I’ve had two c-sections, which you know if you’re a regular reader here. I got my body back without surgery. But man, it took a WHILE.
If only I wasn’t such a chicken, perhaps I’d have looked into c-section shelf removal.
C-section scar removal and shelf removal surgeries are available, though. However, as you may have guessed, they’re not cheap.
And depending on where you live and the doctor you choose to perform the surgery, it could be more or less expensive.
In this post, I will cover the basics so you can get a feel for what you’re looking at in terms of price.
How much does C-section scar removal cost?
If your scar from your c-section is painful or depressed (or both!), you may want to discuss the possibility of having a c-section scar removal done.
Usually, women that choose to do this have a mini-tummy tuck done while they’re there to battle that c-section shelf. I mean, if you’re already there, why not, right?
Anyway, for simply excising your c-section scar, the c-section scar removal cost tends to be around $2,500 to $3,500. Of course, this can vary widely depending on where you live, the doctor you choose, and their experience. There are also anesthesia costs, facility costs, and medical tests associated with c-section scar revision surgery costs too.
How much does c-section shelf removal cost?
Now, if you have a c-section shelf that is still lingering 6 to 12 months after having your last baby, you may want plastic surgery to get it removed. This may mean a mini-tummy tuck for some, while for others, you may need a full tummy tuck.
I’m sorry I can’t be more specific there, but a board-certified plastic surgeon will need to take a look at you to determine what may benefit you best.
However, you should make sure that 1) it’s been long enough since you had your baby and 2) that you will not have more kids. Having this kind of surgery done would be a waste when you’re continuing to build a family, and you’d likely need to do it again.
While we live in modern times and most surgeries are successful, having an elective surgery like this is not something to take lightly. It’s still surgery!
When you add c-section shelf removal cost in, it can be anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000. Again, much of this has to do with location and the doctor you choose. I don’t recommend looking for a budget doctor. Find the best you can find that is board certified in your area.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons said that in 2019’s stats, the average cost in the US for a tummy tuck (c-section shelf removal) was $6,092.
What else should you know about c-section shelf removal surgery?
When it comes to c-section scar removal surgery, you may not need it at all if you regularly massage it. So, if you’ve just had your c-section, try not to worry yet. No doctor will perform c-section scar removal or shelf removal at this point either since it’s too soon.
But after 6 to 12 months, if the scar and c-section shelf is still in your way, they will likely always be. You can then discuss surgery options, though most doctors will tell you that you should be finished with breastfeeding first. You shouldn’t be planning on more children since it will ruin your newly-firmed results.
So, if you’ve had as many kids as you wanted and you want your body back, getting this surgery might be a good idea.
BUT! I’d like to caution you that it could take up to 5 weeks to heal. If you’ve got a house of little ones running about, you will need to figure out how you’re going to manage them AND take care of yourself.
Of course, if you can afford these surgeries, you can likely afford to hire help, though.
One last and vital thing here is this…EVERY woman has a different body and different needs. So, looking at the prices on average can help you get a ballpark figure. Even if you and your bestie decide to do this type of surgery with the same doctor, you could be paying very different prices.
If her scar and c-section shelf is more prominent, it may cost her more than you. There are so many factors at play here, so if you are genuinely interested in getting rid of your c-section scar and c-section shelf, you’ll have to get a consultation. Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, so you’ll have to foot the bill for this one on your own.
Hopefully, though, you’ll be able to shake off that shelf and love your body without going under the knife!
Leslie Berry lives with her husband and two young daughters in Los Altos, California, where she loves helping other moms get comfortable with motherhood and embracing the insanity with facts peppered with laughs.
