Post-C-section abdominal bulge/shelf (not a hernia or diastasis recti) - Seeking advice on non-surgical treatments

I’m a 38-year-old mother of three, all delivered via C-section. My current stats are 5'6" (167 cm) and 142 lbs (64 kg).
A while back, a lump was found on the left side of my abdomen. It was surgically removed and biopsied (benign). Since then, the left side of my abdomen has been visibly protruding, creating an uneven 'shelf belly' look between my belly button and my C-section scar. The left side is significantly more prominent and feels firm/hard to the touch when I’m standing, but it tends to flatten out when I lie down.
**Here is what I’ve already done:**
Confirmed it is **not** a hernia (via CT scan/imaging).
Confirmed there is **no** diastasis recti.
Tried strict dieting and intense core/TVA exercises, but the bulge remains.
I have received conflicting opinions from doctors: some suggest severe muscle weakness on that side, others suggest internal fibrosis (scar tissue). A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has been suggested, but it is not an option for me currently—neither financially nor physically.
**I am looking into non-surgical alternatives and would appreciate any experiences or advice on:**

  1. **Lymphatic drainage massage with ultrasound:** Is it effective for fibrosis or post-surgical swelling?
  2. **Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS):** Can it help with abdominal muscle weakness in this specific case?
  3. **Fat freezing (Cryolipolysis):** Is this effective for a firm protrusion that feels more like muscle weakness/fibrosis rather than just fat?
    Has anyone dealt with a firm, lopsided abdominal shelf after C-sections without a hernia? What worked for you? Any guidance would be deeply appreciated
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 9 days ago

Post-C-section abdominal bulge/shelf (not a hernia or diastasis recti) - Seeking advice on non-surgical treatments

I’m a 38-year-old mother of three, all delivered via C-section. My current stats are 5'6" (167 cm) and 142 lbs (64 kg).
A while back, a lump was found on the left side of my abdomen. It was surgically removed and biopsied (benign). Since then, the left side of my abdomen has been visibly protruding, creating an uneven 'shelf belly' look between my belly button and my C-section scar. The left side is significantly more prominent and feels firm/hard to the touch when I’m standing, but it tends to flatten out when I lie down.
**Here is what I’ve already done:**
Confirmed it is **not** a hernia (via CT scan/imaging).
Confirmed there is **no** diastasis recti.
Tried strict dieting and intense core/TVA exercises, but the bulge remains.
I have received conflicting opinions from doctors: some suggest severe muscle weakness on that side, others suggest internal fibrosis (scar tissue). A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has been suggested, but it is not an option for me currently—neither financially nor physically.
**I am looking into non-surgical alternatives and would appreciate any experiences or advice on:**

  1. **Lymphatic drainage massage with ultrasound:** Is it effective for fibrosis or post-surgical swelling?
  2. **Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS):** Can it help with abdominal muscle weakness in this specific case?
  3. **Fat freezing (Cryolipolysis):** Is this effective for a firm protrusion that feels more like muscle weakness/fibrosis rather than just fat?
    Has anyone dealt with a firm, lopsided abdominal shelf after C-sections without a hernia? What worked for you? Any guidance would be deeply appreciated
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 9 days ago
▲ 5 r/DIYaesthetics+1 crossposts

Weird filler

Yesterday I had filler in my upper cheeks, but I felt in my right side that it was numb even lips and teeth I noticed like something underneath my eyes beside the nose , numbing has been but I feel pain on the area beside my nose and I can feel uneven texture underneath the skin
The doctor told me to keep massaging it so it could goes to the side as I have just put it yesterday , the uneven texture is less but still there

Please advise would by massaging it will be gone

u/Silver-Research9227 — 16 days ago

Did 1 syringe of Restylane upper cheek and not satisfied

I just did 1 syringe for upper cheeks area only and not satisfied I feel I might need more or need in the midcheeks maybe to help the smiling lines to get better
Please advise if you have similar issues

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 17 days ago

Abdominal bulge on the left side after 3 C-sections and laparoscopic salpingectomy — flat when lying down or when engaging core, CT scan clear (no hernia/diastasis). Any ideas?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some insight or similar experiences because I'm feeling a bit stuck and haven't gotten clear answers yet.
Here is my background:
3 previous C-sections.
Left laparoscopic salpingectomy (removal of the left Fallopian tube).
During my second C-section, the doctor also removed a fatty tissue growth on my left side.
Current Issue:
I have a noticeable bulge on my left side. even when I’m doing core or TVA exercises
It completely disappears when I lie down.
It also completely flattens out if I stand and consciously draw my lower abdomen inward and upward (engaging my core/vacuom).
I’m not sure if fibrosis adhesions , fatty pocket ! Muscle weakness!!
I recently got a CT scan with contrast of this area, and it showed no abdominal wall defects, no diastasis recti, and no hernia.
I recently tried two sessions of lymphatic drainage massage combined with ultrasound therapy. Afterward, my whole abdomen felt less bloated/swollen overall, but the left-side bulge is still there.
(First two photos show my abdomen before the sessions, and the following photos show it currently).
Has anyone experienced something similar, or does anyone know what this could be or how it's treated? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

u/Silver-Research9227 — 24 days ago

Abdominal bulge on the left side after 3 C-sections and laparoscopic salpingectomy ,flat when lying down or when engaging core, CT scan clear (no hernia/diastasis). Any ideas?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some insight or similar experiences because I'm feeling a bit stuck and haven't gotten clear answers yet.
Here is my background:
3 previous C-sections.
Left laparoscopic salpingectomy (removal of the left Fallopian tube).
During my second C-section, the doctor also removed a fatty tissue growth on my left side.
Current Issue:
I have a noticeable bulge on my left side even there if I do diet or core and TVA exercises
It completely disappears when I lie down.
I’m not sure fibrosis or fascia problem or fatty pocket or muscle problem despite all exercises I’m doing !
It also completely flattens out if I stand and consciously draw my lower abdomen inward and upward (engaging my core/vacuom).
I recently got a CT scan with contrast of this area, and it showed no abdominal wall defects, no diastasis recti, and no hernia.
I recently tried two sessions of lymphatic drainage massage combined with ultrasound therapy. Afterward, my whole abdomen felt less bloated/swollen overall, but the left-side bulge is still there.
(First two photos show my abdomen before the sessions, and the following photos show it currently).
Has anyone experienced something similar, or does anyone know what this could be or how it's treated? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

u/Silver-Research9227 — 24 days ago
▲ 5 r/CsectionCentral+1 crossposts

Abdominal bulge on the left side after 3 C-sections and laparoscopic salpingectomy flat when lying down or when engaging core, CT scan clear (no hernia/diastasis). Any ideas?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some insight or similar experiences because I'm feeling a bit stuck and haven't gotten clear answers yet.
Here is my background:
3 previous C-sections.
Left laparoscopic salpingectomy (removal of the left Fallopian tube).
During my second C-section, the doctor also removed a fatty tissue growth on my left side.
Current Issue:
I have a noticeable bulge on my left side even there if I do diet or core and TVA exercises
It completely disappears when I lie down.
I’m not sure fibrosis or fascia problem or fatty pocket or muscle problem despite all exercises I’m doing !
It also completely flattens out if I stand and consciously draw my lower abdomen inward and upward (engaging my core/vacuom).
I recently got a CT scan with contrast of this area, and it showed no abdominal wall defects, no diastasis recti, and no hernia.
I recently tried two sessions of lymphatic drainage massage combined with ultrasound therapy. Afterward, my whole abdomen felt less bloated/swollen overall, but the left-side bulge is still there.
(First two photos show my abdomen before the sessions, and the following photos show it currently).
Has anyone experienced something similar, or does anyone know what this could be or how it's treated? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

u/Silver-Research9227 — 24 days ago

Can I use 0.5 ml for each cheek for FILLer

I don’t want to add more than 1 ml for both mid cheeks , 1.5 maximum, would that be helpful and give good result or the doctor will put more and then I might don’t like the result and I will definitely pay more 😩ً , I only want the mid cheek area and this is my first time to do that FYI I’m 38 years old
Please advise

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 28 days ago
▲ 0 r/DIYaesthetics+1 crossposts

Can I use 0.5 ml for each cheek for FILLer

I don’t want to add more than 1 ml for both mid cheeks , 1.5 maximum, would that be helpful and give good result or the doctor will put more and then I might don’t like the result and I will definitely pay more 😩ً , I only want the mid cheek area and this is my first time to do that FYI I’m 38 years old
Please advise

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 29 days ago

Saw immediate results after one lymphatic drainage/ultrasound session—is this definitely fibrosis?

I recently had one session of lymphatic drainage massage using a "SkinAct" ultrasound device. To my surprise, I noticed an immediate difference after 3 days from the session : my stomach flattened a bit, and the hard area I had above my laparoscopy/C-section scar became noticeably softer.
I’m now looking to purchase a package of sessions, but I’m torn between 6 or 10 sessions. Since I saw results after just one session, does this guarantee that the hard lump/protuberance I have is definitely fibrosis?
I’m questioning this because I’ve heard that sometimes these issues can be related to weak abdominal muscles or fascia problems. However, I have already had a CT scan with dye, and it came back clear—no hernia, no muscle separation (diastasis recti), or any other issues reported.
Has anyone else experienced this, and how many sessions would you recommend for treating potential fibrosis? Any advice would be appreciated!

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 1 month ago

Saw immediate results after one lymphatic drainage/ultrasound session—is this definitely fibrosis?

