A caesarean birth brings its own unique recovery journey, and caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your newborn.
Your caesarean incision involves several layers of tissue that need time to heal. With gentle wound care, patience and appropriate scar management, you can support your recovery and help your scar become more comfortable and flexible over time.
Whether you're a few days or several months postpartum, it's never too late to learn how to care for your caesarean scar.
1. Caring for your incision in the early days
During the first few weeks after your caesarean, the priority is allowing your surgical wound to heal without irritation or infection.
Follow the wound-care instructions provided by your maternity team. General recommendations include:
Gently wash the area with water when showering (no soap).
Pat the area dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
Wear loose clothing and underwear that sit above or below your incision to minimise friction.
When coughing, sneezing or getting out of bed, gently supporting your abdomen with your hand or a pillow may improve comfort.
Your body has undergone major abdominal surgery. Gradually increase activity as your recovery allows.
2. Understanding your caesarean scar
Scar formation is a normal part of healing. After surgery, collagen fibres are produced to repair the tissues that have been cut.
Initially, your scar may appear red, raised or slightly swollen. You might also notice:
Numbness or altered sensation around the incision.
Itching or occasional tingling.
Tightness or pulling when moving.
Tenderness or sensitivity to touch.
Firmness along the incision.
These sensations can occur during normal healing, although they should gradually improve.
Over the following months, the scar generally becomes softer, flatter and paler. Scar maturation is a slow process and can continue for 12–24 months or longer.
Every woman's healing journey is different. Genetics, skin characteristics, wound healing and infection can all influence the final appearance of your scar.
3. Scar massage
Once your incision has completely healed, gentle scar massage can become a useful part of your postpartum recovery routine.
Scar tissue can sometimes feel tight, restricted or sensitive. The tissues beneath the skin may also move differently from the surrounding areas as healing progresses.
Scar massage and tissue mobilisation aim to gently encourage movement between the skin and underlying tissues.
Potential benefits include:
May help address restriction or tightness around the scar.
Gradual touch and massage can help desensitise areas that feel tender or uncomfortable.
Some women find massage helps ease pulling sensations when stretching or changing position.
Gentle mobilisation may help soften the feel of scar tissue.
Taking time to reconnect with your abdomen can help you become more familiar and comfortable with your changing body.
When can you start?
Wait until your incision is completely healed, with:
No open areas or broken skin.
No remaining scabs.
No discharge or weeping.
No signs of infection or increasing inflammation.
For many women, this is around six to eight weeks after a caesarean, although healing times vary. If you're unsure, have your incision checked by your midwife or GP before beginning.
How to massage your caesarean scar
Start gently and gradually increase movement as your comfort allows.
Step 1 – Prepare
Wash your hands and find a comfortable position. A little coconut oil or shea butter can help your fingers glide over the skin.
Step 2 – Begin around the scar
Place your fingertips on the skin surrounding the incision. Use gentle circular movements, gradually working closer to the scar.
Step 3 – Mobilise the scar
Once comfortable, try:
Circular movements along the scar.
Gentle side-to-side movements across the scar.
Gentle up-and-down movements along the scar.
Lightly lifting and rolling the surrounding skin, if comfortable.
Step 4 – Progress gradually
As the tissue becomes more comfortable, gradually increase pressure and explore the surrounding area.
There should be no sharp pain or significant discomfort. Stop if you experience pain, irritation or worsening symptoms.
A few minutes of gentle massage each day is a reasonable starting point. Consistency and comfort are more important than applying firm pressure.
4. Silicone gel and silicone scar sheets
Silicone products are commonly used in scar management, particularly for scars that are becoming raised or thickened.
They are available in two main forms:
Silicone gel: A lightweight gel applied in a thin layer over the healed scar. Once dry, it forms a flexible protective layer.
Silicone sheets: Soft, flexible sheets that sit directly over the scar. Some are self-adhesive and can be worn under clothing.
How do silicone products work?
Silicone is thought to help regulate hydration at the scar's surface, creating a protective environment that supports normal scar maturation.
Research suggests silicone products may improve the appearance and texture of some scars, particularly hypertrophic scars (raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original incision).
Potential benefits include:
Helping reduce scar thickness and raised appearance.
Improving softness and flexibility.
Reducing itchiness and discomfort.
Improving scar texture and appearance.
Silicone is a useful, non-invasive scar-management option, although results vary and it will not remove a scar completely.
When should you start using silicone?
Only apply silicone products once the incision is fully closed and healed. Never place them over open skin, scabs or areas that are weeping.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Silicone gels are often applied once or twice daily, while sheets may be worn for several hours each day, gradually increasing wear time as tolerated.
Consistent use over several months may be recommended.
If your skin becomes irritated or develops a rash, discontinue use and seek advice.
6. When should you seek medical advice?
Some tenderness, itching and altered sensation can be common during recovery. However, contact your midwife, GP or maternity team if you notice:
Increasing redness, warmth or swelling around the incision.
Increasing pain, particularly after it had started to settle.
Pus, discharge or an unpleasant smell.
Wound edges separating or opening.
Fever or feeling generally unwell.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop severe pain, rapidly worsening symptoms or feel significantly unwell.
It is always better to have your wound checked if you are concerned.
A final word: Give yourself time
Your caesarean scar is part of your birth story, and caring for it can be a gentle way of reconnecting with your body after birth.
There is no rush to begin scar massage or use scar products. Allow your incision to heal first, seek guidance when needed, and approach scar care with patience rather than pressure.
Your body has been through major surgery while bringing your baby into the world. It deserves time, nourishment, rest and care.
At Birth to Baby, we believe postpartum recovery deserves the same thoughtful attention as pregnancy and birth. If you have questions about your caesarean recovery or would like guidance with scar care, speak with your midwife or women's health physiotherapist.
This article is intended for general education and does not replace individual medical assessment or advice. Always follow the wound-care instructions provided by your maternity team and seek review if you have concerns about your incision.
