Cesarean delivery and postpartum
Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the abdomen and uterus to deliver the child when vaginal delivery is not possible or not recommended. In France, cesareans are avoided as much as possible due to the risk of complications, but they remain quite common since one in five women will experience them during childbirth. This procedure can be scheduled well in advance for high-risk pregnancies or the incision is decided in the heat of the moment if the baby's birth does not go exactly as planned.
In all cases, the result is the same for the young mother: staples, or wire, and a deep scar of around fifteen centimeters just above the pubis, which can prove to be quite unsightly and be a source of pain for a few weeks.
Initially, your scar will be closely monitored by the maternity midwives, then by a nurse who will come to the house to clean the wound, change the dressing and ensure that the healing is done correctly. In certain cases, your doctor may suggest that you skip the dressing and leave the scar exposed to the air. The staples and/or wire are then removed between the 5th and 10th day. If the thread is absorbable, no need to worry about it, it will disappear on its own (between 2 to 4 weeks). It takes up to 3 weeks for the wound to close properly (no more blood, oozing, etc.). During this period, you will have to observe relative rest so as not to pull too much on the scar – without opting for a permanent lying down position. Taking a few steps, moving a little, even if it is painful, is beneficial to avoid complications such as embolism or phlebitis.
The cesarean scar will keep its red color for the first months: be patient! Depending on your healing capacity, it takes at least six months for it to start to fade, and one to two years for it to turn into a thin, almost invisible white line. It may seem swollen around the edges, not completely flat: here again time will do its work. However, you can begin to act, as soon as the wound is well closed , with targeted products to accelerate epidermal repair. You will also have to learn to accept this new scar, it may seem foreign to you just after childbirth but time will make it less visible and you will learn to appreciate it, some compare it to the smile drawn by the baby when he comes to the world ! However, each has its own sensitivity.
What care can you take to reduce a cesarean section scar?
The golden rule to promote healing and obtain the flattest and thinnest scar possible ? The massage ! Massaging the skin is essential to soften it and help it regenerate. The results will be even better if you use a treatment that contains restorative active ingredients, a massage twice a day is a good rhythm to reduce the visibility of the scar.
You may be wondering how to massage the scar effectively? Before starting the massages, you will of course have to wait until the wound is perfectly closed. You can then gently press on the scar with your index and middle fingers and form small circles, moving the skin, without rubbing. After a few weeks, you can grab the skin and gently peel it off to limit adhesions, avoiding spreading the scar. In any case, these actions should not cause pain. Applying a regenerating cream or oil will help the skin glide during the massage and accelerate healing thanks to the precious active ingredients they contain.
At Daylily, two treatments are particularly suitable for improving the appearance of your scar: Huile Sensorielle, which may have already helped you during your pregnancy to combat stretch marks, and Baume Onctueux. Two body products tested and approved by our customers who have told us they have obtained excellent results.
- Regular price
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28,90 € - Regular price
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- Sale price
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28,90 €
Sensory Oil contains a complex of five organic vegetable oils which soften, nourish and repair the epidermis. Among them, Avocado Oil which promotes cellular regeneration, Muscat Rose Oil which helps damaged skin to heal or Macadamia Nut Oil which soothes damaged, attacked or weakened skin. This dry oil is ideal for performing long, gentle massages.
Another product recommended for massaging your cesarean scar: Baume Onctueux, whose 3-in-1 action ( anti-stretch marks, anti-cellulite and firming) has already won over many young mothers. Like L'Huile Sensorielle, this balm contains our complex of five organic oils, cold extracted to preserve all their properties. Its main active ingredient, Body3Complex, a mixture of Shea Butter, clay and Avocado kernel extract, regenerates the skin and erases its small defects.
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33,90 € - Regular price
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33,90 €
These two body treatments are of course compatible with breastfeeding and do not contain any controversial ingredients for your health and that of the baby.
As with any scar, be careful in the sun, especially if you go to the beach this summer! UV rays can brown the C-section scar, which unfortunately will be irreversible. The best is therefore to hide it with a covering swimsuit or to protect it by applying a generous dose of sunscreen. And why not use our Crème Radieuse SPF50+, which you may have already adopted to protect your face from the pregnancy mask! Non-sticky and without ingredients harmful to your health, a small dab of product will effectively protect your scar from sun damage.
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24,90 € - Regular price
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24,90 €
By paying particular attention to your scar, there is no doubt that you will accelerate its reduction and that you will put all the chances on your side to improve its appearance and help it to be forgotten!
Photo credit: Pinterest
