How to Get Rid of Hanging Belly After C-Section

Many women are left with a hanging belly after c-section, which distorts the appearance of their abdomen. Tummy tuck and BodyTite are two cosmetic treatments that can help get rid of a hanging belly to restore a more defined stomach. In this article, we’ll discuss both options so you can decide which is right for your tummy after c-section.

Why Does the Belly Hang After C-Section

A hanging belly, also referred to as a c-section ‘shelf’ or ‘pooch,’ is the visible layer of excess skin and fat that hangs over the scar from a caesarean section. A hanging belly is a result of the following changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy: an increase in the surface area of the skin as the abdomen expands; the stretching of muscles; the skin becoming thinner due to hormonal changes. These changes lead to increased laxity in the abdominal skin and the muscles of the abdominal wall. 

While this laxity is common among all pregnant women, those who have had a c-section delivery are likely to be left with a noticeable hanging belly following the birth. This is because a c-section scar creates an effect akin to a tight band being placed at the bottom of the abdomen. This forces the lax abdominal skin and muscles to hang over the tightness of the scar.

How Long Does It Take to Lose a Postpartum Belly Naturally?

Following a pregnancy, your body’s natural healing process will kick in, and you will begin to regain your original form with time. However, the rate at which this process occurs varies with each individual. While some women are able to get rid of their postpartum belly in a matter of months, for others, it can take several years. The process is influenced by factors such as your age and the extent of your ‘hang.’ 

While a healthy diet and exercise routine can help you revert back to your original appearance, unlike cosmetic surgery treatments, they aren’t able to help you target the excess fat deposits in your hanging belly.

BodyTite for Post-Pregnancy Tummy

What is BodyTite?

BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that uses an advanced technology known as radio frequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL). The radio-frequency (RF) energy from the BodyTite device can remove excess fat and tighten the skin in a specified area of the body, including the abdomen. Due to its dual benefits as well as its relatively short recovery period, it is considered the most convenient and efficient body contouring procedure in cosmetic surgery.

How BodyTite helps with a Hanging Belly

The BodyTite technology can be applied directly onto the abdomen to target and eliminate a hanging belly. Given that a c-section pouch consists of excess fat and loose skin, BodyTite is the perfect procedure to get rid of it as it is designed to simultaneously eliminate both problems. BodyTite will restore your pre-pregnancy belly by removing the fat cells in the hanging belly and contracting the skin around the abdomen by as much as 47%.

BodyTite Cost

The cost of BodyTite procedure will depend on the size of the area that needs to be treated to get rid of the hanging belly. You will have the opportunity to discuss the specifics of your treatment with our plastic surgeon. However, prices for treating one area of the body start from £5,500.

BodyTite Procedure

Once a local anaesthetic is administered, the BodyTite device by Inmode, which consists of an internal electrode with a suction cannula and a round external electrode, is used to carry out the procedure. The cannula is inserted into the targeted area, where it emits RF heat that dissolves and suctions out the fat cells. Simultaneously, the RF heat from the internal electrode is transmitted to the external electrode, which is smoothed across the surface of the skin in order to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn tightens the skin.

BodyTite Recovery

The speed of recovery following a BodyTite procedure will depend on the size of the area being treated. In general, relatively large areas such as the abdomen usually require around 7-10 days of downtime, after which most patients feel comfortable resuming normal activities.

BodyTite Before and After

Tummy Tuck for Post-Pregnancy Tummy

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to restore a flatter stomach. If needed, this cosmetic surgery can also tighten muscles that often stretch and separate as a result of pregnancy and childbirth (a condition known as diastasis recti).

How Tummy Tuck Helps with a Hanging Belly

A tummy tuck can help with a hanging belly by getting rid of the loose skin and attached fat that is left behind after pregnancy. Therefore, tummy tuck after c-section or natural birth is an ideal cosmetic surgery for women who have moderate to severe skin laxity in the abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Cost

The cost of a tummy tuck surgery at the CREO Clinic starts from £8,900 for a mini tummy tuck and £10,900 to £12,900 for a full tummy tuck. You will receive the exact cost of your cosmetic surgery after a consultation with our surgeon, where a bespoke treatment plan will be discussed.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

The exact procedure will depend on the type of tummy tuck you require. However, the most common variations are the full and mini tummy tuck. 

A full tummy tuck involves an incision along the bikini line and around the belly button to remove excess skin in the upper and lower abdomen. It can also repair the muscles if needed. Whereas, a mini tummy tuck requires a shorter incision along the bikini line to remove excess skin from just the lower abdomen without tightening the muscles.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

You can expect to make a full recovery within 4 weeks after a mini tummy tuck and within 8 weeks after a full tummy tuck. However, most patients are able to return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks. During this time, you will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort that will gradually dissipate. You will be provided with thorough aftercare guidelines to help you make a smooth recovery.

Tummy Tuck Before and After

BodyTite FAQ

Tummy Tuck FAQ

Which Procedure is Right for You?

The right procedure for you will depend on the extent of your hanging belly and a range of other factors. Summarised below are the key differences between the two procedures to help you assess the most suitable option for you:

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

As a body contouring expert, Dr Omar Tillo has significant experience performing both BodyTite and tummy tucks to get rid of the hanging belly and contour post-pregnancy stomachs. If you are considering either or both of these options, book a consultation with Dr Tillo at CREO Clinic to discuss a bespoke treatment plan.