Whether it’s been a few months or several years since your C-section, you may be wondering how a tummy tuck will affect the scar it left behind. At the Chicago practice of Dr. Gregory Dumanian, many women ask if that lower abdominal scar will still be there after their surgery, or if it can finally be removed for good.
Let’s walk through what happens to a C-section scar during a tummy tuck and how the results can leave you with a smoother, more confident midsection.
The Tummy Tuck Process
A tummy tuck is one of the main procedures in a mommy makeover. It involves:
- Removing extra skin: Dr. Dumanian creates a hip-to-hip incision just above the pubic hairline to remove extra abdominal skin.
- Repairing abdominal muscles: Repairing separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) is a major part of a tummy tuck. This problem is extremely common after pregnancy, affecting up to 7 in 10 women. Dr. Dumanian is a world-renowned expert in abdominal wall reconstruction, utilizing highly refined techniques to create lasting repairs.
- Removing extra fat: In many cases, women may have extra fat that doesn’t improve with diet and exercise. Dr. Dumanian may add liposuction to tummy tucks to remove that fat and create a smooth, flat abdomen.
If you have an umbilical hernia (common after pregnancy), Dr. Dumanian can repair it simultaneously. Our tummy tuck gallery shows some of the amazing results our patients have achieved, including women with umbilical and epigastric hernias.
What Happens to the Scar from Your C-Section?
The tummy tuck incision is usually underneath the C-section scar (this can vary by patient.) A tummy tuck typically involves a longer horizontal incision than a C-section, which means Dr. Dumanian normally removes the old scar along with the excess skin below the belly button.
Many women are relieved to hear that the stretched or uneven appearance of their C-section scar won’t be part of the final result.
Another benefit of a tummy tuck is that the surgery removes most abdominal stretch marks, as the majority of these marks are located under the navel.
How Is the New Scar Different?
The new scar from your tummy tuck sits lower and is typically more refined than your C-section scar. In general, it follows a smoother, more horizontal path, and Dr. Dumanian expertly minimizes the tension to promote better healing.
With proper care, the new scar fades over time. Dr. Dumanian guides you on incision care to help promote healing and an optimal aesthetic result.
Tummy Tuck Surgery for C-Section Scars in Chicago
If you’ve been living with a C-section scar and are ready for a fresh start with a smoother, flatter belly, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory Dumanian in Chicago. Call 312-695-6022 to book your appointment today.