Can a Tummy Tuck Improve a C-Section Scar?

C-section scars often affect the contour and appearance of the abdomen, so it’s common to wonder if these scars can be addressed during the same procedure as a tummy tuck, one of the most common cosmetic surgeries chosen by post-partum mothers.

The short answer is yes—a tummy tuck often addresses both the appearance of a scar and the excess skin or muscle laxity that remains after pregnancy. However, it is not always possible to fully remove the scar: the nuances of your procedure will require a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, as each scar is unique!

Below, we’ll explore how and share some insights to fuel your conversation with your cosmetic surgeon.

How a Tummy Tuck May Improve a C-Section Scar

C-sections typically leave a horizontal scar on the lower abdomen. Depending on healing, genetics, or complications, this scar can appear raised, indented, or uneven. Scar tissue doesn’t always blend in with surrounding skin, causing a visible “shelf” in certain cases. A tummy tuck can remove, partially remove, or diminish the appearance of this scar in several ways:

1. Scar Removal or Revision

A tummy tuck removes excess or stretched skin to create a naturally smooth abdominal wall. When it is possible, Dr. Sobel may carefully plan your tummy tuck surgery so that the old C-section scar is partially or entirely removed along with the excess skin.

Note that tummy tucks come with the trade-off of a scar along the base of the abdomen, just above the pubic bone. Still, this new scar is typically a neater, lower-lying scar that can be easier to hide under swimwear or underwear compared to a C-section scar.

2. Better Abdominal Contour

After pregnancy, loose skin and excess fat can gather around the midsection. Many women also have stretched abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. Removing excess tissue, sculpting fat deposits with liposuction, and repairing separated muscles helps flatten and firm the abdomen, the overall effect of which may make remaining scars less noticeable.

3. Addressing the “Shelf” Effect

Scar tissue can pull the skin into a ridge or shelf-like fold. By lifting and re-draping the abdominal skin, a tummy tuck can smooth out these contours, leading to a more natural transition between the upper and lower abdomen.

4. Incorporating Laser Scar Treatment During Surgery

When it is not possible to fully remove the scar along with excess skin, Dr. Sobel may recommend treating your C-section scar with laser treatment. These skin-smoothing treatments promote collagen remodeling on the surface of the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of the scar and blend better with the surrounding skin.

While these treatments can be performed alone in-office, they may also be performed while you are already under anesthesia for your tummy tuck.

When is the best time for a tummy tuck after a C-section?

The best time for a tummy tuck will depend largely on your lifestyle and preferences, in addition to several practical factors you will want to consider:

• Allow Ample Healing: Most surgeons advise waiting at least 6-12 months post-delivery so that your body has healed completely and your weight has stabilized.
• Finished Growing Your Family: Another pregnancy could stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again, potentially compromising results.
• Lifestyle Factors: Being near your ideal weight before surgery and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can support better, longer-lasting outcomes.
• Childcare Arrangements During Recovery: Tummy tuck recovery involves limits on bending over and lifting anything beyond 5-10 pounds, so it requires help with childcare if you still have small children around.

Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck for C-Section Scar Improvement

While many women will require a full tummy tuck after several pregnancies have stretched the abdominal skin or separated the muscles, a mini tummy tuck is often sufficient. Depending on the surgical plan that makes the most sense for your goals, the chosen procedure may affect how we approach reducing your c-section scar’s appearance:

Mini Tummy Tuck »

• Targets loose skin and fat below the belly button.
• Typically involves a shorter incision.
• Can repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), along with physiotherapy.
• May not address as much excess skin or remove the entire C-section scar if it’s positioned higher on the abdomen.
• Can be performed comfortably without general anesthesia.

Full Tummy Tuck »

• Addresses loose skin above and below the belly button.
• Can repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), along with physiotherapy.
• More likely to remove or significantly revise a C-Section scar due to a longer, carefully placed incision.

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Dr. Alex Sobel is highly experienced in performing tummy tucks for patients who want to address both excess skin and C-section scarring, as well as combination “mommy makeovers” which may include breast augmentation, breast lift, or both (breast lift with implants) within the same surgery as the tummy tuck.

Ready to learn more or schedule a consultation? Call our practice at (425) 453-9060 today!

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• Bellevue
• Seattle
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