Do you reopen the same c section scar for a tummy tuck and if so is it ok if it's already been opened 3 times before?

Question

I have had the same scar already opened 3 times...the first to remove a cyst on my uterus in 2012, and the other 2 times were c sections. I want to get a tummy tuck but I'm afraid that if they open the same scar a fourth time it may not heal. The last c section I had to go on antibiotics because of an infection and the scar wasn't closing up as easily in certain parts as it did the first 2 times.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We do not use the c-section scar as the incision for a tummy tuck. I personally place the incision  low at the pubic bone level which is below a C -section scar, which is removed. A lot of women have C-section scars, as plastic surgeons face this issue often. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Scott Reis, MD · Answer

This is a fantastic and astute question to ask. Tummy tucks with cesarian and other low transverse abdominal incisions are very common. Generally the tummy tuck incision will be placed below the C-section incision in order to fully remove the visible and deeper portions of the scar to provide fresh healthy unscarred tissue to optimize wound healing and the final incision appearance. It's totally safe to undergo a tummy tuck even with many prior surgeries. Be sure to consult with a board certified or board eligible plastic surgeon though and give full details of your prior surgeries including any complications, history of DDVT or blood clots, etc as knowledge of these are extremely important to ensure a safe, reliable and aesthetic result.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Many women undergoing tummy tuck surgery have a c-section scar. The tummy tuck incision is generally made just below the C-section scar and the C-section scar is removed along with the excess abdominal tissues. A new tummy tuck incision replaces the C-section scar. Dr. B

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!We always resect abdominal scars when possible as part of a tummy tuck.  For c-section scars that is just about 100% of the time.I hope this helps!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I make the scar as low as possible so that it can be concealed.  The tummy tuck can frequently be placed much lower than is seen in many after pics.  The incision is generally made about 5 to 6 cm above the vulvar commissure.  This is usually below the superior border of the pubic hair. Healing is not entirely predictable, but previous well appearing scars are indicators of healing.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rvs213,
I usually place tummy tuck incision very low so that later it can be covered with underwear. In your case, c-section scar will be removed together with the rest of excess skin. I would suggest you to always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon if you are planning a surgery. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Your c section scar will not be an issue as far as your tummy tuck is concerned. In fact, the incision (and eventual scar) for your tummy tuck will be below your c section scar.Therefore, your c section scar will actually be removed. Your story of a c section infection is not uncommon.  I've had several patients over the years with a similar experience after a c section, but they had no issues with the healing of the their tummy tucks. Best of luck to you!

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Generally, the practice is to place the abdominoplasty incision below the C-section scar so that it actually is removed as part of the procedure. The lower scar also has the advantage of being easier to be covered by more styles of clothing and, therefore, be more hidden.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH · Answer

No, the same scar is not reopened. A new scar is made lower than your C-section scar. It is made as long as it needs to be to get out the excess hanging skin. Your C-section scar will be removed along with the excess skin. Your new scat should be low enough to be hidden under your low-cut underwear. This should all be explained during your consultation. Best of luck.

Jonathan Kaplan, MD, MPH · Answer

It would depend on where your C-section incision is. I do like to use old incisions to help minimize patient's scars. For a tummy tuck, I typically make the incision under the panty line and in your case, hopefully that is below your C-section incision. When the skin is pulled down for the tummy tuck and removed, your old C-section incision will be excised along with it.

Do you reopen the same c section scar for a tummy tuck and if so is it ok if it's already been opened 3 times before?

Answers (15)

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