I recently had one session of lymphatic drainage massage using a "SkinAct" ultrasound device. To my surprise, I noticed an immediate difference after 3 days from the session : my stomach flattened a bit, and the hard area I had above my laparoscopy/C-section scar became noticeably softer.
I’m now looking to purchase a package of sessions, but I’m torn between 6 or 10 sessions. Since I saw results after just one session, does this guarantee that the hard lump/protuberance I have is definitely fibrosis?
I’m questioning this because I’ve heard that sometimes these issues can be related to weak abdominal muscles or fascia problems. However, I have already had a CT scan with dye, and it came back clear—no hernia, no muscle separation (diastasis recti), or any other issues reported.
Has anyone else experienced this, and how many sessions would you recommend for treating potential fibrosis? Any advice would be appreciated!

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 1 month ago
▲ 4 r/CsectionCentral+2 crossposts

Saw immediate results after one lymphatic drainage/ultrasound session—is this definitely fibrosis?

I recently had one session of lymphatic drainage massage using a "SkinAct" ultrasound device. To my surprise, I noticed an immediate difference after 3 days from the session : my stomach flattened a bit, and the hard area I had above my laparoscopy/C-section scar became noticeably softer.
I’m now looking to purchase a package of sessions, but I’m torn between 6 or 10 sessions. Since I saw results after just one session, does this guarantee that the hard lump/protuberance I have is definitely fibrosis?
I’m questioning this because I’ve heard that sometimes these issues can be related to weak abdominal muscles or fascia problems. However, I have already had a CT scan with dye, and it came back clear—no hernia, no muscle separation (diastasis recti), or any other issues reported.
Has anyone else experienced this, and how many sessions would you recommend for treating potential fibrosis? Any advice would be appreciated!

reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 1 month ago
▲ 7 r/abdominoplasty+8 crossposts

Post-C-section abdominal bulge/shelf (not a hernia or diastasis recti) - Seeking advice on non-surgical treatments

I’m a 38-year-old mother of three, all delivered via C-section. My current stats are 5'6" (167 cm) and 142 lbs (64 kg).
A while back, a lump was found “ probably because of my first c section “ on the left side of my abdomen. It was surgically removed during my second c section. Since then, the left side of my abdomen has been visibly protruding, creating an uneven 'shelf belly' look between my belly button and my C-section scar. The left side is significantly more prominent and feels firm/hard to the touch when I’m standing, but it tends to flatten out when I lie down.
Here is what I’ve already done:
—Confirmed it is not a hernia (via CT scan/imaging), did it twice and scan with dye .
—Confirmed there is no diastasis recti.
—Tried strict dieting and intense core/TVA exercises, but the bulge remains.

I have received conflicting opinions from doctors: some suggest severe muscle weakness on that side, others suggest internal fibrosis (scar tissue). A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has been suggested, but it is not an option for me currently—neither financially nor physically.
I am looking into non-surgical alternatives and would appreciate any experiences or advice on:

  1. Lymphatic drainage massage with ultrasound: Is it effective for fibrosis or post-surgical swelling?
  2. Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS): Can it help with abdominal muscle weakness in this specific case?
  3. Fat freezing (Cryolipolysis): Is this effective for a firm protrusion that feels more like muscle weakness/fibrosis rather than just fat?
    Has anyone dealt with a firm, lopsided abdominal shelf after C-sections without a hernia? What worked for you? Any guidance would be deeply appreciated."
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 1 month ago

Still not feeling right after crow's feet and under-eye Dysport injection

I am wondering why I still feel like something is wrong. I had a dysport under my eyes for crow's feet and just one dot under the eye for wrinkles. The doctor made three dots in the crow's feet area, one at the corner of the eye, one above it, and one below it, and a dot with the marker under the eye as well” it is the orange dot shown in the second photo . However, I still feel like my eyes are not comfortable. The photo shows me now, “smiling “ not in static mode, but I still feel like the area under my eyes is not settled, I did the cross feet area from 10 days ago and under eyes from 3 days ago , I found dysport pops up quickly in my forehead after 24 hours so I think it has been settled under my eyes for now

Is there anything else that is supposed to be done to have more relaxed eyes

u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago

Still not feeling right after crow's feet and under-eye Dysport injection

".

I am wondering why I still feel like something is wrong. I had a dysport under my eyes for crow's feet and just one dot under the eye for wrinkles. The doctor made three dots in the crow's feet area, one at the corner of the eye, one above it, and one below it, and a dot with the marker under the eye as well” it is the orange dot shown in the second photo . However, I still feel like my eyes are not comfortable. The photo shows me now, “smiling “ not in static mode, but I still feel like the area under my eyes is not settled, I did the cross feet area from 10 days ago and under eyes from 3 days ago , I found dysport pops up quickly in my forehead after 24 hours so I think it has been settled under my eyes for now

Is there anything else that is supposed to be done to have more relaxed eyes

u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago
▲ 3 r/BotoxDysport+1 crossposts

Still not feeling right after crow's feet and under-eye Dysport injection – seeking advice".

