Yep, start saving! It happens to many VB mums too, me being one of them. The 'flap' isn't necessarily caused by the surgery, it's caused by pregnancy - a combination of the size of your baby, the amount of collagen and elastin in your skin, genetics (if your mum has a gut, chances are you will, too), the amount of weight you gain and lose during and after pregnancy, etc. Stretch marks DO have a lot to do with the 'flap', as stretch marks are a very accurate indicator of what your skin's elasticity is like - so if you have 'bad' stretchies, or get stretch marks when you lose or gain weight, then chances are you're going to get a 'flap' or the one you already have isn't gonna go away with a bit of dieting and exercise. Some mums can work it off (and that means you have great skin elasticity and core strength as well as a surgeon who had enough time and expertise to do the job right instead of just doing what they needed to do to get your baby safely into the world), others can do a million fitness boot camps and live on salads and seeds for years and still never manage to get their pants to feel 'right'. I know it's not what you want to hear, but I can tell you that I had a full tummy tuck earlier this year and it's the absolute best thing I've ever done (I suppose I should add 'well, it's on the list right after having my kids and marrying my husband' lol).
You may be able to consult a plastic surgeon and discuss scar revision surgery, which would be a lot cheaper but probably won't take care of the whole problem. In my case, I've always had a weak core, bad genetics and a pre-existing 'pudge' that was only made infinitely worse by carrying my kids. I had the whole kit and caboodle, which cost a bomb, but I finally, for the first time since childhood, have a flat stomach and can wear jeans that fit everywhere instead of having to buy them 2 sizes too big to tuck the belly into.
In the meantime, you can wear the lovely 'granny panties', although I swore I'd shoot myself rather than sweat through another QLD summer with knickers that touched my armpits. Hopefully one of the other mums here can give you some advice on how further pregnancies will affect the scar tissue. But my best advice is to have a chat with a plastic surgeon and discuss your options (including the possibility of more kids if that's something that you have in mind) and they can help you work out where to go from here, and what sort of costs you'll be looking at (yes, there are Medicare rebates available for tummy tucks etc even if you haven't had a c-sec, I got around $1000 back when I had my surgery because my Dr considered it to be medically necessary following two pregnancies and inheriting crappy skin genes from both sides of the family!). Good luck, I can relate to the discomfort and frustration you're feeling.
On my phone so apologies if I forget anything important.
Firstly, Glamourcide, I was hoping to hear from you. Y'know, since you've been there, done that, bought the tshirt. I appreciate the honesty.
Just to add a couple of details, My tummy looked a lot worse when the wound was fresh. It's snapped back into shape quite well, it's just like there's so many thick adhesions above the cut, it makes it 'pooch'. It hurts on a daily basis. Nothing extreme but the worst thing is the fact that it affects the quality of cuddle time with my son. If he kicks it, or toe gouges me in that area, it burns like hell. I find myself trying to protect my tummy and it's impossible to do that and be comfy.
Other small details-
I've lost all my pregnancy weight, 20kg.
I wasn't super fit before getting pg, but had a decent shape going on.
I had stitches, I don't remember having staples.
I had issues with the wound oozing fluid streaked with blood for about 3 weeks afterwards. I recieved contradicting advice from drs saying it's common, others saying it's cause for concern. Other than that, it healed well.
My stretchmarks aren't too bad. I got more on my hips than anywhere else.
So I wonder if it should hurt less by now, look better etc. The cut itself is a silvery line now. Is this worth maybe talking about with my GP, or can this all be considered in the spectrum of normal? I've just put up with it thinking it would be fairly temporary but it's been the same for months now.
Thanks everyone for your input, both informative and amusing.
I had a CS, I have a "flap" that hangs down. I also hate it.
My scar still feels bulky under neath (kinda like the bits werent sewn back together properly or something??)
I had terrible issues with my scar and belly for the first 18 months, I also had an infection and internal blood loss/fluid collection in something called the "morrisons pouch" that caused me to be quite swollen in the belly area for a good 12 weeks PP.
My scar still very occasionally aches (usually when I wear jeans, and I hate that I have a weird poochy bit that sticks out where it shouldnt) it also coincides with AF.
My belly will never be the same, it is so much better than it was back then (3 years on) but it will NEVER come close to what it was. my belly button is obscured by the hang down "elephant ears" that end up being my apron of flesh.
In the morning I look fine, but as soon as I eat something I look like I'm 6 months pregnant.
I do think that I still have quite a bit of abdo separation happening, I think if I could help that then it may help out the rest.
I have never seriously considered plastic surgery but its looking like I will be headed that way after I finish having children.
I'm definately no expert, but if you're getting pain at the site 8 months on then I think it is worth pursuing. Based on my experience, that's not normal. I'd be asking for an ultrasound of the area to look at how it has healed, particularly if you're worried about adhesions. HTH
I truly can't remember how long after my c-sect I stopped feeling uncomfortable or having no pain down there....
It could be scar tissue pulling, so perhaps really gentle massage with lots of cream may help break down the scar tissue. I am no expert & I just had a hard push on & around my scar & I have no pain (BTW DD is 4 now) / discomfort.
Perhaps consider getting an u/s to see what, if anything is going on in there.
I wouldn't consider it normal. I had my second c-section 5mths ago and I just poked and prodded quite roughly at my scar and no pain. So I'd be getting in to see your GP and maybe trying to see a private specialist. I know it might be expensive but it might be worth it to see what's going on.
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