How to Fade Caesarean Scar

Women who have had a cesarean section generally have a scar on the lower abdomen. Many women who feel these scars interfere with appearance, so trying to find ways to fade it. One way to fade Caesarean scar, including those that form keloids, is to use a special gel to fade the scar. Caesarean section is performed if giving birth normally is not possible. Like other surgical procedures, a caesarean section will leave a scarred stitch. In general, scars only look faint. However, if the suture wound becomes infected, the healing process will last longer and eventually leave a clearly visible scar. Likewise with scars that develop into keloids.

Why Can Caesar Wounds Occur?

Wounds are injuries that involve damage to body tissue, and generally occur in the skin as the outermost layer of protection. Scar formation is a natural part of the wound healing process. How the scar looks will depend on the treatment of wound healing, age, genetic factors, and type of wound. After the tissue damaged by the incision and stitches of the caesarean section is restored, the skin will be as strong as before stitches. However, the appearance of scarred skin may be different from normal skin. This is because the skin is composed of two proteins, namely collagen which gives skin strength, and elastin which gives skin flexibility. In scars, the skin cannot produce new elastin, so the scars are made entirely from collagen. But when the body produces too much collagen, a caesarean scar will appear thick and dark in color. This condition is called hypertrophic or keloid injury. In keloids, the scar will thicken and even be larger than the original wound. Besides disturbing appearance, it can also feel itchy. For women, this can reduce self-confidence. Wounds are physical problems, but scars are emotional problems.

How to Fade Caesarean Scar

The scars sometimes cannot be completely removed, but their appearance can be faded by using a topical medication. At present, there are many topical gel forms on the market, whose function is to flatten, smooth, and diminish prominent scars. A topical gel containing cyclopentacyloxane, dimethicone, and vinyl dimethicone ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is a silicone derivative. These ingredients work by suppressing collagen production, reducing inflammation, and moisturizing the skin, which will improve the appearance of scars on the skin. The content is fairly safe to use to fade scars, and rarely raises the risk of irritation to the skin. The use of topical medication can help disguise the appearance of scars on the skin. However, to completely fade keloid or thick and extensive scars, further treatment is needed to the doctor. Some people are more at risk of having keloid scars due to caesarean section. For example people of Asian ethnicity, under 30 years old, and have parents with keloids. Applying a special gel to fade the scar, as soon as the wound is dry, can prevent keloid formation.

Post-Caesarean Wound Care

So that a caesarean scar does not develop into keloids or hypertrophic tissue, proper cesarean wound care is needed, namely by doing the following:

• Wash your hands with soap before cleaning the wound and change the bandage.
• Clean the wound and dry it well. The trick, wet the towel with warm water that has been mixed with soap, then rub it slowly into the wound area. Dry with a clean and dry towel by gently patting.
• Avoid using antibacterial soap, iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, lotion, and powder around the wound, because it can damage the skin and slow healing.
• Change bandages every day. Covering the wound with a bandage can protect the wound from infection and speed healing.
• You are advised not to bathe within 24 hours after a caesarean section. However, you can still cleanse the body by wiping using a small towel soaked in warm water.
• Do not pour soap or other cleaning products directly on the surface of the wound, as long as the wound is still healing.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights, going up and down stairs, or doing strenuous exercise during the healing process. You are also advised not to have sex for 4-6 weeks post caesarean section, or according to doctor's instructions.
• Avoid direct sunlight to the wound, as this can make the wound darker.
• Use underwear made from cotton and not too tight.
• Hold the scar from a caesarean section when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
• Avoid bathing and swimming, according to doctor's orders.

In addition, adequate rest, sufficient water, and consuming lots of nutritious foods, especially vegetables and protein, can help speed up the healing of scars caused by cesarean section. If the scar looks or feels disturbing, you can consult a doctor to get further treatment.