I had a second c/sec which was elective (planned at short notice) but turned into an emergency (cos I went into labour first!).
The one thing I wanted to be different was the anaesthesia. I requested a general because I hated the feeling of the epidural. I'm glad i had the epi for my first one, for the experience of seeing my first baby born, but I hated everything else about the epidural. Feeling numb, spending most of my time lying there wishing everything would finish up, being cold.... The ob did not want me to have a GA, but the anaesthetist supported me, said that some people couldn't stand epidurals and that my safety was equal under a general.
I was thrilled to wake up in recovery feeling warm down to my toes. I did not mind dh being the first to see and hold the baby. I had organized a midwife to be with him the entire time so he felt well supported. He was with me while I was prepped, out of theatre just a couple of minutes while I was put out, then back in for the birth. Then he was with the baby.
My recovery was excellent. I could tell when I woke up from my first sleep that I felt great and was going to heal better than the first time. I was up within less than 12 hours, catheter out, pca gone.
The scar is slightly bigger and no one can tell me why. The baby was much smaller! It healed very well. I had a continuous suture.
There are so many variables with surgery that I'm not sure you can COUNT on a better result the second time. What is better is being able to look at your previous experience and knowing what you want to be different. HTH!