Recovery after birth
Caesarean Section
It takes approximately six weeks for your scar to heal. It may feel tender, itchy and numb in the first few weeks and may be pink or red and slightly raised. Once healed, it should not be excessively painful or sensitive or prevent you from doing any of your everyday activities. It can take two years for your scar to fade to a smooth white line. As your scar heals, the scar tissue can become sensitive, painful or raised. Scar massage can help reduce these symptoms. Wait until your scar is fully healed before starting scar massage – there must be no open areas or scabs. Check with your GP or consultant before you begin if you have concerns.
How to massage Caesarean scar tissue
Prepare the area
It may help to have a warm bath or use a warm compress before starting to help relax the muscles and to increase blood flow to the area.
- Get into a comfortable position, lying or sitting, and use pillows as required. Natural oil can be used for comfort – e.g. almond, coconut, or olive oil (as long as you are not allergic to it).
- Duration of massage: You should massage the scar tissue in three directions for 5-10 minutes every 1-2 days.
Technique
Start by gently massaging around the scar, the areas immediately above and below it. As it becomes less sensitive, place the pads of your fingertips just above the scar line. Move the skin in circles, gently up and down and side to side along the length of the scar (see diagram below). Work more into areas of resistance where the skin feels tighter. You should feel stretching in the tissue, but it should not be painful.
As this becomes easier, you can use a firm pressure for the same circular, up and down and side to side movements. Feel free to massage the entire lower tummy area. You must be firm but not aggressive as you massage: let pain be your guide. A slight tingling sensation as you stretch tissues is normal. Keep massaging into deeper areas as pain allows.
Speak to your GP or midwife if you have any signs of infection: worsening redness, heat, oozing or discharge and generally feeling unwell.
