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Tummy Tuck or Scar Revision for C Section Scar?

asked 3 years ago by dreyes in massachusetts
Latest answer by William Loutfy, MD
Question viewed 80,647 times
Tags: c-section, scar

I have two children and my first child was an emergency c-section due to placenta privia and I got a vertical c-section as well as for my second child.

2 yrs had passed and I have been exercising for 3 months now everyday and still can't get rid of the pouch. I'm not fat and I don't have alot of belly but my question is can I get a bikini Tummy tuck without all the large scars from hip to hip or would a scar revision be better if I want the tummy tuck scars on the bottom be like a horizontal c section?

36 answers to Tummy Tuck or Scar Revision for C Section Scar?

+2

Customized tummy tucks

Many patients fall into the grey zone between a mini tuck (with scar revision) and a full tummy tuck. Their fascia is loose, causing a bulge, Yet they do not want or need a hip to hip incision. For those patients, a Hybrid tummy tuck (TM) may offer a solution: full fascial tightening, revision of the C section with a moderate removal of skin, no umbilical incision. Because the umbilicus is tethered naturally, specialized endoscopic equipment or bariatric instruments are often required for... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+5

No tummy tuck scar revision possible but there are risks

You look excellent! You do not need a tummy tuck and another scar!Vertical scar revision is possible but there is always a chance that the new scar will not heal well even if done by a plastic surgeon.A complex but very nice scar correction of a vertical c-section scar is pictured here. This scar was depressed or contracted which is a very common result when a scar like yours is just cut out and sutured closed.In this patient I removed the scar and then used SlimLipo laser assisted... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+4

Trading scars

Thank you for your question and for your photograph. Unfortunately, the photograph alone doesn't tell the whole story, a pinch test would be helpful to see how much laxity you have in the skin above the belly button as well. While it looks as though you have muscle laxity below the bellybutton a side view would help to see if laxity actually extends above the belly button. While revision of your existing abdominal scar could certainly be performed it would still... more
Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

www.atcosmetics.com

+4

Standard Abdominoplasty or Scar Revision

You look fantastic after two vertical C-sections. Your skin tone is of a darker color and more easily prone to hyperpigmentation, which makes the vertical C-section scar more visible. The lower part of your abdomen shows separation of the rectus muscles, which makes your lower abdomen "pooch". The only way to completely remove the vertical C-section scar is with a full abdominoplasty, which really just trades one scar for another. Also, it appears you may not have... more
Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD

Washington Plastic Surgeon

www.walkerplasticsurgery.com

+3

Liposuction and scar revision

By your picture it appears that you have good skin tone with a darker skin color. Although it's difficult to truly appreciate the scar it does appear widened and hyperpigmented. In addition you do have some extra fat of the abdomen and lower abdominal protrusion "the pooch." I think you would get a fantastic result with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. Then using the vertical scar remove any extra skin and tighten the abdominal muscles below the belly button. The scar... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy Tuck vs. Scar Revision

I would look at it this way, the reason to have a tummy tuck would be to remove your stretch marks and to help flatten your abdomen. The removal of the vertical scar is possible at the expense of a horizontal incision along the same area of your c-section but longer, likely from hip to hip. Othewise I would just recommend revision of your vertical scar incision. Hope that helps.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck vs C section scar revision.

A scar revision will only improve the appearance of an unsightly scar. On the other hand, a tummy tuck tightens loose muscles and skin from pregnancy.
William Loutfy, MD

Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

acfps.com

+1

Bad C-Section Scars Worth Revising

In your case I would do a scar revision and at the same time tighten up and bring together the separated underlying muscles (correct the diastasis recti) and do some liposuction. I don't think from the photo that you need an abdominoplasty.
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominoplasty scar better than vertical ?

To my experience, a vertical scar in the lower abdomen is very troublesome. If you decide to go for the scar-trading concept, i.e. "change" the vertical scar for a horizontal abdominoplasty scar, I think that you will likely be happier with that. The abdominoplasty scar is much easier to hid on the beach. A scar revision could make the scar look a bit neater. It seems that you current lower abodminal scar is a bit distended.
Alexander Aslani, MD

Spain Plastic Surgeon
+1

Removing a Vertical C-Section Scar

If your abdominal skin has enough laxity you can do a tummy tuck and pull the old vertical scar down and remove it totally. The only way to know is to get a consultation and exam. Otherwise you can get some improvement with lower abdominal liposuction and a revision of the vertical scar. It will still be there but at least you could make it narrower.
Ronald V. DeMars, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drdemarsmd.com

+1

Correction of post C-section issues

I think you have to prioritize the issues. You may benefit from a mini tuck with liposuction but removal of the entire caesarean scar would involve substituting another long horizontal scar for it. You might do well with just scar revision and liposuction but that can only be ascertained during examination. If the scar is what really troubles you, scar revision would be reasonable. I suspect that you will have several options from which to choose depending on your finances, priorities... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar revision or tummy tuck

