What are the best C section shelf treatment options for me? (Photos)

A full tummy tuck is definitely your best option. Avoid the temptation to undergo a mini tummy tuck. The result will be a disappointment

For the flattest, tightest abdomen, a traditional full tummy tuck will give best results.

A mini will only address under the belly button. Vaser liposuction can reduce the shelf and tighten skin to a degree, but not as much as a tummy tuck.

From the outside, the only difference between a full and mini tummy tuck will be a scar hidden in belly button but the overall entire belly will be improved.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your best options and expectations.

Thank you for your inquiry! You have excess abdominal skin and separation of your diastasis recti muscle making you a great candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure. We would love to see you in person and help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself and we can create a surgical plan for you!

Thank you for your question. An in-person examination would confirm whether skin laxity and muscle separation are isolated to the lower abdomen or extend to the upper abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is often the most effective and targeted solution if the loose skin is confined to the area below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightening of the lower abdominal muscles, and can smooth the transition over the C-section scar. If your skin laxity or muscle separation extends above the belly button, then a full tummy tuck may be more appropriate. During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a pinch test and abdominal exam to determine if a mini procedure is sufficient or if you need a full tummy tuck. But overall, your profile sounds ideal for a mini tummy tuck.

A mini tummy tuck may eliminate the bulging in your lower midsection, however it will leave you with bulging in the area above your belly button. So, a full tummy tuck may be more suitable for you.

Based on your photos, you need a full tummy tuck to reverse the changes you have experienced from pregnancy. This includes muscle tightening and removal of excess skin and fat. Anything less will give a compromised result. See an experienced plastic surgeon. It will be well worth it.

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos, asking about best option for "C section shelf treatment" equals money not well spent and leaving you with the same problem. Your best option for a great result would be a full tummy tuck via a low pubic bone incision and muscle plication, liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen, pubic area, rib cage, lateral chest wall (side boobs), waist and hips. Your belly button looks scarred, and might need to be removed completely and create a new one without visible scars. I do these surgeries in our certified office surgical suite under deep intravenous sedation and not general anesthesia. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Hi there! Based on the photos, the excessive skin you developed during pregnancy is simply too much to be appropriately treated with a mini tummy tuck. In order to get the best possible result a full tummy tuck would be required in order to remove the excess skin, correct the overhang of your “shelf” and address the stretched belly button. Although the photos alone won’t show it, it’s highly unlikely that your skin stretch this much without some degree of diastasis recti developing as well and only a full tummy tuck would allow for a proper repair of your muscles. I would suggest seeing a local plastic surgeon to discuss your tummy tuck options. I think you would be a great candidate for a no drain tummy tuck with some Lipo contouring of the waist. Hope that helps!

From the submitted photos a standard tummy tuck is recommended. This would address the abdominal wall laxity both above and below the belly button as well as remove subcutaneous fat, excess skin, and many of the stretch marks. The mini tummy tuck would not give the best results for you. The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

A mini tummy tuck would not be advised, based on your anatomy. You have excess skin laxity and fat stores along the lower abdomen as well as some rounding to your upper abdomen. this may be due to either a diastasis, fat stores, or a combination of both. In either instance, a mini abdominoplasty will not address the degree of skin laxity that is present. A full abdominoplasty with liposuction and diastasis repair is going to give the best results.
Sean Fisher MD Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA