The process of giving birth is a miraculous one. Unique as it may be, mothers are even more remarkable when they continue to cherish the puny humans they grew and delivered into the world with nothing but their absolute and unconditional love.
As magical as childbirth might be, it is also a fact that a woman’s body can undergo significant changes during this time, and it could take some time for a new mother to know how to hide C section overhang and “gain her body back.”
After your baby’s arrival, the excess tissue from your C-section might prevent you from donning the figure-flattering garments you’ve always desired.
While it’s true that you’ll need some time to heal after delivery (whether naturally or via C-section), you can speed up the process by wearing loose-fitting garments that cover up the scar. Continue reading to learn how to conceal C section overhang.
What Is a C-Section Overhang?
Postpartum overhang following a C-section is common in women who had the procedure. Excess fat and skin accumulate above the C-section incision. Several other names have been coined to describe this issue, including:
- Hanging belly
- Mother tummy
- C-section shelf
- C-section pooch
The horizontal C-section incision functions like a tight band, causing the fat and sagging skin to drape over it. The good news is that there are ways how to hide a postpartum belly.
Distinction Between C-Section Overhang and Mommy Pooch
When the scar from a C-section surgery becomes overly firm and adheres to the abdominal muscles, it can cause an indentation and the surrounding tissue to sag. The surgeon’s competence and dexterity will determine how much an overhang there is.
In contrast, pregnant women have a “mommy pooch” due to the stretching of their abdominal muscles induced by their growing fetus—a mommy pooch results from the skin that does not return to its pre-pregnancy state after delivery.
Effective Ways to Hide C-Section Overhang
Shapewear
Are you wondering how to hide postpartum belly? The loose skin that persists after surgery can be temporarily smoothed over with the help of shapewear. Acquiring the best shapewear for a c-section overhang tailored to the needs of those who have had a C-section is essential if you wish to hide the excess skin that results from the procedure.
The most attractive feature of a Side Zipper shapewear is the ease with which it may be worn. Overhangs can be hidden entirely with the help of the lower tummy shaper, which compresses the stomach’s skin. If you want to wear tight, sheer clothing, you can get a hue that blends in, and nobody will ever realize you’re wearing one.
Peplum Top
A sagging scar after a C-section delivery may be concealed with a peplum shirt. It’s figure-flattering because it hugs the hips and flares out slightly over the tummy area.
A peplum top may be worn with a wide variety of bottoms. It looks good in either a skirt or trousers. Peplum dresses are also great for hiding a postpartum tummy because of their flared design.
Shift Dress
Another way how to hide postpartum belly is through a shift dress. Wearing loose-fitting clothing around the belly is a unique approach to concealing the excess skin left over after having a cesarean section.
Dresses with a shift silhouette are comfortable and easy to move in while still looking elegant. Even with no belt, this dress looks great, but you may always use one to give the illusion of a smaller waist.
High-Waist Jeans
If you are self-conscious about your stomach, the most appealing item you can wear is a pair of high-rise jeans. It hides your tummy entirely and draws attention to your trimmer waist. You will not be disappointed with high-rise jeans if you’re looking for ways how to hide a postpartum belly after giving birth without seeming frumpy or unfashionable.
The good part is that high-waisted jeans come in several styles. When worn correctly, mom jeans are great for disguising a potbelly. Even if you have an overhang from a C-section, thin jeans will make you appear terrific.
Tops With Front Waist Tie
A good blouse or shirt with a front waist tie can be a great choice for hiding a C-section overhang. However, the top needs a substantial knot to avoid seeming as though you’re merely trying to conceal your navel.
You need to learn how to knot the wrap to cover your lower stomach well. In addition, if the blouse is baggy, it will be much more comfortable because it will not lie near your skin. The waist tie is open to experimentation to achieve a custom fit.
High-Waist Underwear or Briefs
A sagging C-section belly can be camouflaged by wearing high-waist underpants. The best underwear for c-section overhang provides a gentler hug than conventional shapewear while yet achieving the desired effect.
They may not do an excellent job concealing the overhang if you’ve got excess saggy skin. However, adding high-rise briefs under items like high-waist pants may help hide the sagging skin.
If you’re wondering how to wear a pencil skirt with a tummy, try pairing it with high-waist underwear. The primary benefit is the ease of wear they provide. Briefs won’t do much to flatten your stomach, but they’ll keep you comfy.
