To reduce the thickness of the cesarean scar and make it as uniform as possible, massages and treatments that use ice, such as cryotherapy, and those based on friction, laser or vacuum can be used, depending on the indication of a dermatologist. Corticosteroid injection directly into the cesarean scar may also be recommended, depending on the size of the scar on the skin.
In general, treatment can be started 3 days after surgery if the scar is not open or infected. In an initial phase, massage directly on the properly closed scar helps to remove adhesions and remove possible nodules that leave the scar site hardened. See better how to release the glued scar.
When the scar has a very different color from the person’s skin tone, or if it is hardened, high or very wide, it may be a sign of keloids of the cesarean scar and, in these cases, treatment with acids can be performed. specific treatments that are applied by the dermatologist or dermato functional physiotherapist.
In order for the cesarean scar to close faster and be more disguised, being just a small thin and discreet line in the lower part of the belly, it is recommended to take some care according to the surgery time, such as:
1. In the first 7 days
In the first 7 days after the surgery, it is recommended not to do anything, just rest and avoid touching the scar so that infection or stitches open. However, if after this period the scar is not very red, swollen, or leaking liquid, it is already possible to start passing a healing cream all around the scar, with gentle movements, so that the product is absorbed by the skin. Check out some types of ointments to apply on the scar.
It is also possible to use oil or moisturizing gel, sleep on your back, supporting your legs well with a pillow on your knees and, if the obstetrician authorizes, you can perform manual lymphatic drainage in the legs, groin and abdominal region and use a brace. to compress the abdominal region, which also helps protect the cesarean scar.
2. Between the 2nd to 3rd week
After 7 days of the cesarean, treatment to reduce the scar may also include lymphatic drainage to reduce pain and swelling. To help drain excess liquid, you can use a silicone cup to gently suction the skin, respecting the locations of the vessels and lymph nodes. Understand better how lymphatic drainage is done.
If the cesarean scar is well closed and dry, the person can start massaging exactly on top of the scar with circular movements, up and down, from side to side so that the scar does not stick together and pulling the skin in. return. If this happens, in addition to making physiological drainage difficult, it can even make it difficult to stretch the entire belly region.
3. After 20 days
After this period, any alteration can be treated with equipment such as laser, endermology or radiofrequency. If the cesarean scar presents fibrosis, which is when the site becomes hardened, it is possible to remove it with radiofrequency equipment, in dermato functional physiotherapy clinics. Usually 20 sessions are enough to remove much of this tissue, releasing the scar.
4. After 90 days
After 90 days, in addition to the resources indicated, treatment with acids can also be used, which must be applied directly to the scar. These remain for a few seconds on the skin and must be removed completely and are very effective in eliminating the most superficial layer of the skin, renewing all this tissue.
Acids must be applied by a dermatologist or qualified dermato functional physiotherapist, requiring 1 session per week or every 15 days for 2 or 3 months.
When is plastic surgery necessary?
When the scar is more than 6 months old and is more voluminous than the rest of the skin around it, when it is very adherent, if there is a keloid or if the appearance is not very uniform and if the person wants an immediate treatment, it is better to do plastic surgery to correct the scar.
However, in any case, aesthetic physiotherapy is indicated for treatments that improve the appearance and decrease the thickness of the cesarean scar, in addition to improving the mobility of the tissues around it, increasing the woman’s quality of life and self-esteem. However, in these situations, instead of 20 or 30 sessions, a longer treatment time may be necessary.
