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

[YanaMumsnet]

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 .

@toastandmoretoast

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

Hi toastandmoretoast

Any form of skin incision can cause itching whilst healing takes place – this can be due to the regeneration of the nerve fibres which supply the skin, and which can cause a change in sensation as they regrow. Itching can, however, also be linked to skin infection and if it persists it is sensible to check the wound carefully. For most simple cases I would recommend using either a topical or oral antihistamine as this will not affect healing.

@Asuwere

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.

Hi Asuwere

The patches are made of transparent polyurethane and do not contain any active medical ingredients. The patch when worn for 12 hours a day, will form a semi-occlusive barrier which improves moisturisation in the underlying skin and also increases the temperature locally. This helps trigger activation of the skin’s own regeneration and healing process, which improves production of the building structures necessary to help remodelling of scars, which become flatter, lighter in colour and softer to touch. The technique seems very simple, but it can be very effective. The plasters can be applied regularly once the skin incision has healed, any scabs have fallen off and there is no active ooze or discharge: this takes a variable length of time depending on the individual healing, but is usually around 10-14 days post-op.

@LovelyBranches

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?

Hi LovelyBranches

This may be due to the surgical expertise of the surgeons in questions who carried out the two different operations – the final appearance of the scar is not only down to individual healing process but surgical skill and experience also plays a huge role. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that this will improve spontaneously and if the appearance is bothersome you may have to request that the scar is refashioned.

@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?

Hi kateandme

Repeat caesarean section scars usually go through the same access point assuming they are a transverse scar, although occasionally some women will require a vertical skin incision. The surgeon should ideally excise the previous scar completely so that they start with a fresh wound edge, which is easier to close and results in better healing. As a result, the scar inevitably tends to get slightly larger with each new incision.

@YesIDoLoveCrisps

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

Hi YesIDoLoveCrisps

I would recommend applying high factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) whilst the scar is healing as excessive sun exposure can lead to abnormal pigmentation in and round the scar. Once the scar is fully healed this is not an issue unless you suffer from an underlying skin condition.

@squee123

I’d like to win a plaster

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!

Hi squee123

I would not worry too much about pubic hair growing around the scar, as most caesarean section scars are placed intentionally low so that they will be covered by hair eventually. If it is possible to remove the individual ingrown hair then I would do so but it is unlikely this will be a major problem.

@DennisTMenace

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?

Hi DennisTMenace

Numbness and sensitivity can occur at the same time and can also be associated with itching. These symptoms all occur due to local nerve regeneration following a surgical incision: this happens at a fraction of a millimetre each day hence it can take many months for sensation to return to normal. In some cases, the numbness is permanent as the two nerve endings fail to successfully join together. There is very little that can be done to speed this process up as it is generally determined by the woman’s individual ability to heal.

@tweetypi

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.

Hi tweetypi

The most important advice is to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy as this always leads to a more pleasing cosmetic scar appearance and quicker recovery following surgery. Unfortunately, much of the healing process is determined genetically in each individual and apart from ensuring a healthy and nutritious diet, adequate vitamins/minerals if necessary and following basic precautions as the wound heals, there is little else that will affect the healing process. Scar reduction plasters such as the Elastoplast Scar Reducer range can help the superficial appearance and may be worth considering.

@Pegase

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?

Hi Pegase

The healing process following a wound dehiscence or reopening depends very much on the severity of any underlying infection, the particular organisms which have caused the wound breakdown along with the immune response and healing capacity of the individual woman. Unfortunately, the abdomen is one of the harder areas to heal when infection sets in, as it is generally covered by clothing and is affected by constant movement throughout the day. Whilst most wounds heal promptly within 2-3 weeks, particularly if the dehiscence is small, more serious cases can take several months to recover.

@Ella32

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?

Hi Ella32

Adhesions are scar tissue which form during the natural healing process – it is a form of protective mechanism by the body. The risk of adhesion formation is partly genetic, and some women are more likely to form scar tissue than others. It also forms more commonly with each operation, particularly if the surgery is carried out in the same area as occurs with a caesarean section.

@LimedTimbers

I am 12 years down the line after my c section and I still don't have complete feeling back in the skin above and below - is this usual?. The scar is not too bad although any tips to make it fade completely would be great

Hi LimedTimbers

Unfortunately, due to the time which has elapsed since your caesarean section, it is extremely unlikely that you will recover any more feeling in the skin around the scar. This is much more common than women anticipate, although the area of numbness is usually very small, and it is rare to experience a complete loss of sensation along the whole scar. It is unlikely that the scar will fade further spontaneously but it may be worth considering the Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches which have been shown to cause lightening and softening of the scar even when applied some time after the original operation.