You would be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck with tightening of your stomach muscles. Targeted liposuction would also help complete the final look. However it may not be possible to remove the entire scar. In any case, you have a very good figure and look fit. I doubt that you need a full tummy tuck based on your photo. A good examination of your muscle laxity and your soft tissue is necessary to give you a better answer of what is best for you. more
Tito Vasquez, MD

Southport Plastic Surgeon
+1

You must have enough loose skin

In order to remove a vertical C-Section scar, you will have to have a full tummy tuck. In addition, your skin must be loose enough to remove all of the skin from the escutcheon to the umbilicus. Your skin may not be that loose. You simply need to see a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you with the analysis.
William H. Huffaker, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1

C-Section Scars and Tummy Tucks

I have been encountering more and more patients who through exercise, good fortune, and quite probably the right genes maintain a flat abdominal wall after pregnancy, but who have some excess skin below the belly button. This situation is actually quite common in patients who are very fit and athletic, and it can often be improved dramatically in an office procedure that involves removal of redundant skin only. I also see a fair number of patients who are content with the overall... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Tummy Tuck or Scar Revision for Vertical C Section Scar?

You have an ugly, spread vertical (infra-umbilical) scar with good skin tone and fat deposits around the central portion of the tummy. Your history of two full term pregnancies suggest that your muscles are separated. This needs to be confirmed on physical examination. If this is the case, I think your best option may be a tightening of the separated muscles and liposuction through the old scar and revision of the vertical scar to a nicer, narrow scar. This would avoid a new transverse... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar Revision with abdominal wall plication

Based on your photograph and your description, I think that that a scar revision and lower abdominal wall plication will give you the results you are looking for. This operation will fix the widened scar from your c-section and will also tighten the lower abdominal musculature. This will not get rid of the stretch marks however, but will save you from having the tranditional tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck horizontal scar. A good physical examination is confirm is these... more
Joseph Ku, MD

Riverside Plastic Surgeon
+1

C section scar and tummy tuck surgery

I would certainly qualify my answer to your question until after a thorough examination to determine your skin elasticity and muscle tone. My preference would be to perform a full tummy tuck in order to completely remove your vertical scar. At the same time your muscle tone could be improved and some liposuction of the abdomen and waist done. Finally and most important, I mark all my patients in the bathing suit they wish to wear to conceal the final scar which does extend from hip to hip in... more
Richard Linderman, MD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck after Vertical Scar from C-Section

After 2 c-sections you still look great! However I see what's bothering you and although you do have a few options the best would probably be to revise your scar, tighten the fascia (covering) of your abdominal muscles and perhaps perform some conservative liposuction to reduce the thickness of the subcutaneous tissues. It's common to hear women who work out after pregnancey mention their concern about their 'round' abdomen. Once you have this degree of fascial laxity only... more
Jon F. Harrell, DO

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.westonsurgery.com

+1

Vertical C-section scar and tummy tuck

You have three problems. You have TOO MUCH SKIN TISSUE IN YOUR ABDOMENN Your c-section scar is VERTICAL You have a serious diastasis of your MUSCLES The best solution to all of these problems is a FULL TUMMY TUCK WITH MUSCLE REPAIR All the best, Talmage J. Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tuck with Scar Revision

Looking at your pictures, you have a nice abdomen and very little excess skin. I think you would do very well with abdomen and flank liposuction and a scar revision to improve your scar while removing a little more skin at the same time. You could even combine this with a short scar or mini tuck beneath your bikini line, but this would be better evaluated during your consultation. Overall, your results should be very nice. Good luck.
Erez Sternberg, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar revision may be adequate

From the picture you submitted it doesn't look like you have alot of loose skin or stretch marks from your previous C-sections. You have a widened vertical scar from your C-sections. I think scar revision may be all you need. However, only a physical exam by a plastic surgeon can definitively answer the question for you.
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

To tuck or not to tuck

The abdomen that may need a tuck, but does not have enough skin is a dilemma for the plastic surgeon.  I typically lean toward aggressive liposuction of the upper abdomen with lower abdominal skin excision and endoscopic muscle tightening.  
Jay Calvert, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck Incisions and Scars

In general, if a patient has extra skin above and below the umbilicus after having children the optimal procedure is a full abdominoplasty which usually has a low lying incision that can be hidden in a bikini, but goes from hip to hip. If a patient has a long torso and a high umbilicus and no extra skin above the umbilicus then a mini tummy tuck may work, but this is not that frequent. In general, if one has had several children and/or a C-section, a traditional abdominoplasty scar is... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty,liposuction

You have a unique situation.  If you can accept the tummy tuck scar, then the entire vertical scar up to the belly button can be cut out completely.  This can give a wonderful result.  Go to my website and you will see a few patients that have done. You can also call my office for others. good luck
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

Is the scar worth the tummy tuck?

