C-Section Scar Revision

Mr Banwell  will discuss with you his thoughts on the best treatment plan for your lower tummy. Strictly speaking, caesarean section scar revision only addresses widened or ugly scar (often with indentation.

However, it does not address skin laxity including so-called ‘pouches’ – this is a minor overhang of skin over underwear or above a caesarian section scar . Please note that in such cases the skin excess and laxity can only be treated with a mini tummy tuck; Mr Banwell will discuss this with you if required.

Improved appearance of the scar with minimised indentation.

The surgery can take anything up to 1 hour depending on the complexity and severity of the problem. Drains are usually not inserted on each side but if they are, these will normally stay in for 1 day – the amount of drainage fluid produced will vary from patient to patient).

The recovery is often similar to your original operation although this will vary from patient to patient. Mr Banwell recommends you commence wearing an abdominal and you should continue wearing this day and night for 8 weeks. After the surgery the wound will be dressed with brown micropore tape which is waterproof. You will be able to shower the day after leaving hospital after which you can pat the tape dry with a towel and then use a hair-dryer on a warm setting to ensure the tape is completely dry. You will normally be able to return to work after 1 week or so depending upon how you feel.

In the first week following surgery you should take things very easy, preventing any mishaps. The following week you will find you can do much more and may be ready to return to work. You should avoid lifting and carrying for 2 weeks following surgery and strenuous exercise/physical activity should be avoided for 4 weeks following the surgery to prevent damage to your abdomen. Many patients find gentle cardiovascular exercises and having a massage are fine after a few weeks. You can drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop otherwise you insurance company may invalidate your insurance.

The operation has a high success rate and patients are grateful once more for a more flattering appearance to the caesarean section scar.

Unfortunately complications can occur following any surgery and patients need to be fully aware of this. Mr Banwell does his utmost to minimise the complication rate and likes to practise in a safe manner. The commonest complications are bleeding, haematoma formation and the need to return to theatre, as well as infection, numbness, alteration in sensation, of abdominal skin, contour irregularity, asymmetry in the healing and the final result, DVT & PE.