@Sarah84848484

4-6 weeks after c-section my skin because so tingly and sensitive against my jeans, despite the scar healing very well. Was this nerve endings?

I’d like to win a plaster

Hi Sarah84848484

The tingling and sensitivity are likely to be due to regeneration and healing of the nerve endings – this tends to be most common within the first 12 weeks following a caesarean section but can last for longer.

@Crazybunnylady123

I’d really like to win a plaster please.

I have had two c sections, the last 3 weeks ago. My first section left me with a numb patch and now I’m really numb from the second. Is there anything I can do to prevent this numbness getting worse after the second operation or is it just luck of the draw? Thanks

Hi Crazybunnylady123

I am afraid that your response to surgery, including the numbness, is just “the luck of the draw” as you say. This will be partly down to the skill of the surgeon, the complexity of the operation and whether any complications were involved as well as your own natural capacity to heal. Sadly, these are all outside your own control.

@Jeca8

I am due to get an Elective c-section next month - I was wondering how best to look after my scar after the op to avoid overhang and getting a nice flat scar? Or is this just Dependant on how your body is and unavoidable?

I’d like to win a plaster :)

Hi Jeca8

Some of the healing is dependent on natural underlying processes over which you have no control. Avoiding excessive weight gain is key, however, as this can impact adversely on recovery, and increases the risk of bleeding, infection and other complications. I would follow sensible basic advice about wound care following surgery, and it may be worth considering using Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches for at least eight weeks once the wound has fully healed. This can help improve the softness, overall appearance and colour of the final scar.

@Puddlelane123

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

Hi Puddlelane123

The area should be kept clean and dry as far as possible, particularly after passing urine or a bowel motion. If the pain/discomfort does not gradually get better on a daily basis or if there is any increased warmth/discharge in the area, then the site should be viewed by a midwife. Showering, rather than bathing, is recommended initially as this is more hygienic. It is best to avoid applying any potential irritants/oils to the perineum until the episiotomy scar has closed and is dry. Some women do, however, benefit from a gentle perineal massage in the scar area several weeks after the birth with a bland non-irritant massage oil, as this can help improve sensation in the area and reduce the formation of scar tissue.

@torthecatlady

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”

Hi torthecatlady

The patches work by forming a semi-occlusive barrier on the skin when worn for 12 consecutive hours each day. This increases the localised temperature and also increases hydration in the scar tissue which supports the skin’s natural regeneration and healing process. This can lead to a smoother, softer scar with a reduction in redness if the patches are worn for at least eight weeks. The polyurethane material of the plaster is very unlikely to cause any adverse skin reaction and is suitable for women with sensitive skin. As the patches are breathable they will not cause maceration of the underlying skin, unlike other more occlusive/waterproof dressings. The patch should be changed daily and/or when the edges become dirty or start to lift resulting in poor adhesion. The patch should be applied to clean, dry skin and no cream, lotion or oil should be applied first.

@mellicauli

What are the factors at work that dictate levels of scarring? Age, surgeons skill, weight, size of incision, infection?

Hi mellicauli

There is a wide range of factors which dictate the levels of scarring. A surgeon’s skill and technique are absolutely key and there is no doubt that certain surgeons produce far neater and more invisible scars than others! Other factors include weight – being significantly overweight will impair scar healing and increase the risk of complications. Younger women also tend to recovery more quickly due to better tissue quality (increased collagen and elastin levels) and a better immune response. Any additional complications such as infection could potentially delay the healing process and also affect the final cosmetic outcome.

Thanks everyone for your questions - I hope I've been of help.
If I didn't manage to answer yours, you might be able to find further advice here: www.elastoplast.co.uk/products/wound-care/scar_reducer_xl

I think one of the key things that came out across most of my answers was that every woman's body and genetic makeup is different and this will impact healing time of your c-section scars. It's therefore important to ensure proper care during the healing process to ensure your scar heals as best it can. Products like the Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches can help to improve the overall appearance of scars.

Would these still work on a 2 year old scar? My scar is quite prominent as I seem to produce additional scar tissue, it can rub on clothing and underwear so I'd love to win to try it out!

@YanaMumsnet who won the voucher and plasters ? TIA

Thank you all for taking part in this discussion.
The prize draw winner is @kateandme.
The 5 winners of Elastoplast Scar Reducer XL Patches are @torthecatlady*,*@WilmaJean ,@Monstamio ,@Clementine8 and @Jeca8 . Congrats!

Yay! Can’t wait to try it thanks.

Great news! Thank you!

Thanks