After 2 C-sections, Are There Any Alternatives to Tummy Tuck for Flattening Belly?

Question

I have had 2 c-sections. Am I able to lose my belly fat and flaten my stomach without a tummy tuck? I have had 2 c sections, the first one was December 2007 and the second one was January 2010

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

For most patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight loss a full abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the desired results. The tummy tuck operation serves to re approximate muscles that may have spread with pregnancy and/or weight gain/loss, remove  "excess" skin/adipose tissue (often overhanging C-section scars)  and further contour the abdominal wall, with tools such as liposuction 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.

Of course, there are downsides (including a longer scar and probably a longer recovery time) but for most patients the benefits outweigh the downsides.

You will also hear/read about mini tummy tuck surgery.  In my opinion/experience, 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.
Again, for the vast majority of patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight loss a full abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the desired results. When the time is right, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients achieve the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. You may find the attached link/video, dedicated to tummy tuck surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Certainly loosing fat around your abdomen with help improve your contour but the natural tendency of pregnancies to stretch the abdominal wall is more difficult to overcome.  The only way to improve the "stretch" would be with garments worn beneath your clothing.  If more long term correction is desired then a tummy tuck with tightening of the muscles is warranted.

	Dr. ES

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are no exercises that tighten skin that has been stretched from pregnancy or which pull muscles together after they have been separated, which appears to be the case with you. Do not allow yourself to get sold on "alternatives" especially laser lipo, which some are promoting for cases with skin laxity. The additional tightening is slight, and it does not correct the muscle problem. I am seeing more cases now where that was done instead of a tummy tuck and it can result in a very difficult problem to fix.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

A pregnancy stretches your tummy muscles and permanently splits them apart. No matter what diet you go on what brutal exercise program you engage in - it will not change anything. The only way to give you your Before Baby Body back is to put the muscles together and remove the excess skin. The Only solution is a Tummy Tuck. A lot of women spend billions of dollars doing otherwise trying other modalities. I have seen seen many such women in my practice. Save your money and educate yourself. When you are ready - pick a good Plastic surgeon (www.PlasticSurgery.org) and get the body you deserve with a Tummy tuck.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You do have a separation of your muscles of the tummy which is a large part of a tummy tuck. Thermage may help with tightening some of the skin but I would save your money and get a tummy tuck to really help yourself. I am offering a temporary price reduction for all cosmetic surgery incxluding excellent financing. Watch my video!

After 2 C-sections, Are There Any Alternatives to Tummy Tuck for Flattening Belly?

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Answer: Tummy Tuck

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Answer: Tummy tuck after c-section

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After 2 C-sections, Are There Any Alternatives to Tummy Tuck for Flattening Belly?

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck after c-section

Answer: Tummy tuck after c-section

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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.