What can I do about vaginal lumpy scarring from stitches after giving birth?

Question

I had quite a traumatic labour with my son 4 months ago which left me with significant scaring both top (right next to my pee holdall and clitoris), bottom and side of my vagina. When it came to doing the stitches I was too exhausted at the time to realise they had a student do them and it was her first time! They have healed with no complications but I am now left with lumpy scars which make it uncomfortable during sex and I'm self conscious of them. Is there anything I can do?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The treatment of scars on the face and body follows a protocol-based approach in our office. We start by characterizing the scars in terms of redness, atrophy, hypertrophy, size, volumetric biometrics, and color hyperpigmentation and then devise a customized protocol for you. 
Our Hidef scar protocol uses micro fractional and fractional RF, fractional laser, sublative RF, vbeam therapy, injection based IIT, and scar modulation. Scars that exhibit growth should begin treatment with Plato's Scar Serum twice daily followed by Melarase AM and Melarase PM for dark and discolored scars. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Lindsay Sturm, DO · Answer

Great question thank you!  First of all I am sorry to hear you are experiencing this.  When we look at scars, we have found that they take on average, 9-12 months to fully mature.  The scars often begin very lumpy, bumpy as the collagen that is initially laid down is a type 3 collagen which is very disorganized.  Over the course of several months, your body will remodel this collagen and begin to lay down type 1 collagen which is much more organized.  As this happens the scar becomes less lumpy/bumpy feeling.  Every person is different when it comes to how quickly they heal or how quickly their scars will remodel.  Typically we tell patients to give themselves at least 3-6 months before you consider scar revision.  I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a surgeon in your area to discuss your concerns and your goals.  Often times these ares can be removed by simple excision in the office and then closure under minimal tension.  Yet, there would be no guarantee that you would not experience a similar healing process.  Sometimes too, the type of suture used for the repair can cause some irritation and excess inflammation.  I would see if you could get a copy of the report indicating what type of suture used.  If you do decide to have the scars excised I would discuss with my surgeon about using a different type of material to see if that too doesn't make a difference in your healing process.  Thanks again for your question.  Best wishes, Dr. Lindsay J Sturm.

What can I do about vaginal lumpy scarring from stitches after giving birth?

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What can I do about vaginal lumpy scarring from stitches after giving birth?

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.