In a way, yes, a tummy tuck is similar to a C-section in that their incisions are made in the same area. A C-section incision does tend to be slightly smaller. The other difference comes down to the abdominal wall and muscles. A C-section cuts through the muscle while a tummy tuck does not. Though, a tummy tuck does use sutures to bring the abdominal muscles back together. This can lead to some tightness not experienced following a C-section.
Many patients have found a tummy tuck less painful or comparable to their C-section recovery. However, this is largely a subjective part of the procedure recovery, but Dr. B does use a long-acting numbing agent on the entire abdomen to prevent pain after surgery.