Can a tummy tuck remove my c-section scar?
Some women heal from a c-section with a barely noticeable scar, while others may experience scars that are pulled in, uneven, or difficult to conceal. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to tighten and reshape the abdomen—and in most cases, this transformative procedure can also remove your c-section scar. Here, Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos explains the different tummy tuck techniques she uses to significantly improve or eliminate your scar.
Full tummy tuck
A full tummy tuck is one of the most effective methods for addressing a c-section scar and is ideal for women who have additional concerns beyond the scar, such as loose abdominal skin or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).
During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Aboutanos makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, typically lower than where your c-section scar is located. This incision allows her to remove the excess skin that contains the scar, along with any surrounding damaged tissue. After refining the midsection and tightening abdominal muscles if needed, Dr. Aboutanos gently pulls the remaining skin downward and sutures it to achieve a smooth, flat abdominal contour.
Keep in mind that while the c-section scar may be removed, tummy tuck surgery creates a new incision line. The difference is that this new scar is typically thinner, more refined, and positioned lower on the abdomen to be more discreet and easier to conceal under underwear or swimwear.
Mini tummy tuck
Women who want to address their c-section scar and need only moderate skin removal and muscle tightening below the belly button may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck.
Similarly to a full tummy tuck incision, a mini tummy tuck incision is placed below your c-section scar, however, it is usually several inches shorter in length. From this smaller incision, Dr. Aboutanos tightens skin and muscles and removes the c-section scar and excess skin.
C-section scar revision with a tummy tuck is highly effective, often removing the scar entirely and replacing it with a more refined scar that’s more easily concealed.
During your consultation, Dr. Aboutanos will carefully evaluate your needs and recommend the technique that best addresses your concerns, including how to remove or optimize the appearance of your c-section scar.
Can a tummy tuck always remove a c-section scar?
Not always. Whether the scar can be completely removed depends largely on its placement:
Low transverse (horizontal) incision: This is the most common type of c-section incision and runs horizontally just above the pubic area. This type of scar typically falls within the area of excess skin removed during a tummy tuck, making complete removal more likely.
High transverse (horizontal) incision: Some c-section incisions are placed higher on the abdomen to accommodate the specifics of the delivery or perhaps the OBGYN’s technique. If the scar is located above the area of skin that will be excised during a tummy tuck, it may not be entirely removed, but the remaining scar can be repositioned lower on the abdomen to make it less visible.
Vertical incision: A vertical incision runs from just below the navel to the pubic area and is typically used in emergency situations or when additional access to the abdomen is required during delivery. A tummy tuck can usually remove most or all of a vertical c-section scar; it will depend on how much of the scar lies within the excess tissue that will be excised. Dr. Aboutanos will explain whether or not your c-section scar will be completely removed during your consultation.
Even if a tummy tuck cannot remove the c-section scar entirely, flattening and refining the surrounding tissue can significantly improve the abdomen’s appearance.
Will a c-section scar affect tummy tuck results?
No, having a c-section scar does not prevent you from achieving excellent tummy tuck results. In fact, Richmond tummy tuck patients who have undergone a c-section find that abdominoplasty both improves the appearance of their abdomen and also alleviates issues caused by the scar, such as uneven skin or a persistent “pouch” of tissue above the incision.
Non-surgical treatment options to reduce scarring
To further minimize any remaining scar tissue from a c-section or to refine a tummy tuck scar, Dr. Aboutanos may recommend additional non-surgical skin treatments:
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-punctures in the skin to encourage more collagen and elastin. New collagen growth helps to soften and smooth the texture of the scar, reduce discoloration, and improve its overall appearance. A short series of 3 treatments can make scars blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin.
Laser treatments target the skin’s surface and deeper layers to stimulate collagen production and promote skin regeneration. Fractionated CO2 lasers (CO2RE) create controlled micro-columns of thermal energy that resurface the skin to smooth scar texture and reduce discoloration. Cold fiber lasers (UltraClear) work gently to even out pigmentation and improve scar appearance without causing significant thermal damage for a shorter recovery.
C-section scar revision in Richmond, VA
Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is a female board-certified plastic surgeon in Richmond with extensive experience in tummy tuck techniques that can remove or improve c-section scars. To learn more about your options, call our office at (804) 355-3410 or contact her online to take the first step.