Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Tummy Tuck Using Same Incision for C-section?

I was given a C-section in 1993 due to complications while giving birth to my son who weighed in at 9lbs 6oz. My problem is I was very a petite girl prior to becoming pregnant, which cause me to have a lot of stretch marks and LOOSE skin. Ever since my C-section- I am unable to keep a steady weight. And, regardless of my weight I always have a large amount of loose/fatty skin and an ugly scar to go with it.(and,the scar sorta has a chunk of skin missing in the center as well) My questions are; Can you re-open the same incision relating to my c-section? Also, is there a certain amount of skin allowed to be removed per patient per state regulations/standards? One last thing- I gained a huge amount of weight lately...(since I turn 32 yrs.old) Is it in my best interest to lose the weight prior to getting surgery?

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loose c-section incision

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mommyto3 in Northern California

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That scar can come out but the new one might be longer!

With tummy tucks, the old C-section scars are usually removed along with all the extra skin that hangs over it. The new scar replacing it is usually longer but still covered by bikini style underwear and bathing suits, and the skin should be flat above it and below. The skin from this scar up toward the belly button is tighter and smoother but may still have some stretch marks. I tell my patients that about everything from the pubic hair to the belly button, that is, all the skin that... more

Yes, the old C-section scar can be used.

However the length of the tummy tuck scar will have to be longer than your E-section scar. Your need to lose weight would depend on how much you have gained. There is no limit on how much can be removed when is come to skin. Each plastic surgeon decides the right amount at the time of the surgical markings. There is a limit as to how much fat can be removed with liposuction.

Tummy Tuck Using Same Incision for C-section

When an abdominoplasty is performed in a patient who has a previous C-section scar the scar is usually excised and removed as part of the lower abdominal incision. This keeps the scar in a good position for clothing and swim wear although the scar will be longer.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) using C-section incision

You certainly can use a similar incision and actually place it lower than your orginal c-section scar but given the amount of laxity you describe, it is most likely that you will require a longer incision. C-sections scars tend to average about 1215cm whereas most full tummy tuck incisions average 20-40cm. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

A Full Tummy Tuck will REMOVE an Old, Ugly C-Section Scar

"Can you re-open the same incision relating to my c-section?" - We commonly place the Tummy Tuck incision scar at or just below C- section scars to remove them and improve on them. You will not have two sets of scars. "Also, is there a certain amount of skin allowed to be removed per patient per state regulations/standards? " - A Full Tummy Tuck will remove all the loose skin off the front of the tummy. The amount of skin removed depends on your weight... more

Tummy tucks can easily be performed using a C-section scar

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. They can address the loose muscle in the abdominal wall that is common after woman has given birth. Tummy tucks can also remove excess fat and stretch marks below the belly button. In our practice, we always perform liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck to help contour the abdomen and create a toned appearance. In your case, you already have a scar in your lower abdomen from your C-section. This scar may... more

Tummy tuck questions

It is always better to lose weight to return to your goal weight prior to a tummy tuck. Second, I often use an incision below the c-section to remove the old scar.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The same incision can be used, but will likely need to be extended

Mommyto3, The same incision as your c-section can be used, but will likely need to be extended to each side. In most cases in patients with c-section incisions, I usually make the incision a bit lower and then excise the entire previous incision. There is no restriction on the amount of excision - it all depends on what is safe for you. Good luck with your surgery.

Old scar and skin removal with Tummy Tuck

Mommyto3, Generally, the skin removal with Tummy Tuck would include removing an unattractive old c-section scar. You mentioned gaining a lot of weight lately. This can certainly affect your outcome in several ways if you choose tummy tuck. Excessive weight may increase your risk of various complications. Excessive new weight, which you loose after surgery, will limit the surgeon's ability to give you the best, most attractive result. And you become looser when you loose a lot of weight... more

C-section scars can be removed as part of tummy tuck

Depending on whether the incision is placed vertically above the belly button, the incision scar could be removed as part of the tissue removed for the tummy tuck. If the scar extends above the belly button, that small part may be present as a small vertical scar above the pubis. If the scar is placed horizontally above the pubis, it is very likely that it could all be removed. In either case of a vertical or horizontal C-section scar, examination by a plastic surgeon is necessary to... more

Depends on several different issues

The answers to your questions really depend on a lot of different issues. What is your weight now? Where is the c-section scar? How much extra skin is present? How elastic is your skin? Plus many other questions. I have performed abdominoplasty on several patients who are petite without making the scar much more prominant than a c-section scar. A fiberoptic scope can be used to tighten the tummy muscles without enlarging it. If there isn't too much skin, or the skin has good elasticity,... more

Tummy tuck can remove C-section scar, loose skin, and fat

Mommyto3, The tummy tuck is an excellent way to remove a C-section scar and correct the overhanging skin and fat above the C-section scar. Whether you require a mini tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty will depend on how much skin excess you have. The difference between the two is that with a full tummy tuck the belly button will have to be moved. If your skin excess only requires a mini tummy tuck, laser liposuction can be done on the upper abdomen for fat removal and skin tightening. See... more

Absolutely improve your lifestyle prior to abdominopalsty

If you have admitted to yourself that you have been unable to maintain a stable weight and have recently actually gained a significant amount of weight, no matter what your excuse/reason, it is imperative to examine your lifestyle and determine how to improve it. Whether it is your diet, your habits, your exercise level,without optimizing your lifestyle and stabilizing your weight, any body-contouring procedure is destined to disappoint, to be short-lived, and to potentially lead to... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Sounds like you need a Tummy Tuck

You describe a fairly typical situation for patients seeking 'tummy tuck' surgery-you've got a stretched out C-section scar, loose skin, stretch marks and excess abdominal fat. 1. Choose a 'goal' body weight you would like to achieve, and try to lose that weight prior to scheduling your surgery. Your result will be much better than if you are heavy at the time of surgery. 2. You did not describe the position of your C section scar, but if it is in the typical low pelvic position, the scar... more

Lose the weight first before tummy tuck

A tummy tuck should remove the c-section scar and replace it with a bigger one - but it will flatten your stomach and tighten the muscles and remove the stretch marks below the belly button. To get the best result, you should loose all the weight first.