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Dr Edwin Lim
Dr Edwin Lim has a fond interest in Aesthetic Injectable Procedures (Neurotoxin and Fillers) and using Lasers with specially formulated skincare products to treat various skin concerns.
C-sections, also known as cesarean sections, are a common surgical procedure used to deliver babies. While they are a safe and effective method of childbirth, they do leave a noticeable scar on the lower abdomen.
Types of C-Section Scars
C-section scars can be either horizontal or vertical, but the most common type is the horizontal incision, also known as a bikini cut.
Flat Scars: These scars are usually thin and smooth, and may be barely noticeable. Flat scars are often the result of good wound healing.
Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are thicker and more raised than flat scars, but they stay within the boundaries of the original incision. Hypertrophic scars are usually red or pink in color and may be itchy or tender.
Keloid Scars: Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the boundaries of the original incision. They can be thick, raised, and firm, and may be red, pink, or darker than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars can be itchy and painful and may continue to grow over time.
Pigmented Scars: These scars are darker in color than the surrounding skin and can be caused by increased melanin production during wound healing. Pigmented scars are more common in people with darker skin tones.
C-Section Keloid Scars
C-section keloid scars can cause discomfort, pain, and even emotional distress for some women. Some women may experience a thick, raised scar or keloid, which can be itchy and painful.
The above symptoms usually prompt women to seek treatment for C-Section Keloid Scars.
What causes C-Section Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars can occur after any type of surgery, including c-sections. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original incision.
The exact cause of keloids is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing keloid scars after a c-section, including:
Genetics: A family history of keloids or other abnormal scarring can increase the risk of developing keloids after a c-section.
Ethnicity: Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.
Hormones: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the body's healing process and increase the risk of keloid formation.
Infection: Infections at the incision site can delay healing and increase the risk of keloid formation.
Tension on the Incision: Tension on the incision site during healing, such as from abdominal muscles or clothing, can increase the risk of keloid formation.
How to prevent C-Section Keloid Scars?
While it's not always possible to completely prevent keloid scars from forming after a c-section, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some tips to help minimize your chances of developing a keloid scar after a c-section:
Keep the Incision Site Clean and Dry:
Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. Follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning and caring for your incision site after your c-section. This may include washing the area with mild soap and water, keeping the area dry, and avoiding activities that could irritate or infect the incision.
Avoid Tension on the Incision:
Tension on the incision site during healing can increase the risk of keloid formation. Avoid clothing or activities that put pressure or tension on the incision site. Your healthcare provider may recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a certain period of time after your c-section.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can all help promote healthy wound healing and reduce the risk of keloid formation.
Manage Stress:
High levels of stress can delay healing and increase the risk of keloid formation. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist.
Consider Scar Management Options:
If you have a history of keloid scarring or are concerned about the appearance of your c-section scar, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for scar management. This may include using silicone sheets or gels, applying pressure to the scar, or injecting steroid around the incision site during surgery.
C-Section Keloid Scar Treatment
There are several treatment options available for c-section scars, depending on the type and severity of the scar. Here are some common treatments for c-section scars:
Topical Treatments:
Topical treatments such as silicone gels or sheets can be applied directly to the scar to help soften and flatten it. These treatments work by hydrating the skin and creating a barrier that helps prevent excessive collagen formation.
Steroid Injections:
Steroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars. This method is commonly used to treat Keloids and will be explained in greater detail below.
Laser Removal:
Laser removal with the CO2 laser can help reduce the thickness of c-section scars. This treatment works by targeting the scar tissue with high-intensity laser energy which breaks down the scar tissue and promotes healthy healing. The redness of c-section scars can be improved with the Pro Yellow Laser.
Scar Revision Surgery:
In some cases, scar revision surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance of a c-section scar. This can involve removing the scar tissue and re-closing the incision, or using a skin graft or flap to cover the scar.
C-Section Keloid Injection
Steroid injections can be an effective treatment option for keloid scars, including those that may develop after a c-section. Steroid injections work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the overproduction of scar tissue, which can help to flatten and soften the scar.
During a steroid injection, Dr Edwin will inject a corticosteroid solution directly into the keloid scar. This helps to break down the excess collagen that makes up the scar tissue and reduces inflammation in the area. Over time, the keloid scar will become softer, flatter, and less noticeable.
Steroid injections are typically administered in a series of treatments over several months, depending on the size and severity of the keloid scar. The injections may be uncomfortable or slightly painful, and there is a risk of side effects such as skin discoloration, thinning of the skin, or atrophy (loss of skin tissue).
It's important to note that while steroid injections can be effective for reducing the appearance of keloid scars, they are not always a permanent solution. Some keloids may reappear or continue to grow after treatment, and additional therapies such as pressure therapy or surgical revision may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
How do I find the Best C-Section Keloid Scar Removal Treatment Singapore has to offer?
Every clinic offers different keloid scar treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that C-Section keloid treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in offering such keloid injections. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of keloid treatments before proceeding.
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