Scar revision or tummy tuck? Could I get a good result with scar revision alone if I focus on improving my core? (Photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a better candidate for tummy tuck than for scar revision or even liposuction alone. This procedure will give you the best chance to achieve a flatter stomach with a more contoured torso. I hope this helps.

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Thank you for your question regarding whether you should undergo revision of your c-section scar which was allowed to heal under secondary intention or to undergo a tummy tuck. In my opinion, I would suggest a tummy tuck. Since you are considering a surgical scar revision, I would suggest, at that same time, also undergoing a tummy tuck. If you are undergoing surgery anyway for the scar, you might as well have a tummy tuck. To improve your core, you will need to do a significant amount of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. In my opinion, to trim your core, you will have to lose about 15-20 lbs. This will take dedication and also restricted caloric intake. You can do all of that but it will not improve your c-section scar. Therefore, you will need surgery either way to improve the scar. During your scar revision, an incision would be made underneath the c-section scar and the dissection would be carried up to the rib cage. The muscles would be plicated and the skin would be brought together. The skin and fat from the top of the c-section scar to above the belly button would be removed. The belly button would be recreated. Scar revision and abdominoplasty or tummy tuck would take approximately 3-4 hours to complete under general anesthesia. Tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure. Thank you for your question regarding whether you should undergo revision of your c-section scar with diet and exercise or instead, with a tummy tuck.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

The best technique for you would be abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question and series of photographs.  Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks.  The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue.  Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat.  I would favor the full approach because it appears that your skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Dear BSJ2,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi BSJ2, i think you have a great shape for a full tummy tuck with liposuction to the tummy and flanks to reduce volume and remove as much of the stretched poor lower tummy skin as possible. The scar will be low and because you have a small frame and are apple shaped you should get a great result. Your previous c section scar will be removed.
Have a look at some of our photos to see what can be achieved. I'm based in Glasgow
Thanks

From your description you are at a healthy weight. If you are wanting a flatter, tighter tummy that would also include revising your c-section scar a tummy tuck is the right procedure. This will remove excess fat and skin as well as repair abdominal wall laxity. The c-section scar would also be addressed. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.