Tummy Tuck or Other Options for Shelf Abdomen and Stretch Marks?

asked 2 years ago by passion616 in wv
Latest answer by Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Question viewed 1,367 times
Tags: abdomen, stretch marks, female

I am 5'4 and 140 lbs in the picture. I've lost 31 lbs and going to lose 35 lbs more. Do you think the shelf will go away with weight loss? Do you think I should get a tummy tuck to get rid of the stretch marks and the shelf look? What would be my best options? I hate these marks and I've been using Retin-A and fade cream with little results

5 answers to Tummy Tuck or Other Options for Shelf Abdomen and Stretch Marks?

Timing of tummy tuck

Without question, I would suggest that you wait until you are at your target weight and are stable for 4-6 months. This is assuming that your target weight is reasonably achievable. The main thing is to be as fit as possible. Re-assess your situation at that time.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

The ONLY real cure for Stretch marks is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

You would do GREAT with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). The procedure will not only remove the stretch mark damaged skin, but it will also flatten your tummy, narrow your waist, lift a potentially droopy Mons veneris and may smooth any cellulite dimpling on your anterior thighs. Stretch marks are NOT really "marks". They really are full thickness cracks in the skin that fill with scar tissue. As such they CANNOT be erased by exercise, drinking water, covered with lotions (including... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck

At 5'4", your ideal body weight is estimated to be 124, therefore losing 35 pounds is unnecessary. Nothing but a full tummy tuck would eleiminate your stretch marks, However, the tradeoff is a long scar. Your striae should fade with time. Losing weight is an excellent method of losing your body fat and it may produce significant improvements in the appearacne of your abdomen but it is not likely to improve your striae. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck for stretch marks and timing the procedure

If only a cream, laser, or exercise would get rid of stretch marks. But they don't. The only way we have to get rid of bad skin: wrinkled, loose, floppy, stretch marked skin is to cut it out. Timing for tummy tuck: 1. Be at your ideal weight. If you are actively losing weight, as you lose weight it will continue to loosen your skin. You don't want to stop your momentum or have the surgery, then lose more weight and loosen up your newly tightened skin. If you get stuck, what I call a plateau... more

Lauren Greenberg, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck is your best option

Unfortunately, no cream or laser will get rid of your stretch marks. Stretch marks are a sign of irreversible skin injury; the only effective treatment is excising them. At your current height and weight, you already are a reasonable candidate for a tummy tuck. If you plan on losing additional weight, wait until your weight has stabilized before you seek surgery. Not only is skin and fat removed with a tummy tuck, but the midline abdominal wall muscles are tightened. This will... more

Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates