Caesarean Scar Revision

caesarean section scar revision london

After a Caesarean Section or C-section, women are often left with a scar that they are unhappy with. This scar can often get worse over time, particularly if there has been any weight gain in the lower abdomen area. If you are unhappy with your Caesarean section scar, you may benefit from Caesarean section scar revision surgery.

When considering whether you should have surgery, it is often difficult to know if you are deciding on the right procedure. If you have muscle laxity or are of a larger weight, then you may be more suited for a mini-abdominoplasty which also removes the old caesarean section scar. You will be able to attend a consultation with a surgeon prior to the procedure, where the correct procedure for you will be clarified. An ideal candidate is a slim patient with a scar localised on the lower abdominal contour. There are situations when women have a difficult labour and the doctor decides to perform an emergency Caesarean section. In this situation, the scar is the reminder of an unpleasant event and they want to have it removed. Our expert surgeons at Centre for Surgery use special suture techniques to improve the deeper tissues and the look of the scar. Depending on the particular case of the patient, if a woman experiences muscle laxity or significant fat, then it may be recommended to have a mini-abdominoplasty.

It is important to know whether you are planning on having more children, as this will stretch the lower abdomen skin and you may lose the benefits of the procedure.

Ideal Candidates for Caesarean scar revision

You may be a candidate for Caesarean scar revision if you:

Are in good health both physically and mentally
Have a body mass index in the normal range
Have a scar localised to the lower abdominal contour

Best results are achieved on people who are a healthy weight for their height. Therefore, if you are considered overweight, your surgeon may recommend that you lose weight before the surgery. The surgeon will be able to recommend appropriate diets to follow before the procedure. If you are a smoker, you may be advised to quit, as this will help with the healing process.

Caesarean scar revision procedure

Caesarean scar revision surgery is easily performed under local anaesthetic, however, the procedure can also be performed under TIVA general anaesthetic if you prefer. The procedure takes around one hour to complete. The procedure involves surgically removing the old c-section scar followed by undermining of the wound edges above and below to increase the mobility of the skin. This results in less tension being placed on the new surgical wound. The procedure may also involve liposuction to equalise the thickness of abdominal skin both above and below the scar. This involves using small cannulas to remove any fat around the scar. The combination of the two methods of surgical removal of the old scar and supplementary liposuction will ensure you have a reduced scar and an aesthetically pleasing lower abdomen. Immediately after the procedure, you should minimal or no discomfort due to the injection of a long-acting local anaesthetic. However, once this wears off, you may feel some pain and discomfort which is easily relieved with over the counter pain medication. Your doctor will be able to recommend pain management medication for you to take during this period. After procedure, you may notice that the new scar looks red, however, this should fade with time.

Recovery after Caesarean scar revision

After the c-section scar revision surgery, you should try and avoid any strenuous activity for at least 10 days. After this time, you will be able to resume your usual day-to-day routine. You may notice that the new scar will become red and raised. However, with time the scar will appear pale, fine and flat. Your surgeon will be able to give you advice on how to improve the look of the new scar.

FAQs

Should I have Caesarean section scar revision or a mini tummy tuck?

If you are a slim patient, and the only issue that is bothering you is the scar, then it is recommended to have a scar revision. If you have skin excess or muscle laxity, then you may need a mini-abdominoplasty. The C-Section scar revision does not remove the excess skin, and if this is the problem in your case, then you may need liposuction.
How soon can I have C-section scar revision after having had a C-section?

It is advisable to wait at least six months from the c-section before having a scar reduction. In some cases, it is recommended to wait one year because it is important for your weight to be stable. In addition, if you plan to have more children in the future, you should wait until then to have this procedure.
Is the procedure suitable for those who are overweight?

If you are overweight, or if the doctor considers that your weight is not optimal for your height, you should consider following a diet and exercise regime to achieve initial flattening of the abdominal contour. The best results are with slim patients, and if you have difficulties in losing lower abdominal fat, then you should consider having a mini-abdominoplasty.
What type of anaesthetic is used for Caesarean section scar revision?

Generally, a local anaesthetic will be used. This means you will be awake for the procedure but will not be able to feel any pain during the procedure.

If you do not want to be awake for the procedure, there is the option of TIVA general anaesthesia.
Do I need to stay overnight after having had C-section scar revision?

The C-Section scar revision will not last more than one hour, and the doctor will perform it under local anaesthesia, so you will be able to leave the clinic after having the procedure. It is advisable to avoid practising exercises and to support the scar with tape for the following weeks, for getting the best results. This operation has no risks, so there are no reasons to stay overnight.
Who will carry out my Caesarean scar revision procedure?

Caesarean scar revision surgery is carried out by one of our skilled and experienced plastic surgeons who all have additional training in body contouring surgery.

Our surgeons are selected after a rigorous appointments process to ensure only the most skilled surgeons carry out scar revision surgery at Centre for Surgery.
How should I prepare for Caesarean scar revision surgery?

For best results, all patients should make sure to follow all preoperative and post-operative instructions given to them by their surgeon.

The following are recommended actions to take:

- For 6 weeks beforehand, it is highly recommended to stop smoking as active smoking is associated with a number of risks including delayed wound healing which could result in wound infection. You should also stop smoking for at least four weeks after the procedure.

- You should also avoid aspirin and all medicines containing aspirin for at least one week prior to the C-section scar revision procedure. These medicines interfere with the bodies natural blood clotting process.

- For 6 hours before the Caesarean scar revision procedure, you should refrain from eating any food or any type of drink apart from sips of clear fluid (water and tea/coffee without added milk) which is allowed for up to 2 hours before the procedure. You have the choice of having a deep sedation anaesthetic and your anaesthetist will want you to have an empty stomach before the procedure to reduce the risk of anaesthetic complications occurring. For a local anaesthetic procedure without sedation, there is no requirement to fast for the procedure.
Is Caesarean scar revision painful?

Your surgeon will inject a long acting local anaesthetic during the procedure which will help to minimise any discomfort you make experience after the procedure. Any discomfort experienced is often very mild in nature and easily controlled with oral prescription painkillers given to you by your surgeon. Most patients do not require any painkiller medication beyond 3 to 4 days after their Caesarean scar revision procedure.
What is the recovery like after C-section scar revision?

You may notice that the scar will become red and raised. Do not worry, this is perfectly normal. With time the scar will fade in size and colour.

If you are concerned, your surgeon will be able to give you tips which you can follow to minimise the appearance of the scar.
Are the results of Caesarean scar revision permanent?

As long as patients keep to a stable weight then the result of C-section scar revision surgery should be permanent. With the ageing process the laxity of the skin increases and the taut feeling after having had scar revision may be less with time. As long as patients maintain a stable weight with a good diet and regular exercise then the results of scar revision surgery will last many years.

Julie Dyson

11:05 23 Jun 22

Everyone at the Centre for Surgery has exceeded my expectations by miles! From the moment I made contact and enquired about the procedures offered, all the way through to my post-operative aftercare, I have been blown away by the levels of customer service and empathy shown to me on my journey.At 62 years of age, some might question whether I was a bit old for a “mummy makeover” wanting both a bi-lateral breast reduction and an abdominoplasty. However, I was treated so kindly and with such respect that these thoughts were soon left behind. Lidia the Patient Coordinator allocated to me was great – she sent me loads of information to read and arranged a consultation with Mr Ertan Erel, the surgeon.When I met Mr Erel, he immediately made me feel at ease. We discussed performing the procedures in a staged format, to allow my body to recover in between surgeries. He also encouraged me to lose a few kilos before my surgery saying it would be of benefit health-wise and give better results. He walked me through both of the procedures, what to expect and likely outcomes. We agreed that I would have the breast reduction first, followed by the tummy-tuck 4 to 6 months after that. I was offered a follow-up consultation, but didn’t need one, I was so happy with the first.Lidia then helped me choose a date for the first op based on my personal commitment to lose the weight. The encouragement helped tremendously and in January 2022, I had my first surgery. On the day, the whole team were amazing, from the receptionist who greeted me, the entire theatre team – Mr Erel, the anaesthetist and all the theatre nurses couldn’t have looked after me any better. What was truly wonderful for me – I was able to go home the same day once Mr Erel and the nurses were happy for me to leave, no stay in hospital where you can’t sleep etc. – absolute bliss.The support team telephoned me the next day to ensure all was well and organised an appointment to see a perioperative nurse to check my wounds and re-dress. How lucky am I – Sophie Ship is just the best! Knowing that support team was always available together with regular check-ups in Sophie's very capable hands I was very soon on the mend.AT 6 weeks post-op, I had a review with both Mr Erel and Sophie. We were all delighted with the results and my recovery, it was agreed that the second operation could take place in May/June.Lidia, then sent me loads more information about the procedure, answering all my questions swiftly and booked the date. To ensure I was fit for surgery, Mr Erel saw me again two weeks before my surgery. All was agreed and the abdominoplasty performed on 25th May. Once again, everything went like clockwork and every member of the team were outstanding.I’m now 4 weeks post-op 2 and already delighted with the results. Mr Erel is a genius! I feel so privileged to have had both my surgeries performed by him. The swelling is already going down and I can’t wait to see how I look in a couple of months.I have given Centre for Surgery and Mr Erel permission to show my photographs to anyone considering the procedure(s) and am more than happy to provide more details/chat to anyone about any concerns they have. Please just ask Centre for Surgery/Mr Erel to arrange.

Jose Sasam

14:44 28 May 22

Absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended!

Rita W. Eversole

10:18 28 May 22

Highly recommend this clinic for anyone wanting a friendly, welcoming, professional and non judgmental approach to all your surgical and non surgical needs. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.

Jemes Rodreges

05:59 28 May 22

Staff are very helpful and friendly, nothing has ever been to much trouble. Definitely put me at ease before I had my surgery and gave great aftercare after my surgery

C Hazel

20:08 02 May 22

I made an enquiry with the Centre for Surgery after reading everyone's reviews on Google - and I am elated that I chose CfS.The website was easy to navigate and provided me with sufficient information and understanding of the consultation I wanted to have. Booking the appointment and paying the small consultation deposit was incredibly simple. The availability of appointments on offer was really good too.I received quick confirmation of my booking, and also an email reminder of my appointment one day prior which was really nice.The clinic, both interior and exterior, was well kept and clean.The consultant was Dr Alok Misra. I was really nervous but his bubbly and kind character quickly put me at ease. First he clarified the purpose of my visit (which shows that Dr Misra and the team are observant) and discussed my concerns. Dr Misra was honest and open. He carefully listened to everything I had to say, repeated what we discussed to ensure there was no misunderstanding (I really appreciated this), and then gave advice and guidance which neither me nor self Google-searches, would have ever considered.At the end of the consultation, his team brought me to a private office to discuss what was said and to ask how I'd like to proceed. I think this is an example of exemplar customer service.