How Much Vertical C-section Scar Can I Remove? (photo)

Question

I'm 2 yrs after final C-section (low transverse-pfannenstiel) & later: midline scar). I really don't want a hip to hip scar. My priority, in order: 1. Flat stomach, so clothed I don't look pregnant 2. remove vertical scar as low as possible (I hope to wear a bikini, or at least low shorts) 3. remake a nicer belly button, which was once nice vertical slit. My skin is fairly tight-how much of the vertical scar can I get out? Full vs mini tuck with internal plication? How to do the umbilicus? Thx!

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

First of all, let me commend you on your research, education and photos. This "pre-surgical research" is really important for a highly effective consultation when you meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

	From reading your concerns and evaluating the photos I truly believe that you will be unsatisfied with anything short of a full TT with revision of the umbilicus and removing as much skin as possible.  This will not eliminate all of your vertical scar, but will allow for creating a new smaller, nicer belly button and revising the vertical scar that will stick out slightly above your pant or bikini line.  All the other scar length (horizontal) will be below your clothes and you will find that your apprehension about the scar may be unnecessary.

	This will afford you the best opportunity to address all of your concerns (tight flat abdomen, new belly button, and removing as much vertical scar as possible) with one surgery.  You just have to have reasonable expectation for the resulting lower abdominal scar.  It will be long, but you can get it lasered afterwards to improve cosmesis even further.  Hope this helps. Good luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck can reduce the majority of the scar.  The other option would be to undergo liposuction plus staged surgical scar revision of the vertical scar to reduce puckering and scar indentation.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The best option for you would be a full tummy tuck. that would remove all of the scars you currently have and replace them with one lower a abdominal bikini line scar.  On my web site, if you look at my tummy tuck photos, the first case shows a woman who had a vertical scar and how much a tummy tuck was able to I prove it.  Good Luck!

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

As you are quite thin and there is not alot of redundant skin, AND you have a vertical midline scar that goes from the Pfan. incision up around and above the umbilicus you have several options:

	1. Do nothing

	2. Mini lower abdominoplasty/liposuction to flatten/tighten

	3. Full abdominoplasty to flatten/tighten skin/tighten muscle/remove laxity above umbilicus and remove at least a portion of the scar around the umbilicus.

	 

	All of these should be discussed at length between you and your BCPS.  You will always have a midline vertical scar of some length, it cannot be "removed".  Whether or not you wear a bikini depends only on you.  I don't make money telling my patients they are "vain," and you do have "things" that can be improved, so I would say things could be improved.  But please realize that except for the scars you have an abdomen (even after 2 pregnancies/C-sections) with which MANY women would be pleased.  Best of luck to you.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Your abdominal scar is similar to one or more in the photo gallery of San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Steve Laverson.  Not only will you see how much scar can be removed by tummy tuck, but you will see that your fear of a "hip to hip" scar may not be justified.

How Much Vertical C-section Scar Can I Remove? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Flatter abdomen and less scar are both possible

Answer: Flatter abdomen and less scar are both possible

Answer: How much scar will tummy tuck remove? (photo)

Answer: How much scar will tummy tuck remove? (photo)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How Much Vertical C-section Scar Can I Remove? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Flatter abdomen and less scar are both possible

Answer: Flatter abdomen and less scar are both possible

Answer: How much scar will tummy tuck remove? (photo)

Answer: How much scar will tummy tuck remove? (photo)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.