How to Get Rid of the C Section Overhang
If you have been given the green light to resume exercise after delivery, you can begin working on how to get rid of the c-section overhang without surgery.
Workout
The hanging pouch can be reduced with regular, focused exercise. Body fat accumulation is a possible cause of the overhang; thus, losing weight can help. However, it takes a lot of time and effort before you start seeing results; therefore, patience and consistency are key.
Putting NEAT First
According to research, a large percentage of calories are burned through a process termed non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Activities that add up to NEAT use energy and calories over time.
Just getting up and moving around counts, whether by strolling, performing chores, or doing anything else. The calories burned by these activities may not build up quickly or be as intense as those burned during vigorous exercise, but they can help you lose weight in the long run.
NEAT is an excellent place to start if you want to stay in shape but can’t yet do physical exercise. Breastfeeding is also an alternative for new moms because it is believed to burn roughly 450–500 calories daily.
Healthy Diet
Trying to get rid of a C-section overhang can be thought of in terms of weight loss, as the two have similar outcomes. So, the appropriate diet is another option for reducing the after-effects of a C-section.
Supplement your diet with protein and fiber. Protein’s high thermogenic activity will keep you full for a while, and it aids in the development of toned muscle.
Food rich in protein include:
- Meat (beef, poultry)
- Fish (sardines, tuna)
- Milk, Cheese, and Eggs
- Soy (edamame, tempeh)
- Legumes (black beans, chickpeas)
Reduce Unnecessary Calorie Intake
If you’re trying to lose weight, you must figure out where you’re consuming excess calories in your daily routine. Here are some common scenarios where you can consume more calories than necessary.
- Snacking all-day
- Adding excess salad dressing
- Sodas and juice with every meal
- Including extra sauce in your meals
- Drinking coffee with milk and cream
Rest
Getting plenty of rest also helps in healing after childbirth. During sleep, the body shifts its focus from producing movement and keeping the heart beating to restoring and repairing the immune system. Sleep-related hormone secretion aids relaxation, blood pressure regulation, and respiratory slowdown.
In the meantime, other hormones help the body to heal. Such hormones direct the body to focus on recuperative processes like tissue development, blood vessel repair, muscle restoration, and so on.
Put On Your Postpartum Belt
Postpartum belly wrap and girdles are all names for supportive shapewear: the postpartum belt. If you’re experiencing back pain or discomfort after giving birth, a postpartum belt may provide some relief.
The overhang after a C-section can be concealed by wearing a postpartum belt, which gently compresses the skin inward to disguise the scar. Overstretching from a C-section can heal more quickly if the area is compressed and supported. You can also use a waist trainer for reducing belly fat.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
An overhang from a C-section can be slowly eliminated without medical intervention. However, getting plastic surgery can be a quicker solution. Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are a form of cosmetic surgery that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes extra fat and skin, as well as stretch marks and scars.
Individuals who have shed a substantial amount of weight in a relatively short time often have sagging skin dangling over their stomachs, making this a popular surgery.
Is C-Section Overhang Permanent?
Having a c-section overhang is not something that will disappear on its own. Any weight increase necessitates intentional efforts to reduce it through dietary and physical activity changes. It might never entirely disappear if you have much weight to shed.
Do Belly Bands Really Work?
Abdominal wraps used after giving birth do not lead to significant weight loss. However, they can help your organs go back to normal after delivery. The only surefire strategy to get rid of stubborn belly fat is to take matters into your own hands and adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine.
How Long Does It Take To Remove C-Section Overhang?
Depending on the severity of your split, your c-section overhang may begin to flatten out as early as six weeks. For certain people, the waiting period could be much longer than 12 weeks all the way to a year. However, sometimes weight gain during pregnancy can prevent the skin around the area from returning to normal.
Conclusion
After a C-section, it is possible to get rid of the overhang. Do not feel bad about yourself if you have a belly or pouch that protrudes past your C-section scar. It is normal for our bodies to change and take time to recuperate.
You can begin exercising and focusing on building and strengthening your stomach muscles whenever you feel the time is right and your physician has given you the green light to exercise.
If you’ve been working out and eating well, you should see the excess skin on your stomach shrink as the weight melts away. Recovery from a cesarean section does not occur instantly. Remember to be kind to yourself. Your body is beautiful and has just housed a human being for nine months.
I’m a triathlete and life coach, with a focus on holistic health, fitness & women’s issues.
I also write about my gastronomic adventures and my love for the outdoors.