How to improve the appearance and function of your C-section scar
A C-section is a major surgical procedure, and its healing process occurs in distinct phases. Knowing these stages helps informs proper scar care:
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Hemostasis (Immediate Response): The body's first priority after surgery is to stop bleeding by forming a clot at the incision site. This occurs within minutes to hours post-surgery.
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Inflammation (0-7 days): The immune system activates to prevent infection. During this phase, swelling, redness, and tenderness are common.
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Proliferation (1-6 weeks): The body begins producing collagen, the essential protein for wound healing. Blood vessels regenerate, and new tissue forms over the incision.
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Maturation/Remodeling (6 weeks - 1 year+): The scar strengthens, contracts, and may change colour from red or purple to a more neutral tone. It's at this stage when it is normally suggested that scar tissue massage, mobility, breath work and the use of silicone strips should begin.
Research shows that early intervention using Silicone Scar Tape can positively impact scar appearance and function. A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2021) found that silicone-based treatments significantly reduce hypertrophic scars and keloids. The study highlighted that silicone therapy creates a protective barrier over the scar, maintaining hydration and reducing excessive collagen buildup, leading to flatter, more flexible scars. Additional research in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2022) confirmed that silicone-based products improved scar pigmentation and elasticity by up to 70% over six months.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Wound Care analyzed the effects of silicone therapy on surgical scars, including C-section scars. Results indicated that patients who used silicone-based treatments consistently over 12 weeks saw a 60% improvement in scar texture, reduced pigmentation, and overall scar pliability. Furthermore, another 2023 study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that silicone scar therapy significantly decreased itching, discomfort, and excessive collagen buildup, leading to smoother, flatter scars in post-surgical patients.
Individual factors such as genetics, skin type, and post-surgical care can influence how a scar heals. Those prone to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring should take proactive steps, like using BIEN Silicone Scar Tape early in the healing process and incorporating BIEN Scar & Skin Oil to promote skin hydration and elasticity.
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that post-surgical scar massage, combined with a hydrating oil like BIEN Scar & Skin Oil, led to a 50% improvement in scar elasticity and tightness reduction over 8 weeks. Regular massage also reduces the risk of adhesions, which can contribute to abdominal discomfort and restricted mobility.
A 2022 study in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery further supports the benefits of scar massage, showing that consistent massage therapy improved tissue flexibility and reduced pain intensity by 60% over 12 weeks. Massaging the scar with a Scar & Skin Oil can significantly enhance hydration, helping soften and flatten the scar while improving overall mobility in the surrounding tissue.
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