A C-section pouch is actually caused by scar tissue left behind by your C-section scar. In some cases, the way your body recovers after surgery can cause excess fat to find itself in your lower belly area.
An overhang is common after a caesarean and is caused by the tightness of the scar in comparison to the surrounding skin, causing an overhang of excess skin or fat.
Women who give birth via cesarean section are often left with a pouch of excess skin above their scar, commonly referred to as a c-section pooch or c-shelf. Since everyone heals differently, it can't be predicted whether or not a c-shelf will develop and, if it does, if it will fade naturally.
What is an apron belly? Pregnancy, weight loss, and weight gain can cause you to have an excessive amount of fat, tissue, and skin hanging down from your abdomen. Called “apron belly” because it looks like you're wearing an apron around your waist, it can also be referred to as a pannus stomach.
The C-section pooch does not mean you had a problem with surgery or that your scars are healing poorly. Rather, it means that your scar is stuck down to the muscle below. Usually there is a layer of fat between the skin and the muscle. When this layer is disrupted, the scar is not able to move freely.
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.
They can also perform a tummy tuck to get rid of any excess belly skin if you still have c-section scar overhang 6 to 12 months after you've healed. You may not love the idea of having a c-section scar, but that mighty wound makes you a warrior. Be proud of your journey to parenthood. And if you're still not happy?
Over time, your postpartum belly will lessen on its own. However, there are ways you can improve your postpartum belly at home. Once your doctor says it's OK, try to add exercise to your daily routine. Start with walking and light body weight exercises.
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.
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.
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch apart to accommodate the growing fetus. However, after birth, if these muscles do not go back to their original position and close the gap, the organs behind the muscles bulge out, causing the belly to sag. This is diastasis recti.
Your stretched-out abdominal muscles and lax skin will most likely begin to firm up. If you had a cesarean section, it can take a good two weeks for your scar to heal (and six weeks or longer to fully recover from your surgery). Six to eight weeks postpartum.
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.”
Postpartum weight gain can happen for a number of reasons, from the fact that you're fatigued or don't have time for a regular excercise routine, or because of an underlying health condition that requires attention, such as postpartum thyroiditis, diabetes, or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Give Your Body Time
It can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for your uterus to go back to its normal size. During pregnancy, all of the cells in your body swelled up to retain fluid. After giving birth, they start to release that extra fluid.
A hernia that occurs after surgery is called an incisional hernia. The C-section is a surgical procedure that can create a weakness in the abdominal wall. A hernia occurs when part of the intestines or stomach protrudes outward through this weakened area, creating a bulge.
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.
Common signs of diastasis recti during the postpartum period are: A visible bulge or "pooch" that protrudes just above or below the belly button. Softness or jelly-like feeling around your belly button. Coning or doming when you contract your ab muscles.
Most women will not have any trouble getting pregnant again after having this operation, but there are other big risks they need to consider."
During pregnancy, the muscles stretch to accommodate the growing fetus. The connective tissue between the abdominal muscles can thin and weaken, and that can lead to a bulge in your belly. That post-pregnancy bulge is commonly known as a "mommy pooch" or "mommy-tummy" and it will not go away with diet and exercise.
Generally, if the muscles are going to heal on their own, they will within three months of birth. If you are several months postpartum, it's likely that your diastasis recti is here to stay. Some women have had success using targeted exercises to help the muscles move closer together.
The only guaranteed way to lose extra fat anywhere in your body is to decrease your overall body fat percentage using a calorie deficit. You can create a calorie deficit by burning extra calories (i.e., increasing your physical activity), or consuming fewer calories in your diet.
Seated Ab Twists
Lift both legs up and off the floor while supporting balance with both hands behind you. Keeping your upper body completely stationary, slowly twist your lower body to the right side as far as you can while maintaining control. Bring your legs back to center. Slowly twist to the other side.
Procedures, including liposuction or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help to improve the look of skin overhang by removing or reducing excess fat and skin.