From C-section scars to stretch marks, there are many types of scars that can occur as a result of motherhood. While we try to wear our “battle scars” with pride – after all, we got adorable little babies out of them – many of us would like to reduce their appearance so we can wear a bathing suit again.
The types of mommy scars can include:
- C-sections
- Episiotomies
- IVs
- Stretch marks
Here we will go more in-depth on a couple of these, such as treatments and what to expect.
C-Section Scars
There are some things you can do to improve the appearance of a C-section scar:
- Apply silicone sheets or gel. Silicone restores skin and strengthens connective tissue, but it can also flatten and soften scars, and reduce pain. Gently massage silicone gel on the scarred area or apply silicone sheets to the incision.
- Scar massage. Regularly massage your scar once it heals to reduce the appearance. This action will stimulate the skin, encourage blood flow, and encourage cellular growth for gradual fading. Use a circular motion with your index and middle finger for up to 10 minutes at a time. To make the massage easier, use a silicone gel like Scarfade.
- Laser therapy. This uses beams of light to restore damaged skin. This type of therapy softens and improves scar appearance while removing raised scar tissue.
- Steroid injections. These reduce inflammation and pain, while also flattening and improving the appearance of bigger scars.
- Scar revision. This procedure can open and re-close the scar, while removing damaged skin so it’s less noticeable.
Stretch Marks
This type of scar develops when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, such as during pregnancy. This quick change makes the collagen and elastin in our skin rupture, leaving stretch marks as it heals.
The best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is to use creams, lotions, and silicone gels. When applying silicone gels to your stretch marks:
- Use them as soon as possible, as evidence shows gels are more effective on early stretch marks than mature stretch marks.
- Massage the gel into your stretch marks, massaging the area in circular motions.
- Apply it as directed for up to 16 weeks. It may take many weeks to see results.
Home remedies are also known to work on stretch marks, such as massaging almond oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E or olive oil onto the skin. In serious cases, doctors can prescription medicine with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and tretinoin for discomfort relief and to reduce scar appearance. Tretinoin is a retinoid. Sometimes retinol, another type of retinoid, is used for fading early stretch marks.
You’ve been through a lot to bring your child into the world. To restore your confidence, pick up some Scarfade today and incorporate massage into your daily routine.