To transform a vertical c-section scar into a horizontal one, you have to take all that skin off.  Just pinch the skin between your fingers and see how long the horizontal scar would be.  You can also see if you have enough loose skin to remove all that, then ask yourself if that's worth the trade-off of the longer horizontal scar.
Mario Loomis, MD

Middletown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck after Pregnancies Los Angeles Tummy Tuck Expert Replies

Your tummy looks great after two childbirths. In order to completely remove the vertical scar of a C-section you will need a tummy tuck. However the Tummy Tuck Scar will be even longer than the c-section scar just not as indented. So it’s something to consider and weigh the pro’s and con’s. The diagnosis of what you should do should ultimately be done by seeking medical advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.
Ivan Thomas, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

A full Tummy tuck is likely your best bet

 Assuming that you have enough excess skin to be a good candidate, it looks like a full tummy tuck would be the best solution for you. Reasons why: The only way to remove your vertical C-section scar is to undergo a full tummy tuck. The downside, as you have already alluded to, is that you are trading the vertical scar for a horizontal scar. The upside is the new scar will be hidden from view when wearing clothing, including a bikini. (A scar revision aims to make your... more
Lawrence Tong, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck after a C section

It seems to me that in your particular case you are bothered by "the pouch" and the scar. Revising your scar will not correct the pouch. A modified abdominoplasty with adjunct liposuction, full muscle diastasis correction, and scar revision would give you the flat tummy you desire and significantly imporove the appearance of your vertical scar.   in our practice Tummy tuck surgery is custom tailed for each individual patient, as there are many more options, not just... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tucks work great

For you, a short scar mini tummy tuck would be a good solution. The scar should be kept low, so that it can easily be hidden by the skimpiest of bikinis.  Combined with some minimal liposuction of your lower tummy, this will take care of your C-section scar and flatten your lower  abdomen at the same time.
Kevin F. Hagan, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck and C-section scars

Hi, your abdomen looks fantastic for someone who's had two children. To remove that vertical scar, you do need a tummy tuck. Whether or not a mini- tuck will suffice is difficult to determine without an examination. I suggest seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to assist you with this. Good luck.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Get in person evaluation for Tummy Tuck or scar revision for C section scar

This is tough decision. An in person evaluation will be better than one view photo. You can have either a full tummy tuck with muscle repair or a mini tummy tuck. Hard to decide over the internet. Go see 3 boarded plastic surgeons in your area Regards 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck and vertical scar removal

Unfortunately, in order to remove that scar you would need to have a tummy tuck with a scar going from one hip to the other. The up side of this is that you will also remove the stretch marks in the skin that is removed and will tighten the muscle layer. You can(some plastic surgeons do not, some do) also have liposuctioning of the remaining fat at the same time. You obviously need to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon who can examine you and feel the skin and fat and muscle layers.... more
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

To make an omlette

Congratulations on your children, and your good work in the gym. You look great! Now for the scar issue. I see this quite a bit, and your scar is actually not that bad. That said, the quality of a scar depends on how it is made, and how it is oriented regarding natural skin wrinkles. Unfortunately, the vertical scar is perpendicular to the natural wrinkles, and will tend to form a less attractive scar than a tummy tuck scar. At two years out, you scar is mostly what it will ever be. A... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Different options and difficult choice

First of all, you need an exam that could change the decision making toward one of the following options of mini tummy tuck and liposuction to address abdominal pouch and abdominal muscle laxity that could be addressed by muscle plication. You will trade that off with a horizontal scar. Second option is scar revision and liposuction at same time, you will get a flatter abdomen, but vertical scar is still there even that is revised. Or just scar revision. as you noticed there are different... more
M. Ryan Khosravi, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Difficult choice

In general, you do not look like you really need a full tummy tuck and to do one and also remove the vertical scar would require a fairly lengthy horizontal scar, plus a scar around your belly button. You are fairly dark-skinned so it might be a less than perfect scar pigmentation-wise. In revising a scar, you have to ask if there is anything that is different the second time around compared to the first that might improve the healing process. A revision might "clean up " the scar... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck to remove vertical c-section scars

I'd recommend a tummy tuck to remove your scar. Please see the patient 2 minutes into my video. She had a vertical scar under her belly button similar to yours, and we removed it with a tummy tuck. (It is not really being removed, but rather traded into a new location that is easier to hide.) Additionally, you have stretch marks on your lower abdomen, and these would be removed during a tummy tuck. If you just went with a scar revision, the scar might look better, but it will still... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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