Finding real c-section scar photos that haven’t been edited or photoshopped onto a perfect body can be challenging. This article shares real cesarean birth scars from real moms and their beautiful bodies.
You might wonder, “is my scar normal?” or “what do other people’s scars look like?” because your doctor doesn’t show photos of real cesarean birth scars before or after birth.
We’re proud to share this round-up of real c-section scar photos to remind you just how powerful your body is and what you’ll do to keep yourself and your baby safe.
What should my c-section scar look like?
Before we dive into the photos, let’s answer a commonly wondered and asked question. What should my c-section scar look like?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. Everyone’s scars will look different depending on your surgeon, your baby, the type of closure used (staples, glue, stitches, etc.), and other factors.
Typically, are three different types of cesarean incisions:
- Low transverse (the most commonly used)
- High vertical (possibly used for breech or sideways babies)
- Low vertical (typically used for pre-term babies or emergencies)
In general, your scar should not ooze pus or bleed. As it heals, it might be lumpy, feel tight, or develop a c-section shelf. These are things to look out for and know can be corrected with the proper care and attention.
C-section scar recovery photos
Below you’ll find some photos of real-life moms sharing their c-section scar photos. Remember that everyone’s scars hold their own birth story and will look different from the next.
Because we – as a society – aren’t used to seeing real c-section scar photos, we hope these images help you feel validated and seen in your cesarean birth experience.
Your scar is nothing to hide and something you should be proud of (we know this can take time to achieve, be patient with yourself).
Aislinn
Incision type: low abdominal transverse
Closure: glue with steri strips
“I had a hard time around five weeks postpartum where the incision had some abnormal dryness and redness that I couldn’t get an answer what it was. It turns out it just has thicker scar tissue there.
I took a photo while watching the redness after visiting my provider and having them circle it to ensure it wasn’t growing.”
“Now at 11 months, looks fairly similar to three months but slightly less red and with scar massage, less pulling and bulging above the scar.”
Anonymous
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: stitches
“I also had an external clear plastic (?) cover/bandage, which will be removed at week 4/day 28.”
Marciella
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: dissolvable stapes
“I had an unplanned c-section six months ago to a healthy, beautiful boy. I took this photo about four months postpartum. I was very thankful how well my incision healed; they used dissolvable staples and, in my experience, better than stitches.”
Nicole
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: dissolvable stitches
“Firstly, I would like to say how refreshing and empowering it is that you are showcasing cesarean scars.
As a c-section mama, I often feel alone when looking at my scar or feeling the sensitivity and being reminded of the terrifying surgery I endured awake to birth my baby – so thank you.
I gave birth to my first and only daughter almost eight months ago (33 weeks, to be exact) via a scheduled c-section with dissolving stitches as my suture material.
I planned for a vaginal birth all along; however, my dear daughter was breech at the 36-week growth scan, and I was scheduled for a c-section. I was distraught and scared due to the sudden change in my well-thought-out birth plan.
However, it was my first sacrifice as a mother to ensure the safe arrival of my daughter into the world.
The most exciting part of her birth occurred one week postpartum when I rushed to the ER a little after midnight one evening due to chest pain (an emergency symptom postpartum). It turned out I had a pulmonary embolism, and the doctors told me I saved my own life coming into the emergency room.
I had an undiagnosed blood clotting disorder which is likely what led to the clot being able to form. The c-section surgery is a significant risk factor. I have fully recovered and am forever grateful I listened to my body that night.”
Alyssa
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: unknown
“I had my son Ruben on the 30th of June 2022 via elective c-section because I have Crohn’s Disease.
The actual c-section went quite well. That was my only option, so I wasn’t disappointed or shocked that things went that way like some mothers can be. I was lucky.
I did get golden staph in my c-section wound at five weeks postpartum, and it took three lots of antibiotics, three trips to ED, and about five weeks to heal. So that’s why my scar is a bit funny.”
Mikey
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: glue
“Here is my c-section scar from giving birth to two beautiful twin girls almost three months ago. Glue was used, and all the doctors and nurses say my OB did a ‘beautiful job.’”
Anonymous
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: unknown
“This was my second elective c-section birth.”
Anonymous
Incision type: low transverse
Closure: unknown
“Attached is a picture of my c-section scar four weeks postpartum with my 3rd c-section. I had c-sections in March 2019/Feb 2021/December 2022.
My first was after PPROM at 36 weeks and a baby that would not tolerate labor. I had a suspected placental abruption (confirmed later, I did not) and an emergency c-section at 10cm after 5 hours of labor and 20 min of pushing and failed vacuum extraction. I was not put to sleep but sedated, and I don’t remember much from his delivery.
I was set on a VBAC for my second birth, but after therapy and lots of soul searching, I realized that I just needed a “non-traumatic” delivery, and for me, that was a repeat c-section.
For my 3rd, I hired a birth photographer and had the most beautiful photos, a video of the birth, and got skin-to-skin in the OR; it was beautiful.
My recovery has gotten better after each birth. I was so sad after my first c-section, but now almost four years later, I’m proud and embrace my story and journey.”
What you can do for your c-section scar
If your scar has been confirmed to be fully healed by your care provider, and you are worried or concerned about your scar or want to decrease the tension, pulling sensations, swelling, or redness, you can start gentle scar massage using a c-section cream or another mild oil.
The good news is it’s never too late to address your scar’s appearance if it’s something you want to do. Don’t forget that scar is a constant reminder of what you’ll do to keep you and your baby safe, and it’s nothing to be ashamed about.
Final thoughts on your cesarean scar
We hope these images help you feel less alone (and way more empowered) after your cesarean birth. It’s incredibly refreshing to see real, unedited c-section scar photos; for some, it is very emotional on many levels.
A huge thank you to everyone who sent in your cesarean scar photos for this couldn’t; we couldn’t have done it without you.
Other articles you might find helpful:
- A Pelvic Floor Therapist Shares Tips for Safely Lifting Your Toddler After Birth
- Common Misconceptions About C-Section Recovery (and What to Know Instead)
- C-Section Wound Care: What to Know After Birth
