For some women, this scar tissue can't be removed with exercise or diet changes alone (which may mean surgery is the only way to completely eliminate a postpartum pouch). For others, following an exercise program and focusing on core exercises can be enough to flatten the appearance of this pouch.
While diet and exercise can help women lose excess fat after pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle can't make a c-section scar and bulge go away. Some women may find their c-shelf sticks around for years, while others may notice the area gradually flattens over time.
Manual scar tissue mobilization and cupping can help to minimize the shelf-like appearance. Both techniques essentially lift and move tissues that are stuck which can reduce the indentation and thus minimize “shelf.”
The most common way to get rid of a C-section overhang is with an Abdominoplasty procedure, often known as a Tummy Tuck. A tummy tuck procedure with an expert MYA surgeon will remove excess skin or fat, unwanted scars, stretch marks and tighten the stomach muscles, to create the appearance of a flatter stomach.
Sometimes all your C-section pooch needs is time and regular massage of the scar. After 6-12 months, if that C-section shelf is still there, chances are high that it will always be there unless we treat it.
For some women, this scar tissue can't be removed with exercise or diet changes alone (which may mean surgery is the only way to completely eliminate a postpartum pouch). For others, following an exercise program and focusing on core exercises can be enough to flatten the appearance of this pouch.
This pouch normally reduces over time but may never totally disappear. The pouch is partly due to excess skin, the natural result of your pregnancy, but is primarily due to excess fat deposits. Some women are able to reduce or even eliminate this pouch through diet and exercise; others may not be so fortunate.
It's impossible to spot treat an apron belly. The only ways to reduce one are through overall weight reduction and surgical/non-surgical options.
A massage is beneficial for your caesarean section scar as you help the scar tissue from growing in unwanted places, help smooth out thick scars and increase blood flow which is beneficial for c-section scar healing.
The best way of getting rid of stomach overhang is a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty at our London clinic, which will remove it completely. This procedure tightens the stomach muscles and removes excess skin and fatty tissues from the middle and lower abdominal region.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
A trial of labor isn't recommended after three or more prior C-sections. Deciding how you will deliver your next baby after a previous C-section can be a complex decision. Talk to your health care provider.
A new study shows that a C-section can lead to complications should you find yourself back on the operation table later in life. Surgical complications cover a range of things that can go wrong during an operation. For example, damage to organs, infection, the need to re-operate, or bleeding during the operation.
According to top plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, M.D., the C-section pooch does not necessarily indicate that the scar itself is bad. Rather, the C-section pooch develops because the scar is stuck to the muscle, creating an indentation and sometimes a little overhang of tissue above.
Some women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a baby to help their muscles. Studies show that wraps or binders might help with pain and healing after a Cesarean section. They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby.
You can reduce or remove your apron belly
Losing weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise is an option because overall weight loss can sometimes reduce fat deposits. However, it is impossible to spot-treat an apron belly because there are two layers of fat in your stomach.
Pannus stomach develops when an excess of skin hangs down from the abdomen. The main causes include: Pregnancy: After the delivery of a baby, the extra skin necessary to accommodate the pregnancy can hang down, causing a pannus stomach. This is why some people refer to the condition as “mother's apron.”
Surgical procedures, including tummy tucks, are the best way to get rid of a severe case of apron belly. If you've lost a significant amount or weight of you've been pregnant and have loose or sagging skin, talk with a plastic surgeon about surgical options.
C-section moms will have even more fluid retention due to fluids given inter-operatively. C-section moms will also have some tummy area swelling from the work they do inside the abdominal area during surgery. Again, another reason to allow some time.
After the baby is no longer inside your body, your body will work to naturally get rid of that extra fat, but it might take a few weeks before you see results. Think of it this way - it took a full nine months for your stomach to stretch enough to accommodate your baby's growth.
It takes six to eight weeks for your uterus to return to its normal size, but for some moms, it may take much longer for their post-pregnancy belly to return to "normal." For other new moms, they may find that their bellies take on a permanently different new appearance.
Yes, You absolutely can get a flat stomach after a c-section.
After your C-section, you might look like you're still pregnant. This is normal. Most women lose 13 pounds (6 kilograms) during birth, including the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. During your recovery, you'll drop more weight as your body gets rid of excess fluids.
Some women do experience symptoms related to their C-section scar long after the operation. Some women feel pain, restriction, or a pulling sensation on or around their scar months or even years after surgery. This is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue which can stick to muscles or even organs and cause pain.