C-section shelf - Mini tuck, full tummy tuck, lipo, or scar revision? (Photos)

Dear Raniung13,

From your photos and description, the main concern appears to be the “C-section shelf”—that small overhang or bulge above your scar. This is very common after childbirth, especially with prior C-sections, because the scar tissue tethers the skin while the surrounding tissue remains more mobile.
A few considerations:

Thank you for your question. A post-C-section shelf typically consists of scar tethering, a small pad of subcutaneous fat, and lower-abdominal skin laxity. Liposuction alone won’t resolve tethering and may even worsen the overhang; simple scar revision is effective only if the skin is tight and the issue is solely a depressed scar. The most dependable correction is a mini tummy tuck that releases the C-section scar, removes lax skin below the umbilicus, and adds limited liposuction to the lower abdomen. Opt for a full tummy tuck instead if skin laxity, stretch marks, or diastasis extend above the umbilicus. You should have an in-person consultation with a board-certified surgeon to perform a pinch test, check for diastasis, and determine whether a mini abdominoplasty with targeted liposuction will meet your goals or if a full abdominoplasty is necessary.

The fullness above a C section scar is a very common concern, and it rarely improves with weight loss alone.
Scar revision by itself usually improves only the surface line and does not correct the bulge if there is extra skin or tissue underneath. Liposuction can reduce fat volume but will not tighten the skin, so if skin laxity is present the shelf effect may remain.
A mini tummy tuck can be effective when the issue is mostly limited to the lower abdomen. It removes the scar and the excess skin in that zone and flattens the contour. If there is more extensive skin laxity or muscle separation, however, a full tummy tuck is often the most complete solution.
The best choice depends on whether the problem is only excess fat, or also involves skin redundancy and muscle laxity. For many patients with a true C section shelf, surgery that removes and tightens the lower abdominal skin provides the most satisfying and lasting change.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain the differences between scar revision, liposuction, mini tummy tuck, and full tummy tuck, with examples of how each can address this concern.
— Güray Yesiladali, MD

If you are wanting the most complete result you can consider a standard tummy tuck. This would remove excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. The c-section scar would be removed as part of the procedure. If you solely want to improve the c-section scar you can consider a revision but the rest of your abdomen would remain unchanged. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

You appear to be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. This will tighten up the skin below the umbilicus, excise the scar and lower the scar towards the pubic area. It will also remove the anterior bulging.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question. Ultimately, the decision for these wonderful options you have presented is up to you. Scar revision alone will not address the skin redundancy or muscle laxity after 2 C-sections. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will narrow your choices and help optimize your decision to achieve your goals. Good luck on your journey!

Based on your description and BMI, it sounds like there is some skin laxity in the lower abdomen, which likely won’t be resolved with liposuction or scar revision alone.I recommend a mini tummy tuck (mini lipectomy) to remove the excess skin and flatten the lower abdomen. This procedure targets the area below the umbilicus with a shorter incision and recovery time compared to a full tummy tuck.

This is a very common concern after C-sections. Here's a breakdown of your surgical options for treating a C-section shelf, based on your profile:
With a BMI of 25 and history of 2 C-sections, your options depend on whether the issue is primarily skin, fat, muscle, or scar tethering.
OPTION 1: Scar Revision Only
Best for: Minimal fat or loose skin, tight muscles, just a visible shelf where scar pulls skin in.
• Removes and re-closes the C-section scar to “release” the shelf
• May improve appearance if the problem is mostly tethering or poor scar healing
Limitations:
Won’t address excess skin, fat, or muscle separation. Often not enough on its own if there’s bulging.
Pros: Less invasive, faster recovery
Cons: Limited improvement if the problem is more than just the scar
OPTION 2: Liposuction
Best for: Good skin elasticity, minor bulge caused by fat — no loose skin or muscle separation.
• Removes localized fat deposits through small incisions
• Can be combined with scar revision
Limitations:
Won’t tighten loose skin or fix abdominal wall laxity.
Pros: Minimally invasive, less downtime
Cons: Can make shelf look worse if skin isn’t tight
OPTION 3: Mini Tummy Tuck
Best for: Issues below the belly button only — small pouch, mild loose skin, possible minor muscle laxity.
• Removes extra skin and some fat below the navel
• Can include muscle tightening below the belly button
• Scar is similar to a C-section scar but usually longer and flatter
Pros: Shorter scar than full tummy tuck, faster recovery
Cons: Doesn’t address anything above the belly button
OPTION 4: Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Best for: Loose skin, bulging from muscle separation (diastasis), or more dramatic changes.
• Removes excess skin and fat from above and below the belly button
• Tightens abdominal muscles from rib cage down
• Reposition the belly button
Pros: Most comprehensive and long-lasting results
Cons: Longer scar, longer recovery, higher cost
Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your skin laxity, muscle separation, fat distribution, and the quality of your C-section scar. They can physically assess which option would give the flattest, smoothest result.

Thank you for your inquiry and photos. If you are not planning on any more pregnancies
then you could consider a 'mini' or lower abdominoplasty which should take care of the shelf. For the best results though a full abdominoplasty would be recommended to correct the mid and upper abdominal laxity and redundancy. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for additional information.
Good luck.

Based on the series of nicely post photos, the real decision depends on exactly exactly what outcome you are desiring. If you want the flat as possible stomach with correction of the superior C-section bowl bulge then a full tummy tuck with muscle repair is indicated. That fee would range from $8000-$12,000. If you would like just a revision of the lower abdomen only then an extended C-section scar revision is indicated or as you say a mini tummy tuck that fee is $5000-$8000.. Additional option would be the extended mini tummy tuck or extended C-section scar revision with liposuction of the abdomen waste of flanks that fee is $8000-$12,000. So best of virtual consult with to get a better understanding of your desires and therefore you have a better decision-making ability. Regards.