Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealing TimelineWhat May Prolong Healing?Hard Lump Under the ScarOther Types of PainSigns of FadingPromoting Scar Healing
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Healing Timeline
What May Prolong Healing?
Hard Lump Under the Scar
Other Types of Pain
Signs of Fading
Promoting Scar Healing
This article discusses the C-section scar healing process, outlining tips for preventing and managing scar tissue.
Westend61 / Getty Images
How Long Does a C-Section Scar Take to Heal?
A C-section incision is a major cut across your abdomen and uterus that’s later closed up, usually with stitches.After the surgery, your body will start to undergo the wound-healing process, which will take several weeks and months.
Right After Delivery
Immediately following delivery, the surgeon will close up the abdomen and uterus with stitches for the healing process to begin.
Your incision may look slightly pink or discolored (depending on your skin tone) and slightly raised or puffy.The incision site will be pretty sore for the first couple of weeks, which can be relieved with pain management.
For several days, your C-section incision works through the inflammatory stage of wound healing. Although bleeding or severe pain may have stopped, the scar area will look a little discolored and swollen. This means your body’s immune system is helping protect the area against infection.
Your healthcare provider may recommend standing up and moving around shortly after surgery to help prevent any wound-healing complications.
2 Weeks After Delivery
The rebuilding phase of healing occurs two weeks after delivery when the body producescollagento help new tissue grow in the wound area. New skin forms over the top of the tissue, and the incision edges become tighter. The scar may appear thicker and the wound becomes a bit smaller.
Most pain around the C-section incision is resolved after the first few days. However, you may still be sore or tender for a few more weeks.
4 Weeks After Delivery
A scar will have formed as new skin tissue grows back, which may be slightly smaller than the original incision. The skin on this scar is new and won’t be as strong as the surrounding skin.
The C-section incision area may be itchy or appear stretched, discolored, and shiny after the scabbing heals. The scar will continue to lighten as it heals and may almost disappear in the next year or two. For some people, though, C-section scars will never completely fade.
Why Does C-Section Scar Healing Sometimes Take Longer?
C-section scar healing takes time, as this is a major abdominal surgery that will require a period of recovery. How long it takes to heal can vary based on several surgical-related and personal factors.
Incision Type
C-section incisions are usually made horizontally (a lowtransversecut). The surgeon may sometimes make a vertical cut, though this is rare.
Vertical cuts usually turn out to be longer incisions that impact how long it takes the skin and abdominal muscles to heal, potentially producing a more noticeable scar.
Infection
Somewhere around 2% to 7% of people who undergo a C-section delivery may experience infections after the surgery.
Getting an infection may prolong the wound-healing process.This may be more likely to happen in people who:
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection like:An incision that’s broken openWarmth or redness/discoloration around the incision siteSwelling or pus from the incisionFever
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection like:
Genetics
Hard Lump Under C-Section Scar
In rare cases, a hard lump may develop under a C-section scar, which could be what’s known asscar endometriosis. This may happen when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, within the incision.
Scar endometriosis is located on or near the C-section scar. You’ll likely be able to feel or see a mass or bump underneath the skin. Othersymptomsmay include swelling and occasional discharge from the incision site.
A healthcare provider may surgically remove the lump or suggest other hormonal treatments.
Akeloid scar(raised scar) can develop after a C-section. These scars may become large, itchy, painful, and take longer. They can beresolved with treatmentfrom a healthcare provider.
Other Types of Pain in C-Section Scar
A C-section is a major surgery that will involve pain and discomfort throughout the healing stages. During the first few weeks after a C-section, you may experience pain on and around the incision. This type of pain is often intense and requires management with medication.
Some people may notice a sensation of numbness in the C-section scar, which is common atsurgical incision sites. This occurs in the initial weeks following the surgery but could continue throughout the healing process.
Though it’s rare, it’s possible to experience other painful symptoms in and around the incision site due to C-section scar endometriosis. You may feel tenderness and discomfort in the lower abdominal region. C-section endometrial pain can happen regularly, or it can flare up with yourmenstrual cycle.
Signs C-Section Scar Is Fading
Your C-section scar will fade over time and look different from the initial incision wound. As it heals, the scar usually becomes thinner and flatter against the skin.Its color may shift to match your skin or appear lighter than your skin tone.
This is the remodeling stage, the final stage of healing, and can last up to a year or more.
How to Support C-Section Scar Healing
While it may seem like a long journey, some steps you can take during the recovery may minimize or, in some cases, prevent scarring.
Infection Prevention
Preventing infectionis crucial for supporting the healing process and minimizing scarring after a C-section.To do so, consider the following steps:
Skin Care
Your healthcare provider may recommend skincare tactics to help reduce scarring, such as:
Physical Therapy
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations on the timing and amount of exercise suggested after your C-section.
Self-Massage
C-section scar tissue self-massageis a newer tactic that research shows may help even out bumpy or uneven scars during the healing process.
Summary
Keeping your C-section incision area clean and moisturized can help prevent infection and minimize scar tissue formation.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cesarean delivery.Stupak A, Kondracka A, Fronczek A, Kwaśniewska A.Scar tissue after a cesarean section-The management of different complications in pregnant women.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 15;18(22):11998. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998MedlinePlus.C-section: Aftercare.Commander SJ, Chamata E, Cox J, Dickey RM, Lee EI.Update on postsurgical scar management.Semin Plast Surg. 2016;30(3):122-128. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584824MedlinePlus.How wounds heal.Kan A.Classical cesarean section.Surg J (N Y). February 2020;6(2):S98-S103. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402072Kawakita T, Landy HJ.Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment.Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol.2017 Jul 5;3:12. doi:10.1186/s40748-017-0051-3MedlinePlus.Going home after a C-section.Glass DA.Current understanding of the genetic causes of keloid formation.J Invest Dermatol.2017;18(2):S50-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2016.10.024Lan CC, Wu CS, Huang SM, Wu IH, Chen GS.High-glucose environment enhanced oxidative stress and increased interleukin-8 secretion from keratinocytes: new insights into impaired diabetic wound healing.Diabetes. 2013;62(7):2530-8. doi:10.2337/db12-1714Nepali R, Upadhyaya Kafle S, Pradhan T, Dhamala JN.Scar endometriosis: A rare cause of abdominal pain.Dermatopathology (Basel). 2022 May 5;9(2):158-163. doi:10.3390/dermatopathology9020020Karapolat B, Kucuk H.A rare cause of abdominal pain: scar endometriosis.Emergency Medicine International.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/2584652Ananias P, Luenam K, Melo JP, et al.Cesarean section: a potential and forgotten risk for abdominal wall endometriosis.Cureus.2021;13(8): e17410.doi:10.7759/cureus.17410American Academy of Dermatology.Keloid scars: Overview.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.Ubbink DT, Brölmann FE, Go PM, Vermeulen H.Evidence-based care of acute wounds: a perspective.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(5):286‐294. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0592Bleasdale B, Finnegan S, Murray K, Kelly S, Percival SL.The use of silicone adhesives for scar reduction.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):422‐430. doi:10.1089/wound.2015.0625Bocoum A, van Riel SJJM, Traoré SO, et al.Medical-grade honey enhances the healing of caesarean section wounds and is similarly effective to antibiotics combined with povidone-iodine in the prevention of infections—a prospective cohort study.Antibiotics. January 2023;12(1):92. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12010092American College of Surgeons.Wound home skills kit: Surgical wounds.Son D, Harijan A.Overview of surgical scar prevention and management.J Korean Med Sci. 2014;29(6):751-7. doi:10.3346/jkms.2014.29.6.751Deflorin C, Hohenauer E, Stoop R, van Daele U, Clijsen R, Taeymans J.Physical management of scar tissue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):854-865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cesarean delivery.Stupak A, Kondracka A, Fronczek A, Kwaśniewska A.Scar tissue after a cesarean section-The management of different complications in pregnant women.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 15;18(22):11998. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998MedlinePlus.C-section: Aftercare.Commander SJ, Chamata E, Cox J, Dickey RM, Lee EI.Update on postsurgical scar management.Semin Plast Surg. 2016;30(3):122-128. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584824MedlinePlus.How wounds heal.Kan A.Classical cesarean section.Surg J (N Y). February 2020;6(2):S98-S103. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402072Kawakita T, Landy HJ.Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment.Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol.2017 Jul 5;3:12. doi:10.1186/s40748-017-0051-3MedlinePlus.Going home after a C-section.Glass DA.Current understanding of the genetic causes of keloid formation.J Invest Dermatol.2017;18(2):S50-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2016.10.024Lan CC, Wu CS, Huang SM, Wu IH, Chen GS.High-glucose environment enhanced oxidative stress and increased interleukin-8 secretion from keratinocytes: new insights into impaired diabetic wound healing.Diabetes. 2013;62(7):2530-8. doi:10.2337/db12-1714Nepali R, Upadhyaya Kafle S, Pradhan T, Dhamala JN.Scar endometriosis: A rare cause of abdominal pain.Dermatopathology (Basel). 2022 May 5;9(2):158-163. doi:10.3390/dermatopathology9020020Karapolat B, Kucuk H.A rare cause of abdominal pain: scar endometriosis.Emergency Medicine International.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/2584652Ananias P, Luenam K, Melo JP, et al.Cesarean section: a potential and forgotten risk for abdominal wall endometriosis.Cureus.2021;13(8): e17410.doi:10.7759/cureus.17410American Academy of Dermatology.Keloid scars: Overview.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.Ubbink DT, Brölmann FE, Go PM, Vermeulen H.Evidence-based care of acute wounds: a perspective.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(5):286‐294. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0592Bleasdale B, Finnegan S, Murray K, Kelly S, Percival SL.The use of silicone adhesives for scar reduction.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):422‐430. doi:10.1089/wound.2015.0625Bocoum A, van Riel SJJM, Traoré SO, et al.Medical-grade honey enhances the healing of caesarean section wounds and is similarly effective to antibiotics combined with povidone-iodine in the prevention of infections—a prospective cohort study.Antibiotics. January 2023;12(1):92. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12010092American College of Surgeons.Wound home skills kit: Surgical wounds.Son D, Harijan A.Overview of surgical scar prevention and management.J Korean Med Sci. 2014;29(6):751-7. doi:10.3346/jkms.2014.29.6.751Deflorin C, Hohenauer E, Stoop R, van Daele U, Clijsen R, Taeymans J.Physical management of scar tissue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):854-865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Cesarean delivery.Stupak A, Kondracka A, Fronczek A, Kwaśniewska A.Scar tissue after a cesarean section-The management of different complications in pregnant women.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 15;18(22):11998. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998MedlinePlus.C-section: Aftercare.Commander SJ, Chamata E, Cox J, Dickey RM, Lee EI.Update on postsurgical scar management.Semin Plast Surg. 2016;30(3):122-128. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584824MedlinePlus.How wounds heal.Kan A.Classical cesarean section.Surg J (N Y). February 2020;6(2):S98-S103. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402072Kawakita T, Landy HJ.Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment.Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol.2017 Jul 5;3:12. doi:10.1186/s40748-017-0051-3MedlinePlus.Going home after a C-section.Glass DA.Current understanding of the genetic causes of keloid formation.J Invest Dermatol.2017;18(2):S50-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2016.10.024Lan CC, Wu CS, Huang SM, Wu IH, Chen GS.High-glucose environment enhanced oxidative stress and increased interleukin-8 secretion from keratinocytes: new insights into impaired diabetic wound healing.Diabetes. 2013;62(7):2530-8. doi:10.2337/db12-1714Nepali R, Upadhyaya Kafle S, Pradhan T, Dhamala JN.Scar endometriosis: A rare cause of abdominal pain.Dermatopathology (Basel). 2022 May 5;9(2):158-163. doi:10.3390/dermatopathology9020020Karapolat B, Kucuk H.A rare cause of abdominal pain: scar endometriosis.Emergency Medicine International.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/2584652Ananias P, Luenam K, Melo JP, et al.Cesarean section: a potential and forgotten risk for abdominal wall endometriosis.Cureus.2021;13(8): e17410.doi:10.7759/cureus.17410American Academy of Dermatology.Keloid scars: Overview.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.Ubbink DT, Brölmann FE, Go PM, Vermeulen H.Evidence-based care of acute wounds: a perspective.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(5):286‐294. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0592Bleasdale B, Finnegan S, Murray K, Kelly S, Percival SL.The use of silicone adhesives for scar reduction.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):422‐430. doi:10.1089/wound.2015.0625Bocoum A, van Riel SJJM, Traoré SO, et al.Medical-grade honey enhances the healing of caesarean section wounds and is similarly effective to antibiotics combined with povidone-iodine in the prevention of infections—a prospective cohort study.Antibiotics. January 2023;12(1):92. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12010092American College of Surgeons.Wound home skills kit: Surgical wounds.Son D, Harijan A.Overview of surgical scar prevention and management.J Korean Med Sci. 2014;29(6):751-7. doi:10.3346/jkms.2014.29.6.751Deflorin C, Hohenauer E, Stoop R, van Daele U, Clijsen R, Taeymans J.Physical management of scar tissue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):854-865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109
MedlinePlus.Cesarean delivery.
