Scar correction after childbirth

During childbirth, the vaginal area can tear or be cut (episiotomy). Sometimes the resulting scar does not heal as well as you would like, and this can cause discomfort. We can help correct this for you.

Does a scar correction help after childbirth?

The goal of a scar correction is to relieve any discomfort and achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. The scar can often be made smaller or more refined. Completely removing the scar is usually not possible, but it can often be improved or repositioned into a natural fold or wrinkle in the skin.

In general, scar correction is a relatively minor procedure performed under local anesthesia. This means general anesthesia is not required. The area around the scar is numbed, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. The anesthesia will continue to work well after the procedure. Afterwards, the area may feel tender. This can be managed effectively with Paracetamol (e.g., Panadol 500 mg).

We advise taking care of the scar during the healing period. Depending on the exact location, wearing tight pants, cycling, and sexual activity may be temporarily discouraged. After the procedure, appointments will be scheduled for stitch removal and the final check-up.

Important: a scar can only be corrected once the original scar has fully healed.

Are you curious about what’s possible for you? Or would you like to know which procedure is most suitable in your case? Then schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

How does the procedure work?

Upon arrival, you will check in at the clinic’s reception. The doctor may have prescribed medication in advance, which you have already picked up from the pharmacy and brought with you. At the clinic, you will take the medication (if prescribed by the doctor) and receive numbing cream along with instructions. Feel free to relax with a cup of coffee or tea while the cream takes about 45 minutes to take effect. This is why we ask you to arrive earlier than your scheduled procedure.

The assistant will then escort you from the waiting area to the treatment room. There, you can remove your lower clothing. The medical team will be ready to assist you. After a brief discussion about the procedure, during which you can ask any questions, you will take a seat in the chair. A photo will be taken before the procedure begins.

You will be covered with a sterile drape, and a few small injections will be given to locally numb the area. After the procedure, you will be taken to another room, where you will lie down for about 30 minutes for observation. If everything looks good, you will be able to go home.

Recovery after a scar correction

Carefully following the aftercare instructions is very important for a smooth and speedy recovery. This includes avoiding intense physical activities for several weeks after the procedure.

Aftercare and tipsafter a scar correction

Driving
After the procedure, we strongly advise against driving yourself. Depending on your recovery, you may be able to resume driving after a few days to a week.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol
In the first few days, you may take two Paracetamol (500 mg) tablets every 4–6 hours. Once the pain decreases, you can reduce this to one Paracetamol (500 mg) tablet every 4–6 hours. If necessary, you may also take Ibuprofen (400 mg) in addition to the Paracetamol. Any additional medication or pain relief should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

Cooling
For the first few days, it is advisable to cool the area for 10–15 minutes every hour using an ice pack, which you will receive from us. Always place a piece of gauze or a clean cloth between the ice pack and your skin.

Towel
We recommend sitting on a tightly rolled-up towel as much as possible for the first three days after the procedure. This acts as a pressure bandage and helps to minimize swelling.

Rest
It is very important to rest for one full week after the procedure. Make sure someone is nearby to assist you if needed.

Showering
You can shower with the stitches in place. We recommend gently rinsing the wound twice a day using the showerhead. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid bleeding. Taking hot baths is strongly discouraged for 4–6 weeks after the procedure, as it may increase swelling.

Exercise / Physical activity
We advise against exercising or performing any heavy physical activity during the first 4–6 weeks after the procedure.

Sex
We advise you to avoid sexual intercourse for the first 6 weeks after the procedure. Too much friction may cause infection.

Urination
After urinating, rinse briefly with water.

Work
Heavy physical work should be avoided for at least the first four weeks.

Menstruation
We advise against using tampons for the first 6 weeks after the procedure. We recommend using sanitary pads and gently rinsing with the showerhead twice a day. You may also use menstrual underwear — these are panties designed to absorb menstrual blood and light urine leakage, so you don’t have to use tampons or pads. Moodies Undies offers a wide selection of menstrual underwear.

Follow-up appointment

Two weeks after the procedure, you will return to the clinic for your first follow-up, during which the stitches will be removed. After 5–6 months, you will come back for a final check-up with your treating doctor. During this appointment, it will be determined whether any additional correction is necessary.