Bikini Bottoms and C-Section Scar

[Anonymous]

I'm having trouble finding bikini bottoms that come up high enough to cover my c-section scar. I am not a fan of the super high-waisted bottoms (they do not flatter my shape), and am very petite so most women's sizes that have slightly more conservative bottoms (Lands End, etc.) do not fit. I used to buy bathing suits at Aerie, Pacific Sunwear, etc., but I am finding that unless bottoms are the high-waist they are super low rise and therefore my scar shows. My husband says "what's the big deal, let the scar show it's small and faded and no one will notice" but I am self-conscious and would prefer to cover it. Any recommendations? Do you let your scar show? I'm afraid the sun would deepen the scar rather than let it continue to fade (only 2 years old).

[Anonymous]

I don't have any specific swim suit suggestions since I tend to wear only 1-pieces, but I'm with your husband - don't be afraid to let it show! I doubt 99% of people would notice it anyway. If you have a kid and are still out there rocking a bikini, then go for it! I would if I could pull it off

[Anonymous]

Hmmmmm is your scar high? Mine is way down in my pubic hair so I don’t have a problem. I like Athleta bottoms since they have a variety of styles. I typically wear the Notsostring bottoms.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Mine sounds like it's higher than yours. It's about an inch higher than where my pubic hair starts. I've found that most bikini bottoms I come across sit either right below it or on it. I'd like to find some that just cover it a tad more. I'll check out Athleta, thanks!!!

[Anonymous]

Mine is vertical so I just let it show. It is what it is. I'm 32 and not going to waste my fit years hiding over a silly scar.

[Anonymous]

I think your scar must be much higher than either of mine, or else the bottoms you are finding are incredibly low waisted. I’m also pretty tall and average weight so that may make a difference in how things fit. But if it’s helpful even given the different circumstances, I found standard bikini bottoms at basic major retailers like Gap and Athleta covered mine more than adequately. I would be nervous about discoloration of the scar too, but the primary reason I wouldn’t wear a bikini bottom that showed my scars would be that it would also show so much else that I wouldn’t be comfortable. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think your scar must be much higher than either of mine, or else the bottoms you are finding are incredibly low waisted. I’m also pretty tall and average weight so that may make a difference in how things fit. But if it’s helpful even given the different circumstances, I found standard bikini bottoms at basic major retailers like Gap and Athleta covered mine more than adequately. I would be nervous about discoloration of the scar too, but the primary reason I wouldn’t wear a bikini bottom that showed my scars would be that it would also show so much else that I wouldn’t be comfortable. Good luck!

PP here. I was still typing when these other responses came up. Sounds like yours is much higher than mine, which is well below the hair line. In your case, if I don’t think anyone would notice or think twice if they saw it!

[Anonymous]

I just bought a bunch of suits at Boden this year and am very happy. I am 40, in very good shape, xs, but the swimsuit bottoms have gotten so insanely small in the last 10 years. I have a c section scar right at my pubic line, so lower than yours, but the aerie and similar actually would have required me to shave my pubic hair down. That's crazy for a 40 year old woman -- or at least so i thought! Anyhow, i bought these bottoms at Boden for several different tops and really like them.

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-swimwear/bikini-bottoms/s0015-nst/womens-navy_ivory-stripe-mix-match-bikini-shorts

They have awesome bum coverage but do not look remotely old lady on me. They give off more a retro vibe, without being high waisted. We use our pool every day and my DH was just last night commenting that they are super flattering (translate: sexy to him). I was also very, very pleased with the quality of the boden suits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Mine sounds like it's higher than yours. It's about an inch higher than where my pubic hair starts. I've found that most bikini bottoms I come across sit either right below it or on it. I'd like to find some that just cover it a tad more. I'll check out Athleta, thanks!!!

Dp. My scar is an inch below where my pubic hair starts. Now I'm curious about other's c section scar placement. Op, do you have any hint of the c section shelf? I do not; however, if my weight goes up, I get a weird fat bump over my scar. I wonder if incision placement plays a role in the shelf/weird fat accumulation situation?

[Anonymous]

You ruined your body with that scar. No more bikinis for you.

[Anonymous]

Eh, mine doesn't bother me. It's taking a while to fade.

I'm careful to load up the area with sun protection, though.

[Anonymous]

I thought all c-section incisions were in the same place! Mine is an inch or so below the public hair line so I don't give it one thought. You learn something new every day. I buy bikini bottoms from Lands' End. They are in between the high waisted look and really skimpy bottoms.

[Anonymous]

Hon, don’t even worry about it. It’s your battle scar!

[Anonymous]

I have a scar on the left side of my ribs (not C-section, obviously): it turned into a keloid and is pretty noticeable. I've never let it stop me from wearing bikinis. I know you feel self-conscious, OP, but truly no one has ever said a word to me about it. Half the time I forget I have it. Wear what you want to wear and wear it proudly!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a scar on the left side of my ribs (not C-section, obviously): it turned into a keloid and is pretty noticeable. I've never let it stop me from wearing bikinis. I know you feel self-conscious, OP, but truly no one has ever said a word to me about it. Half the time I forget I have it. Wear what you want to wear and wear it proudly!

Rhinoplasty that used rib cartilage?