Find out how to heal your c-section scar fast

Learn about the top products and therapies that support faster, more effective healing of c-section scars.

After going through the incredible journey of pregnancy and childbirth, around a third of women are left with a lasting reminder of their experience: a c-section scar.

This scar is a testament to the strength and resilience of a mother’s body. For some, it’s a badge of honor; for others, reducing its visibility becomes a personal goal. Whether you choose to embrace it or work to minimise it, there’s no right or wrong – it’s all about what feels best for you.

If you’ve had a c-section or are preparing for one, read on for effective ways to care for your scar and promote healing, including techniques like massage, cold laser therapy, and microneedling.

It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

4 non-invasive ways to heal your c-section scar

Massaging a c-section scar

Twenty years ago, massaging a c-section scar wasn’t common practice. Today’s new mums, however, are encouraged to use soothing oils and ointments after the scabs fall off. These can help reduce scarring, smooth the skin, and ease inflammation and discomfort.

Massaging scar tissue can break up adhesions formed during healing, reducing pain and improving movement in the area. It also boosts blood flow, which promotes healing and gradually fades the scar.

Touching the area might feel intimidating, and sensations may vary—some spots may feel tender, others numb. For some mums, massaging their scar can even improve emotional well-being, offering a sense of control and connection to their bodies as they heal.

Oils and ointments for caesarean scars

Many oils and creams can help reduce c-section scarring, including coconut, Vitamin E, and rosehip oils. However, consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils directly on your skin, as some can pass into breastmilk.

Scar-reducing patches

Silicone sheets offer a non-invasive solution to improve the appearance of c-section scars. Made of medical-grade silicone, these sheets are applied directly over the scar, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and supports healing.

By helping to regulate collagen production in the scar tissue, silicone sheets gradually reduce the scar’s visibility, improving its texture and colour. Although they may not completely erase the appearance of a c-section scar, they can significantly soften and lighten it over time. 

Another product to try is Elastoplast Scar Reducer, which is a transparent, self-adhesive patch made of polyurethane, a material widely used in professional wound care for its effectiveness in reducing raised and discolored scars. This safe, efficient option offers a reliable way to help scars fade.

You can also buy postpartum undies that have an inbuilt silicone strip to really target that area of the skin.

How is cold laser therapy used for a caesarean scar?

Used for c-section scars, cold laser therapy – or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) – is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. The laser doesn’t produce heat, hence the name.

The light penetrates the skin and stimulates the cells to produce more energy, which can accelerate the healing process. It can also improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the area, which can reduce swelling and bruising.

It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if cold laser therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

C-section scars and microneedling

Microneedling is another non-invasive treatment and it involves creating tiny, controlled punctures in the skin using a specialised tool with small, fine needles.

As well as improving blood flow to the c-section scar and reducing inflammation, it helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibres, which can help to improve the texture and appearance of a caesarean scar. As the skin heals from the treatment, the new collagen and elastin fibers help to fill in the scar tissue, making it less noticeable and smoother in appearance.

Microneedling can help to increase the absorption of topical treatments, such as scar creams or serums, making them more effective in reducing the appearance of the scar over time.

It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Always ensure that any procedures are carried out by a trained and licenced professional.