C-section shelf : is it possible to remove it? (Photo)

Question

Hi, i’m 35 years old and had my first child with a c-section. I’ve noticed a c-section shelf and I asking myself if I can remove it by exercise and time or if a surgery would be necessary. How long have I to wait after a c-section (and breastfeeding I guess) to think about a surgery ? And what type of surgery would be better in my case ? Would it be ok with another pregnancy in two years ? I’m almost 5 month post partum. Thanks for your help :)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. Most patients who seek "mommy makeover" surgery are interested (and benefit from) tummy tuck surgery. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight. 
In my opinion, the mini tummy tuck is an operation that produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number wall potentially lax. The appearance of the umbilicus is not necessarily addressed sufficiently.
  Occasionally, when a patient wants to address a very limited area ("shelf" or "pooch" just above the C-section scar), a limited operation (lipectomy) to remove the excess skin/adipose tissue should just above the C-section scar will suffice when it comes to achieving your goals.  
My best advice: careful selection of plastic surgeon. Working together you'll come up with a good plan to achieve an outcome that you will be pleased with.  Best wishes.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck
with liposuction after you are done having children.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

C-section shelf : is it possible to remove it? (Photo)

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C-section shelf : is it possible to remove it? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.