I am wondering why I still feel like something is wrong. I had a dysport under my eyes for crow's feet and just one dot under the eye for wrinkles. The doctor made three dots in the crow's feet area, one at the corner of the eye, one above it, and one below it, and a dot with the marker under the eye as well” it is the orange dot shown in the third photo . However, I still feel like my eyes are not comfortable. The photo shows me now, “smiling “ not in static mode, but I still feel like the area under my eyes is not settled, I did the cross feet area from 10 days ago and under eyes from 3 days ago , I found dysport pops up quickly in my forehead after 24 hours so I think it has been settled under my eyes for now

Is there anything else that is supposed to be done?

u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago

48 hours post-Dysport: Asymmetric eyebrows and slow results under-eyes. Normal?

"Hi everyone, I just had my first Dysport treatment 48 hours ago (forehead and under-eye area). I’m a bit anxious about the results and wanted to see if others have had similar experiences.

  1. Eyebrow Asymmetry: My forehead has started to freeze, but I’ve noticed one eyebrow is significantly higher than the other, especially when I raise them. I’m worried about 'over-correcting'—is it common for this to even out on its own as the Dysport fully settles? Or should I wait the full 14 days before considering a touch-up to lift the other side?
  2. Under-eye concerns: I had a small amount injected under my eyes. My forehead showed results fast, but the under-eye area hasn't changed much yet. Is it normal for Dysport to work slower in that specific area?
  3. Lifestyle factor: I’m very active and lift heavy weights 3 times a week. I’ve read that high metabolism might affect how long Botox/Dysport lasts. Has anyone noticed it wearing off faster with regular weightlifting?
    I’m really trying to avoid 'over-playing' with the injections, so any advice on whether to just 'wait and see' would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!"
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago

48 hours post-Dysport: Asymmetric eyebrows and slow results under-eyes. Normal?

"Hi everyone, I just had my first Dysport treatment 48 hours ago (forehead and under-eye area). I’m a bit anxious about the results and wanted to see if others have had similar experiences.

  1. Eyebrow Asymmetry: My forehead has started to freeze, but I’ve noticed one eyebrow is significantly higher than the other, especially when I raise them. I’m worried about 'over-correcting'—is it common for this to even out on its own as the Dysport fully settles? Or should I wait the full 14 days before considering a touch-up to lift the other side?
  2. Under-eye concerns: I had a small amount injected under my eyes. My forehead showed results fast, but the under-eye area hasn't changed much yet. Is it normal for Dysport to work slower in that specific area?
  3. Lifestyle factor: I’m very active and lift heavy weights 3 times a week. I’ve read that high metabolism might affect how long Botox/Dysport lasts. Has anyone noticed it wearing off faster with regular weightlifting?
    I’m really trying to avoid 'over-playing' with the injections, so any advice on whether to just 'wait and see' would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!"
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago

Mid-face filler vs. Sculptra at 37: Seeking experiences and advice.

"I’m 37 and starting to see some mid-face volume loss, which is causing my nasolabial folds to deepen. My injector suggested filling the upper cheeks to provide lift.
I’m currently leaning toward HA filler because it’s reversible and I want to take it slow. My doctor also mentioned Sculptra, but I’m a bit intimidated by its permanent nature (at least for a while) and the fact that it’s not reversible.
I have a solid skincare routine (Tretinoin, LED mask, Microcurrent) and I’m planning to start Microneedling with PDRN for texture.
I’d love to hear from those in their late 30s:

  1. Did mid-face filler significantly help with your nasolabial folds?
  2. Has anyone had a bad experience with Sculptra? Should I wait a few more years before considering it?
  3. How many syringes did you start with to keep the look natural and symmetric?
    Any advice would be appreciated!"
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago

Mid-face filler vs. Sculptra at 37: Seeking experiences and advice.

"I’m 37 and starting to see some mid-face volume loss, which is causing my nasolabial folds to deepen. My injector suggested filling the upper cheeks to provide lift.
I’m currently leaning toward HA filler because it’s reversible and I want to take it slow. My doctor also mentioned Sculptra, but I’m a bit intimidated by its permanent nature (at least for a while) and the fact that it’s not reversible.
I have a solid skincare routine (Tretinoin, LED mask, Microcurrent) and I’m planning to start Microneedling with PDRN for texture.
I’d love to hear from those in their late 30s:

  1. Did mid-face filler significantly help with your nasolabial folds?
  2. Has anyone had a bad experience with Sculptra? Should I wait a few more years before considering it?
  3. How many syringes did you start with to keep the look natural and symmetric?
    Any advice would be appreciated!"
reddit.com
u/Silver-Research9227 — 2 months ago