when there is a more serious issue. Mine 3 section is 3 weeks in and I have some redness around the scar and am desperate for it to heal quickly!

"I'd like to win a plaster"

Ella32 · 13/07/2020 17:21

What is adhesion and what are the chances of getting it after first and second csection? Does the chance of getting adhesion increases by each csection?