C-section scars can be removed as part of tummy tuck
Depending on whether the incision is placed vertically above the belly button, the incision scar could be removed as part of the tissue removed for the tummy tuck.
If the scar extends above the belly button, that small part may be present as a small vertical scar above the pubis.
If the scar is placed horizontally above the pubis, it is very likely that it could all be removed.
In either case of a vertical or horizontal C-section scar, examination by a plastic surgeon is necessary to determine whether complete removal is possible.
It probably is not necessary to reopen the C-section scar. To my knowledge, there are no state regulations on the amount of tissue that must be removed for a cosmetic tummy tuck.
In general, a tighter tummy tuck can be achieved after weight is lost. So I would advise you to lose weight before undertaking an abdominoplasty. You will have a better result and be more pleased and satisfied with the outcome. (David N. Hing, MD, )
Tummy tuck can remove C-section scar, loose skin, and fat
The tummy tuck is an excellent way to remove a C-section scar and correct the overhanging skin and fat above the C-section scar. Whether you require a mini tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty will depend on how much skin excess you have.
The difference between the two is that with a full tummy tuck the belly button will have to be moved. If your skin excess only requires a mini tummy tuck, laser liposuction can be done on the upper abdomen for fat removal and skin tightening. See before and after pictures of tummy tuck for removal of C-section scar: Set 1 and Set 2 (Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Absolutely improve your lifestyle prior to abdominopalsty
If you have admitted to yourself that you have been unable to maintain a stable weight and have recently actually gained a significant amount of weight, no matter what your excuse/reason, it is imperative to examine your lifestyle and determine how to improve it. Whether it is your diet, your habits, your exercise level,without optimizing your lifestyle and stabilizing your weight, any body-contouring procedure is destined to disappoint, to be short-lived, and to potentially lead to inappropriate operative choices and thus increase your operative risk.
It is too much like trying to hit a moving target when your weight is not stable. What your specific weight is may be less important than the stability of that weight. Once you optimize your lifestyle, your will optimaize your body contour, your weight will be optimal and stable, and your surgeon and you can choose the optimal procedure to help you in your body image. There is no law dictating amount of skin removal. However, some states give guideline regarding liposuction volumes and where the procedure needs to be performed.
It sounds like you would at some time benefit from a surgical procedure. When a patient has a C-section scar that is often quite low, either just above or even within the pubic area, a full abdominoplasty may pose certain dilemmas and options regarding using the same scar.
Sometimes, the scar is too low and you will either need to have a second scar to close the belly-button hole, a second scar that is above the C-section scar, or something short of a full abdominoplasty. Discuss all of these scenarios in detail with your surgeon. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Sounds like you need a Tummy Tuck
You describe a fairly typical situation for patients seeking ‘tummy tuck’ surgery-you’ve got a stretched out C-section scar, loose skin, stretch marks and excess abdominal fat.
1. Choose a ‘goal’ body weight you would like to achieve, and try to lose that weight prior to scheduling your surgery. Your result will be much better than if you are heavy at the time of surgery.
2. You did not describe the position of your C section scar, but if it is in the typical low pelvic position, the scar will be removed during your tummy tuck. The tummy scar, however, will be much longer than the C section scar you currently have. It will span the width of your pelvis. This is because of the amount of excess skin and poor skin elasticity (strecth marks) that you have.
3. There are no State regulations regarding ‘amount’ of skin that can be removed during tummy tuck surgery. However, the operation is fairly standardized amongst surgeons.
Most good surgeons will remove just enough skin and fat to give you a nice cosmetic result and place the wound under the proper tension. Note that a tummy tuck is NOT intended to be a weight-loss procedure. Additionally, for safety reasons, liposuction to the abdomen is used sparingly during tummy-tuck procedures.
4. Recovery is variable. It depends on patient’s own fitness, motivation and other factors. Plan on taking 7 days off from work. If you do heavy lifting at work, you’ll need to be on light duty for a few weeks post-op.
Your surgeon can help you sort this out based on your individual employment situation. (Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Lose the weight first before tummy tuck
A tummy tuck should remove the c-section scar and replace it with a bigger one – but it will flatten your stomach and tighten the muscles and remove the stretch marks below the belly button. To get the best result, you should loose all the weight first. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Using Same Incision for C-section
When an abdominoplasty is performed in a patient who has a previous C-section scar the scar is usually excised and removed as part of the lower abdominal incision. This keeps the scar in a good position for clothing and swim wear although the scar will be longer. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)