Scar Care Basics

Of all the things that are not covered before or after a belly birth, scar care is one of the simplest and most essential. While the benefits of scar care are greater the earlier you start it, you can start caring for your scar at any time in your healing journey and see noticeable results. Whether you’re planning for a belly birth or had one years ago, the below guidelines cover the basics of caring for your incision site.  It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions during or after touching your scar. Let yourself

When to Start Scar Care

Moisturizing:

• Start: After your incision is fully closed (usually ~2 weeks postpartum). Always confirm with your provider if you’re unsure.

• Why:

  • Improves skin elasticity

  • Improves appearance

  • Soothes itching

  • Helps prevent dryness

• What to Use: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or oil (e.g., vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or a dedicated scar cream). I recommend this one by Motherlove. 

Scar Massage:

• Start: Around 4–6 weeks postpartum,after getting medical clearance.

• Why:

  • Breaks up scar tissue and adhesions

• Improves circulation

• Reduces tightness and pain

• Supports smoother healing

How Often to Moisturize and Massage

Moisturize your scar once per day.

TIP: try adding scar moisturizing to your post-shower routine to make it a daily habit.

Massage your scar for 5–10 minutes per session, 3 times per week.

Massage Tips:

• Use gentle pressure at first, increasing gradually as tolerated.

• Try small circular motions and gently pinch/lift the skin as it heals more.

• Don’t massage if the area is painful, red, or shows signs of infection.

• See a pelvic floor PT for personalized, expert guidance.

Here’s a video on how to do a Cesarean scar massage that I found helpful:

Suggested Add-ons

Take your scar care to the next level with some or all of the following.:

• Silicone patches help cesarean scars heal by hydrating the skin, reducing scar thickness and discoloration, and protecting the area from friction and irritation.

• Cupping can help by improving blood flow, releasing adhesions, and promoting tissue mobility around the scar.

• Red light therapy can support cesarean scar care by stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and promoting faster, smoother tissue healing.

• Healing touch / energy work can support cesarean scar care by promoting relaxation, releasing emotional trauma, and encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.