How to Treat Itchy or Painful Scars After Pregnancy-Related Surgery?

Pregnancy is a life-changing journey, but for many women, the healing process after pregnancy-related surgeries, like a C-section, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or mommy makeover, comes with challenges. One of the most common concerns during recovery is dealing with painful and itchy scars after surgery.

If you’ve noticed your scar feels itchy, sore, or even painful weeks or months after surgery, you’re not alone. These sensations are part of the natural healing process, but they can also indicate underlying changes in scar tissue that require attention.

In this guide, we’ll explain why scars become itchy or painful, when to seek medical advice, and effective ways to treat that itchiness and scar pain after surgery - especially after pregnancy-related procedures.

Common Query: Can Scar Tissue Cause Pain and Itchiness After Pregnancy-Related Surgery?

Yes. Scar tissue pain and itchiness are common, especially after pregnancy-related procedures like C-sections, tummy tucks, or mommy makeovers. When scar tissue forms, it can affect not just the skin but also deeper layers, leading to long-term discomfort if untreated.

Why Do Scars Itch or Create Pain After Surgery?

After surgery, it’s common to experience unusual sensations around the incision area. These can range from mild itchiness to deeper scar tissue pain. Both are part of the body’s healing response, but they happen for different reasons.

Reasons for Forming Itchy Scars After Surgery

Itching is one of the earliest signs of recovery, typically indicating that the skin and nerves are healing. Common causes include:

1) Nerve healing: During surgery, small nerves under the skin are cut. As they regenerate, they may misfire, leading to tingling or itching (1).

2) Skin stretching: As collagen fibers form and tighten in the scar, the skin may feel itchy or tight.

3) Dryness and irritation: Healing skin can be sensitive, dry, or inflamed, which increases itchiness.

Why Women Feel Scar Tissue Pain After Surgery?

Unlike itchiness, pain is often related to deeper scar tissue changes. Some reasons include:

1) Nerve entrapment: Scar tissue may press against nearby nerves, causing sharp, burning, or stabbing pain.

2) Adhesions: Internal scar tissue can bind to muscles or organs, leading to restricted movement and discomfort.

3) Inflammation: Ongoing healing or poor scar remodeling can keep the area sore for weeks or months.

In short, mild itching or soreness is normal, but persistent pain from scar tissue after surgery should be evaluated by a doctor.

How to Treat Painful and Itchy Scars After Surgery?

The good news is that several treatments can help reduce discomfort and improve scar appearance:

1. Silicone-Based Scar Treatments

Keeping scars moisturized and protected is key to reducing discomfort and improving their appearance. Silicone-based products are especially effective because they create a protective barrier, lock in hydration, and gradually soften the tissue. Using silicone gels or sheets regularly for several weeks can help calm itchiness and flatten raised scars.

2. Moisturizers and Gentle Massage

Keeping the scar area moisturized prevents dryness and irritation, which can worsen itching. Gentle scar massage also helps improve blood flow, relax tight collagen fibers, and reduce stiffness. Natural options like aloe vera, vitamin E oil, or specialized scar creams can be effective, but massage should only be started once the incision has fully healed.

3. Nutritional Supplements for Scar Tissue Healing

Nutrition plays a vital role in scar healing, and HealFast understands this well and offers post-surgery recovery supplements that contain targeted nutrients to help with scar pain. 

HealFast supplements are rich in vitamin C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and amino acids, which support collagen formation, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Adding these to your recovery plan can speed up scar tissue healing and minimize long-term discomfort.

4. Physical Therapy for Scar Tissue Pain

When scar tissue creates adhesions that restrict movement or cause deeper pain, physical therapy can help. Targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques can break down adhesions, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns.

5. Laser and Medical Treatments

For stubborn or painful scars, dermatological treatments may be necessary. Options like laser therapy can improve texture and reduce redness, while steroid injections help flatten raised scars. Advanced methods such as microneedling or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may also be recommended to remodel scar tissue and relieve discomfort.

Home Remedies to Soothe Itchy Scars After Surgery?

While medical treatments are often the most effective, certain natural remedies can provide additional comfort:

• Cold compresses – help numb the scar area and provide quick, temporary relief from itching.
• Oatmeal baths – soothe irritation and calm sensitive, healing skin (2).
• Coconut oil or shea butter – keep the scar tissue moisturized, reducing dryness and discomfort.

⚠️Caution: Always test any new remedy on a small patch of skin first to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.

How long does an itchy scar last after surgery?

In most cases, a surgical scar may feel itchy for about one to eight weeks as part of the normal healing process. However, for some people, the itchiness can last longer and occasionally continue for several months, depending on how their body heals (3).

Keep Learning With These Articles: 

Vitamin E for Scars: Helpful or Harmful?

How do Silicone Gel and Sheets help Flatten Hypertrophic Scars?

How Bromelain Helps Reduce Swelling and Soreness After Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Consider These Things to Minimize Scar Pain After Surgery

• Keep the scar hydrated with silicone-based scar gel or scar cream.
  
• Avoid scratching - it worsens irritation and may damage healing skin.
  
• Wear loose clothing to prevent friction.
  
• Stay active with light movement to prevent stiffness (but avoid straining the incision).
  
• Protect scars from sun exposure, as UV rays can darken them permanently.

Still not sure which product is right for you? Take our quick quiz and get personalized recommendations.

References: 

1. Verywell Health. (n.d.). Numbness and Tingling After Surgery. https://www.verywellhealth.com/numbness-and-tingling-after-surgery-3156878

2. Elliott, B. (2024, May 19). How Do Oatmeal Baths Help Soothe Skin Irritations? Reality Pathing. https://realitypathing.com/how-do-oatmeal-baths-help-soothe-skin-irritations/

3. Beauty by Dr. Cat. (n.d.). Post-op plastic surgery itchiness duration and relief. https://beautybydrcat.com/blog/post-op-plastic-surgery-itchiness-duration-and-relief/