Stupak A, Kondracka A, Fronczek A, Kwaśniewska A.Scar tissue after a cesarean section-The management of different complications in pregnant women.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 15;18(22):11998. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998
MedlinePlus.C-section: Aftercare.
Commander SJ, Chamata E, Cox J, Dickey RM, Lee EI.Update on postsurgical scar management.Semin Plast Surg. 2016;30(3):122-128. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584824
MedlinePlus.How wounds heal.
Kan A.Classical cesarean section.Surg J (N Y). February 2020;6(2):S98-S103. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402072
Kawakita T, Landy HJ.Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment.Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol.2017 Jul 5;3:12. doi:10.1186/s40748-017-0051-3
MedlinePlus.Going home after a C-section.
Glass DA.Current understanding of the genetic causes of keloid formation.J Invest Dermatol.2017;18(2):S50-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2016.10.024
Lan CC, Wu CS, Huang SM, Wu IH, Chen GS.High-glucose environment enhanced oxidative stress and increased interleukin-8 secretion from keratinocytes: new insights into impaired diabetic wound healing.Diabetes. 2013;62(7):2530-8. doi:10.2337/db12-1714
Nepali R, Upadhyaya Kafle S, Pradhan T, Dhamala JN.Scar endometriosis: A rare cause of abdominal pain.Dermatopathology (Basel). 2022 May 5;9(2):158-163. doi:10.3390/dermatopathology9020020
Karapolat B, Kucuk H.A rare cause of abdominal pain: scar endometriosis.Emergency Medicine International.2019;2019:1-5. doi:10.1155/2019/2584652
Ananias P, Luenam K, Melo JP, et al.Cesarean section: a potential and forgotten risk for abdominal wall endometriosis.Cureus.2021;13(8): e17410.doi:10.7759/cureus.17410
American Academy of Dermatology.Keloid scars: Overview.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Cesarean birth.
Ubbink DT, Brölmann FE, Go PM, Vermeulen H.Evidence-based care of acute wounds: a perspective.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(5):286‐294. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0592
Bleasdale B, Finnegan S, Murray K, Kelly S, Percival SL.The use of silicone adhesives for scar reduction.Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):422‐430. doi:10.1089/wound.2015.0625
Bocoum A, van Riel SJJM, Traoré SO, et al.Medical-grade honey enhances the healing of caesarean section wounds and is similarly effective to antibiotics combined with povidone-iodine in the prevention of infections—a prospective cohort study.Antibiotics. January 2023;12(1):92. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12010092
American College of Surgeons.Wound home skills kit: Surgical wounds.
Son D, Harijan A.Overview of surgical scar prevention and management.J Korean Med Sci. 2014;29(6):751-7. doi:10.3346/jkms.2014.29.6.751
Deflorin C, Hohenauer E, Stoop R, van Daele U, Clijsen R, Taeymans J.Physical management of scar tissue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):854-865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109
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