Looking After your C-Section

24-28 hours after surgery

You can shower as soon as your dressings are removed, usually within 24 hours. Just let the soapy water run over you scar - no scrubbing or rubbing until all soap is removed. Pat the area dry or dry with a hairdryer on a low heat.

Wear loose and soft clothes, avoid anything that could rub or irritate the scar site.

Take pain medication as/when needed.

Hot water bottles or a heated pad work wonders for post-op stomach cramps!

4-10 days after surgery

Avoid carrying your baby while moving from sitting to standing, or getting in or out of bed for the first 4 days at least. Wherever possible ask someone to hold the baby for you, to protect your healing scar.

Avoid baths for 7 to 10 days after surgery to keep the incision clean and undisturbed.

Stiches are usually removed 4-5 days after surgery. If the wound is dry within 24-48 hours you can use unperfumed cream like E45 to gently massage on/around the scar.

12-14 days after surgery

If you had dissolvable stitches, and the wound is healed and dry you can now use 

an unperfumed cream like E45 to gently massage the area.

Using silicone strips at this stage will protect and soothe your scar, creating a barrier against infection or irritation and supporting the body’s healing process

By this point you should be able to move around a little more. Short walks are a great way to gently move. Listen to your body - if you feel pain and/or fatigue slow down.

14-28 days after surgery

Your scar should be healing well and you should be moving more quickly and more comfortably. 

Your scar is now in its final and longest stage of healing - remodelling.  

When massaging your scar you may start to feel little bumps. This is excess collagen and can be gently massaged away, stimulating lymphatic drainage and increasing oxygen flow.

6 weeks +

Your healthcare professional will discuss a time frame for when you can get back in the driving seat. The usual rule of thumb is 6 week’s. Check with your maternity team if unsure.

You can now book your Scar therapy assessment and speak with a trained professional about looking after your scar for life.