c-section scar healing stages?

C-Section Scars: Care Basics During and After Healing
author-image
by
Colleen de Bellefonds
Medically Reviewed by Kameelah Phillips, M.D. on June 1, 2021
Stocksy
woman caring for a C-section scar
Worried about the scar you'll have after a C-section? Here's more information on what to expect, plus how to help your incision heal properly and minimize scarring.
In This Article

Types of C-section incisions
How are C-section incisions closed?
Types of C-section scars
How can you help a C-section scar heal?
How long does it take a C-section scar to heal?
Is there anything you can do to minimize C-section scarring?
Are there cosmetic options to minimize a C-section scar?

As a mom, your goal is for your baby to arrive in the world healthy and safe. And if that means it’s by C-section, the resulting incision represents a miracle of life — your beautiful baby.

Still, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to ensure that the wound heals well and scar tissue is minimized. The good news: Most C-section scars heal nicely, leaving only a faint line just above the pubic hair line that's easily covered up by clothing, underwear and bathing suits.
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Types of C-section incisions

During a C-section, your doctor makes two incisions. The first is through the skin of your lower abdomen, about an inch or two above your pubic hair line. The second is into the uterus, which is where the doctor will reach in to deliver your baby.

The type of cut on your abdomen may not be the same as the one on your uterus.

The incision on your abdomen will be either:

Horizontal. A low-transverse incision (or a “bikini cut”) is used in 95 percent of C-sections today. That’s because it’s done across the lowest part of the uterus, which is thinner — meaning less bleeding. It’s also less likely to split if you try to have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) when delivering a future baby.
Vertical. Also known as a “classical” C-section, this incision is down the middle of the uterus. It used to be common, but now is typically only reserved for certain situations. For example, it may be done for prematurity, the baby is nestled low in your uterus or in another unusual position, or if an emergency requires immediate delivery. Vertical incisions may be slightly more painful and take a little longer to heal.