What can be done to flatten my c section pooch? (Photos)

Question

After my first c section I had bad keloid scarring and so I had the doctor use a steroid shot for my second to reduce the scarring, but now this area is Much larger than last time and probably 80% numb. What can be done to make it smaller or completely flatten it?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, depending on skin laxity. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be
achieved with a combination of liposuction and skin/fat excision.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dresstoimpress,its difficult to tell without examining you but from your photos you would benefit the most from a Tummy Tuck. Here is why:
Liposuction gets rid of excess fat. You have laxity of your skin based on the shadows portrayed in your photo. Liposuction alone would alone make this more lax and likely make the appearance less aesthetically pleasing.
A mini tummy tuck is great if you are just looking to flatten the skin below the belly button. It does nothing for the skin above the belly button. This may be an option for you.
A full tummy tuck address all of the skin laxity and abdominal wall laxity. It repositions your umbilicus as well. It costs more and has more downtime associated then either of the above.
I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon that can go over in detail these three options and spends time answering your questions.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  As it appears that your C-section scar is well-healed the only way to remove the excess skin is through an excision procedure like a tummy tuck.  This will help tighten your abdominal muscles while removing as many of the stretch marks as possible.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photo.  I would recommend that you consider a tummy tuck procedure.  There are several different types of tummy tucks, and I believe you benefit from both a mini-tummy tuck or a floating belly button approach.  Both techniques allow for no scars around the belly button.  The floating belly button approach allows for more muscle tightening underneath which contributes to a flatter and more toned belly button.  I often add liposuction to further flatten the abdomen.  I would visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You may require surgical excision of redundant skin or liposuction to remove the hooding. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

The best overall solution for you would be to do small amount of lipo with a mini tummy tuck to flatten that area and make it all lay smooth.  The mini in your case is essentially just a scar revision and minor skin tightening.  I might also do a small umbilicoplasty for the upper skin along with that because once the skin is pulled a little tighter it will pull down just slightly on your belly button.  Anyways, looks treatable and easily doable.  Also, it seems unlikely you had a true keloid.  Maybe a small amount of hypertrophic scarring, but not keloiding.

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