For many women, the journey through pregnancy and a C-section can leave behind not just beautiful memories but also scars and excess skin.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help you regain a flat, smooth abdominal area.
Here’s what you need to know about combining a tummy tuck surgery with C-section scar revision at our London clinic.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens the abdominal muscles, and reshapes the abdominal wall. Other surgical techniques such as liposuction and hernia repair may be performed as well.
For many of our patients in London, this type of plastic surgery is a way to address loose or sagging skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
A tummy tuck can be full or mini (explained in more detail below), depending on the extent of the surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Abdominoplasty?
Full Abdominoplasty vs. Mini Abdominoplasty
There are several types of abdominoplasty to consider. A full abdominoplasty involves a more extensive invasive procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes a significant amount of excess fat and skin.
On the other hand, a mini or partial abdominoplasty is ideal if you’re looking to address a smaller area of loose skin below the belly button.
In some cases, an endoscopic abdominoplasty may be performed to improve the appearance of the tummy area, reducing the scar size considerably.
An initial consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon will help you better understand your tummy tuck options to determine the best one for your needs.
Can You Combine a Tummy Tuck with Scar Revision?
Benefits of Combining Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Combining a tummy tuck with a scar revision after a C-section is a popular choice at our clinic. This approach not only removes the excess skin and fat that often accumulate after pregnancy but also provides an opportunity to improve the appearance of C-section scars.
During the surgery, the surgeon will carefully remove the old C-section scar tissue and incorporate the new incision into the tummy tuck. This can help create a more aesthetically pleasing, lower, and flatter scar line, which is easier to conceal under clothing.
The Process of Scar Revision During a Tummy Tuck
Scar revision during a tummy tuck involves several steps. First, the existing C-section scar is assessed to determine the best approach for removal and revision.
The surgeon then makes a new incision, typically lower than the original C-section scar, allowing for the removal of excess skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles.
The goal is to ensure that the new scar is as thin and flat as possible, minimising its visibility. By positioning the scar lower on the abdomen, it can be hidden beneath most types of underwear and swimwear.
The Advantages of Scar Revision with Abdominoplasty
Undergoing scar revision as part of a tummy tuck offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the appearance of the old scar, blending it into the new, lower incision created during the tummy tuck.
Additionally, the surrounding skin is tightened, which can further reduce any puckering or unevenness associated with the original scar.
For many women, this combined procedure results in smoother abdominal skin, more contoured abdominal profile and increased confidence in their appearance.
What to Expect During Recovery from Scar Revision
Recovery from a tummy tuck with scar revision is similar to a standard tummy tuck procedure but with additional benefits.
As with any cosmetic procedure, immediately post treatment you can expect some initial swelling and redness around the new scar site, but these typically subside within a few weeks.
The surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. These include medication for pain relief, avoiding strenuous activities, wearing a compression garment, and keeping the incision area clean and moisturized.
Over time, with proper care, the revised scar should fade significantly, becoming a subtle line that is less noticeable than the original C-section scar.
In summary, if you have questions about the procedure, from understanding the difference between a full and mini abdominoplasty, tummy tuck cost, general anaesthetic to how long does a tummy tuck take, fill out our online enquiry form. You can also call us to schedule a booking for a consultation. At our London clinic, we aim to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
