C-Section Incision Vs a TT Incision?

The incision that is made during a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is longer than the C-section incision. By longer, I am referring to length of the incision from hip to hip. The recovery from a tummy tuck incision is reportedly less painful as it does not cut through the muscle, where as a C-section incision does. Most surgeons should be able to use your current C-section scar(s) when making a tummy tuck incision, or at the very least conceal it in the process. Hope this helps & best of luck to you!

A tummy tuck incision is much longer than a c section incision.  The tummy tuck incision can go hip to hip while the c section incision can just be above the pubic area.   The tummy tuck incision goes down to the muscles while the c section incision goes through the muscles and into the abdomen so the c section incision is much deeper.  Best of luck!

During a c-section, your ob/gyn cuts through your entire andominal wall and into your uterus to deliver your baby. During a tummy tuck, we cut through the abdominal wall to the level of the covering of the muscles. It is not as deep of a cut. We can usually remove the old c-section scars as well during the procedure, leaving you with a fine line scar hidden low under your panty line. Check out the example below of a c-section scar removed.

Cheers,

Dr Shifrin

An abdominoplasty incision extends through the skin and fat to the abdominal wall. A C-section incision also cuts through the abdominal wall to gain access to the uterus.

Thank you for the question. As you can imagine, every patient will have a different experience when it comes to discomfort (and overall healing process) after tummy tuck surgery. Generally, most patients will report that the recovery process is similar to recovering after C-section. Anecdotally, when I have asked patients to compare, all have reported that the tummy tuck recovery is less painful than C-section recovery. I hope this, and the attached link/video, helps.

A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure. A tummy tuck can be an effective tool for shaping and sculpting the body for better body appearance and improved self esteem.  The tummy tuck procedure removes the c-section scar and the underlying scar tissue.

 

Sometimes no amount of diet and exercise can create a flat tummy. Tummy tuck plastic surgery actually tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin from the stomach area to create a tighter, slimmer, smoother belly. A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of your waists or flanks (i.e. love handles) to fine tune your result.

Patients choose abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery for a number of reasons, including:
Excess abdominal skin following weight loss; Weight gain (beer belly or spare tire) from a sedentary lifestyle; Abdominal fat that is resistant to diet and exercise; Stretched stomach muscles from pregnancy; Desire for a thinner profile; Desire to look younger and fitter; Desire to fit into clothes better.

I recommend you visit with an ASPS member plastic surgeon to further explore your options and to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Best wishes!
Dr. Basu
Houston, TX

A TT incision is much longer than that used for a c-section. However it is not as deep.

The TT incision is made through skin and fat down to the abdominal muscles, but not through them. The c-section incision goes through the abdominal wall muscles, and the operation in in the abdomen and pelvis. 

 

All the best. 

An abdominoplasty is a superficial operation above the level of the anterior abdominal fascia.  The abdominal cavity is not entered as would be necessary when performing a C section. 

When planning the incision for a TT, one has to take into consideration that the tension of the closure will tend to make the scar drift upwards.  So in most of my patients the incision will start out lower that the C-section scar, but wind up in about the same location. 

The depth is different: to the muscle with a TT and through the muscle for the C-section. The TT incision will tend to be longer. I hope this helps.

A C-section incision goes through skin, fat and muscle to get inside the abdomen to the uterus. A TT incision does not go through the muscles, but is much longer from side to side than a C-section incision.