Could Bulge On C-Section Scar Be Torn Muscle?

This could be a hernia or just fat and loose skin. A tummy tuck would address all of these issues. In a tummy tuck, the excess skin and fat are removed and all hernias are repaired.The fascia is also tightened with permanent sutures. It is quite common to have a buldge above a C section scar because of the scar tissue.

Dear Marie,

Thank you for your question.  In a c-section, the muscles are seperated, and then sutured back together.  A hernia in this area is called an incisional hernia, as it came from an incision.  It can be repaired during a TT by either re-suturing the area, or by placement of a mesh or dermal matrix reinforcement. 

Best Wishes,

Pablo Prichard, MD

A bulging of the tissue above a C-section scar is not unusual. It can be caused by a collection of fatty tissue, looseness of the skin above the incision, a weakness of the underlying muscle,  a separation of the muscle with a resulting hernia, or a combination of these. A well performed tummy tuck can correct all of these anatomical problems.

Following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure may not be in your best interest. If you are going to be in the United States,  I would suggest that you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. Outside of the United States,  I would recommend that your plastic surgeon be a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

 

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California

 

Hernias after surgery, including C-section are not uncommon.  Umbilical hernias are also quite common, and frequently not even recognized.

Additionally, patients also complain that skin and fat is adherent to the scar and "rolls over" it, creating an unsightly apron.  This can also be a hygiene issue as well as a cosmetic concern.

 

These problems can and are easily fixed with a tummy tuck.

It sounds like you may have a hernia at your C-section site.  This can usually be repaired at the time of a tummy tuck without adding significantly to your recovery. Consult with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. All the best.

I would steer clear of any doctor who tells you just by looking at you that the bulge at the incision site is a hernia. A physical exam is almost always necessary to diagnose an incisonal hernia. If you do have a hernia at the site of the incision, it can be certainly be repaired at the time of a tummy tuck.

I have never seen scar tissue at the site of an incision that could be mistaken for a hernia.

You did not mention where your incision was located. If your incision horizontal and just above the pubis, it is not uncommon to  see is a bulge of skin and fatty tissue above the scar. This condition is caused by adherence of the scar on the skin to the underlying muscle. This is the same effect you would see if you tightened a belt enough to cause a bulge of skin and fat above the belt. This condition could be treated with either a tummy tuck or liposuction.

 

Thank you for the question. As you imply in your question,  it will be important to make a diagnosis, usually done by physical examination. Most of the causes of the “bulge” can be addressed during tummy tuck surgery. For example, if the issue is a buildup of scar tissue or contour irregularity caused by the C-section scar, the area can be addressed during tummy tuck surgery. Hernias can be repaired.

 Seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Careful history and physical examination and a full communication of your goals will be key.

 Best wishes.