How does tummy tuck scar compare with C-section scar?

Typical tummy tuck scar is better quality than C-section scar since it is closed by a skilled plastic surgeon. Also typically can be placed lower . However most tummy tuck require longer scar than  a C-section

Usually the best way to determine this is by the amount of skin that hangs or folds over when you bend at the waist. You can always use a very short incision to create a short scar but you may be cheating yourself and you can be left with extra skin.

The tummy tuck incision is closed under much more tension than the C-section incision because a lot of skin is removed prior to closure with the tummy tuck.   Also, a lot more of the bloodflow surrounding the healing incision has been disrupted with the tummy tuck.  However it is the tight closure that provides the nicest aesthetic results to the abdomen.  Plastic surgeons are well aware of this, which is why scar surveillance and management of scar issues are a part of every tummy tuck procedure.  Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes to you!

It all depends upon your belly and your surgeon's technique.In general, I try to keep the scar low and short within bikini line, if possible, but it is usually longer than a C section scar. An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations. 

A tummy tuck scar is designed to remove excessive abdominal tissue and the incision is closed with some tension to produce the best result. Therefore, there are forces pulling on the healing incision at the end of the surgery and this can make the scar widen.  A C-section scar is closed without tension and the incision heals without tension.  As a result, C-section scars often look better than tummy tuck scars.  In addition, C-section scars are just long enough to deliver the baby while tummy tuck scars must be longer to contour the whole abdomen and sometimes the flanks.

Generally the scars are similar except the tummy tuck is longer. Often the C-section scars are hidden in the pannus or roll and not visualized, yet can be retracted or depressed. The tummy tuck scars are fully visible because the skin is pulled tighter and cannot hide under a fold. Using tape and scar gels can help fade scars as well.

Thank you for your question.  The tummy tuck scar is basically an extension of the c-section scar.   The tummy tuck incision is closed under much more tension than the c-section incision because a lot of skin is removed prior to close the tummy tuck.  It generally goes from hip bone to hip bone and generally the scar heals very nicely however everyone heals differently.Best of luck,Dr. Hisham Seify

The "wound healing environment" is different for them. In Ttuck it is much more challenging. In a c-sx, the skin is cut, edges pushed apart, "business taken care of" and the skin essentially falls back together under even LESS tension than before the delivery. There is no tension(pull) and great blood supply.In Ttuck, the skin is removed, the remaining skin flap is undermined (thus reducing its blood supply) and then it is closed under a great deal of tension. While there will be great scars and bad scars in both groups, you can expect more poor scars in the TTuck and more great scars in the Csx.The biggest factor is always genetics.

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, tummy tuck scars are longer and may be thicker/wider than C-section scars.   Remember that when you are comparing tummy tuck surgery with C-section surgery,  you are comparing 2 very different operations with potentially significantly more tension potentially on the incision line associated with tummy tuck surgery as compared to C-section surgery.  In other words, the quality of scarring depends greatly on the tension across the scar;  given the nature of tummy tuck surgery, there will be some tension across the scar compared to minimal to no tension on a C-section scar.   Therefore, patients undergoing tummy tuck   surgery should remember, that despite best efforts and the presence of a well-healed C-section scar, revisionary scar surgery may be necessary/beneficial after tummy tuck surgery. I hope this, and the attached link/video helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.The scar from a tummy tuck depends on the patient and the surgeon’s technique. A tummy tuck scar should look like a longer C-section scar brought out into the hip area and placed a little lower than a typical C-section scar. It should be a fine incision line that refines over time but every patient can heal slightly different depending on their genetics, skin type, age, diet, external factors etc that is why you may see a variety of scar types. There are scar treatments such as silicone strips, creams and laser treatments that can also help further reduce the appearance of surgical scars. Best of luck.Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science