After a caesarean, there are several layers that need to be closed, the last being the…

After a caesarean, there are several layers that need to be closed, the last being the skin. There are generally two types of skin closure - sutures or staples.

Occasionally glue or steri-strips are used to hold the top layer of skin together but there would be dissolvable sutures underneath which may not be visible.

The sutures used are stitches that are woven through the skin in a skilled manner, often held in place by two beads at either end.

Staples are clipped in along the line on the scar and are quicker to complete than suture.

Many Obstetricians will use sutures as it is thought they heal better and leave less scarring. Others prefer staples in some cases. If you have a caesarean, you can always ask about the type of closure they will perform.

Both types of skin closure will require removal by a doctor or midwife after several days unless they are dissolvable.

If you've had a caesarean, what type of closure did you have?