Tummy tuck in Korea after C-section resolved postpartum belly sagging – Consultation results
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
40s |
57kg |
165cm |
21 |
Surgical site
Abdomen, M-type, Hip dip fat transfer
2,800cc
RT : 190cc, LT : 190cc
Many women experience changes
in abdominal shape after pregnancy and childbirth.
In some cases, this goes beyond
just “gaining belly fat”
and develops into structural issues
such as protruding abdominal walls
or severe skin sagging.
While diet and exercise
can help reduce weight and body fat,
problems like loose skin
due to loss of elasticity
or uneven contours caused by
abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis)
are often difficult to fix
through personal effort alone.
In the case of C-section deliveries,
not only the abdominal skin layer,
but also the fascia and muscles
can be affected,
and it is common for the scar shape
to appear irregular.
This is why many patients
seek scar revision
along with correction
of the sagging problem.
When consulting with such patients,
we often see that,
even if their overall weight is not high,
their upper abdomen appears
uneven and bulging,
or their lower abdomen sags forward
when bending over,
causing the belly to fold over
the waistband of pants.
This can make clothing choices limited.
Some also share that this leads
to a loss of confidence
and restrictions in daily activities.
To address these concerns,
it is necessary to accurately diagnose
the combined factors—
skin laxity, muscle relaxation,
and fat accumulation—
and correct them through surgical methods.
Below, we will review the
before-and-after photos
of a patient who experienced
abdominal changes after a C-section,
the consultation findings,
the surgical plan we developed,
and the final results achieved.
This patient is in her early 40s
and has a history of childbirth
via C-section.
After delivery, her weight increased
by about 30kg,
but she successfully reduced it
through consistent management.
However, despite the notable
weight loss results,
the issue of abdominal skin laxity
remained unresolved.
In particular, the lower abdomen skin
was sagging,
and the abdominal contour
was uneven and protruding.
Her rectus abdominis muscles
were separated from the upper abdomen
downward,
leading not only to abdominal protrusion
but also a widened waistline
visible from the front.
Most importantly,
these problems did not improve at all
with diet or exercise.
Over time, the stretch marks
and loss of skin elasticity
became more pronounced,
and wearing thin or tight clothing
caused discomfort
because the abdominal line
was difficult to conceal.
To address these complex issues
and restore a firm, smooth waistline,
the patient decided to undergo
abdominoplasty,
abdominal liposuction,
rectus muscle plication,
and hip dip fat transfer
to create a more defined
and feminine transition
from the waist to the lower body.
Through a detailed medical consultation,
we found that pregnancy and childbirth
had caused overall skin laxity in the abdomen,
rectus diastasis,
and the presence of stretch marks.
In particular, the upper abdomen
showed a separation of the rectus muscles
above the navel,
causing the central abdomen
to protrude without firmness.
The lower abdomen sagged heavily
due to skin laxity extending
from the upper abdomen downward,
resulting in an irregular abdominal contour.
The C-section scar was relatively fine,
but by correcting the stretched skin
and the separated abdominal wall,
the scar would be removed,
leaving only the abdominoplasty incision.
The patient also had a waistline imbalance
due to asymmetrical rectus separation
and excess fat,
making both the front and side views
look out of balance.
To address these issues,
we established the following surgical plan:
1. M-Type Abdominoplasty
Lift the skin from the upper to lower abdomen
and bring the separated rectus muscles
together at the center for a firm closure.
2. Umbilicoplasty
Since sagging upper abdominal skin
had affected the shape and position of the navel,
a new navel reconstruction
would be performed during the abdominoplasty.
3. 360° Abdominal Liposuction
Perform liposuction around the abdomen
to refine the contour,
especially making the waistline slimmer
and more defined.
4. Hip Dip Fat Transfer
Since the hip dip area was slightly sunken,
adding natural pelvic volume
would create a feminine, smooth curve
when the waistline is emphasized.
We will now review the two-month post-surgery
recovery progress and the changes
in the abdominal contour
after the abdominoplasty.
Before surgery, the abdominal shape
showed noticeable sagging starting
from above the navel,
and the waistline was not visible
from the side.
In addition, the blurred, protruding waistline
continued down to the hip area,
which appeared sunken,
creating an unbalanced look
and giving a heavier impression overall.
At two months after abdominoplasty
and rectus muscle correction,
the sagging from the upper abdomen
to the lower abdomen was corrected,
and a smooth curve now flows
from the side waistline to the hips,
resulting in a soft, more defined contour.
From the side view before surgery,
there was a heavy sagging
from above the navel down
to the lower abdomen,
creating a noticeable drooping appearance.
In addition, the thickness of the line
extending from the waist to the back,
combined with the sunken hip dip area,
contributed to a heavier upper body look.
At two months after abdominoplasty,
the combination of muscle correction
and lifting of sagging abdominal skin
smoothed out the abdominal protrusion and sagging.
The lower abdomen, which once hung heavily,
is now refined into a firm yet curved contour.
Furthermore, the waist-to-hip curve
has become softer and more natural,
resulting in a slimmer
and better-balanced appearance.
Before abdominoplasty,
when the patient bent forward,
the separated rectus muscles
and inelastic skin
sagged downward due to gravity.
From the upper abdomen
to the lower abdomen,
the abdominal center appeared
to bulge forward in the direction of gravity,
and the fold angle
at the bottom of the abdomen
was noticeably deep.
However, at two months post-surgery,
after rectus muscle repair
and removal of stretched, inelastic skin,
the abdomen remained firm and flat,
even when bending forward,
with no visible sagging.
In particular, the lower abdomen,
which had severe sagging,
was securely lifted,
eliminating the skin overlap
and the bulging over clothing
that had been present before.
At two months post-surgery,
some redness remained in the scar area,
but compared to immediately after surgery,
the skin tissue stability had improved,
and the incision site was healing smoothly
without any unevenness or depression.
However, because abdominoplasty
requires a long incision,
consistent postoperative care
is extremely important
for both recovery and final results,
making regular follow-up visits essential.
Scar healing speed naturally varies
from person to person
and can also differ depending on body type,
so it is important to remember
that close monitoring by medical staff
and personalized aftercare guidance
are necessary.
Currently, the patient is receiving
regular laser toning
on the navel and incision area,
along with scar care
using silicone sheet (Cicacare) bandages.
We also advised avoiding
excessive abdominal movement
and maintaining lifestyle habits
that support healing and recovery.
As more time passes,
the abdominal contour will continue to stabilize
and result in an even more natural outcome.
For the results of abdominoplasty
to remain satisfying in the long term,
consistent care from a long-term perspective
is essential—something we reminded
the patient of once again.
#Abdominoplasty
#TummyTuckInKorea
#RectusDiastasisRepair
#360Liposuction
#HipDipFatTransfer
#PostPregnancyBody
#KoreanPlasticSurgery
#FatRemovalInKorea
#LesartsPlasticSurgery
#CSectionScarRevision
