Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Will A Conservative Plastic Surgeon Get Rid Of My Stretch Marks w/ TT?

I am due to have a full tummy tuck in 3 three weeks. I had my pre op today and my ps advised he is conservative when pulling the skin down. I have stretch marks from my naval downwards and was expecting most of them to go but when he pointed out where the incisions were going to be i was a little disappointed. I am worried I will be left with a saggy belly full of nasty stretch marks. Can I ask him not to be conservative and pull as much skin as possible? Thanks

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by twinmummy in Costa Mesa, CA

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How to remove the maximum amount of stretch marks in tummy tuck

The answer to this question depends on the individual patient's anatomy. If the stretch marks are 100 % below the level of the umbilicus you can count on them being gone, provided there is enough laxity to move the skin from just above umbilicus all the way down to the pubic area. This requires about 8-9 cm of laxity with skin pinch of the skin above the umbilicus. This can be determined pre-op in most cases and allow a fair degree of confidence that all the skin below the... more

Stretch marks and tummy tuck

You should absolutely discuss all of your concerns about the technique, the procedure, and the expected outcome with your plastic surgeon. You must understand the expected result, and your plastic surgeon must understand your needs and expectations so he or she can plan the procedure to best accomplish the outcome you desire. Make another pre-operative appointment if necessary.

Stretch mark removal with tummy tuck surgery.

Stretch marks below the belly button should be removed with tummy tuck surgery. There are limitarions with any surgery and you should really have a conversation with your surgeon and feel comfortable with his/her ability and experience with this type of abdominal surgery. Safety is always the first priority and I communicate that with patients during our first visit. Best wishes.

Concerns about adequated removal of stretch marks in a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck can only remove stretch marks contained within the skin that is to be removed and no more. However, those stretch marks that remain will appear less apparent as they will be somewhat flattened out by the transmitted tightening of the skin. Being a "conservative" plastic surgeon has nothing really to do with removal of stretch marks. It does have a lot to do with safety and prudence which is very important particularly for your healing, results and level of risks. more

Conservative or not, not all stretch marks can go

Only stretch marks that are within the tummy tuck pattern, roughly from the belly button to the pubis, are going to be removed during the procedure. You should feel free to discuss your concerns of being tight enough, as surgeons will listen and adjust to your goals ans expectations. Conservative to a surgeon means consistent, safe, very good results. Remember, when we 'swing for the fence' we often strike out. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Stretch mark removal with tummy tuck

As other people have written, in most "average" patients, it is possible to remove the stretch marks below the belly button - but without photos it is hard to give you specific advice. It sounds like you might want to have another discussion with your surgeon before the day of surgery. If you are not comfortable or think that there is another option to achieve your goals, you can always consult with another qualified surgeon for a recommendation. However,... more

Tummy tucks and stretch marks

In a word, tummy tuck is really the only proven way to "get rid of" stretch marks. The real question is how much abnormal skin will still be left. Stretch marks, or "striae," are really the visible signs of rupture or fracture of the skin's elastic and collagen fibers under stretching and deforming forces like pregnancy and weight gain. Thus, there is an irreversible physical and mechanical change to the skin. I tell my patients it's like an... more

MAY possilbly remove strech marks

If the stretch marks are below the belly button they will most likly be removed; as you go out towards the flank it tapers. Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you a good indication. see video

Stretch marks and tummy tuck

The abdominoplasty removes all the skin from the belly button to the pubic hairline. From your description it sounds as if all your stretch marks will be removed. I will tell you stretch marks which are above the belly button are relocated and the tighter skin improves the appearance of them as well. Your plastic surgeon is educating you on what is possible and reasonable. Removing too much skin will create healng problems and wide scarring. If you are having reservations... more

Stretch Marks with Tummy Tuck

Most full abdominoplasty patients will have all of the central stretch marks removed from just above the umbilicus to just above the pubis. But this can only be done if you have enouch skin laxity to be able to pull the wound closed. I do not think you should be asking your plastic surgeon to do something that he or she is uncomfortable with. Assuming you are see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon you should allow them to do the best surgery that they can. It is always... more

Gary Hall, MD

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Kansas City Plastic Surgeon

www.hallmd.com

Stretch marks and tummy tucks

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is not designed to remove stretch marks. I tell my Santa Rosa tummy tuck patients that the removal of stretch marks is incidental and only those stretch marks that happen to be within the removed tissue will be gone. Trying to pull more skin than is advisable can only lead to a very tight closure which can then lead to thickened scars, non-healing wounds, etc. If your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and he/she... more

Stretch marks and tummy tucks

Regardless of how tight a plastic surgeon pulls you, they can only take out those stretch marks that are within the boundries of the skin that can be safely removed. Those that are left still look better because they are tighter. Don't ask a plastic surgeon to push beyond the level of safety they determine for you as your complications rise and the scar is worse too.

Stretch marks and Tummy Tucks

If you have enough skin, most qualified plastic surgeons are able to pull everything down from the level of the belly button down to your pubic area. This should eliminate any stretch marks between these two regions. If you have stretch marks above your belly button, they will be pulled down to your lower abdomen. Unfortunately, these higher stretch marks are much more difficult to remove and there isn't any good solution for them.

Tummy tuck

The more skin is removed, the better the result will be! I try and remove as much as possible to get the best result for the patient.

Optimizing tummy tuck results

The tummy tuck procedure is not “cookie cutter” surgery. Every patient requires a unique approach. If your anatomy allows for removal of all the skin from the naval down, than a well trained and experienced plastic surgeon should be able to achieve that. Being “conservative” has very little to do with it. I would advise getting at least 2 other opinions from surgeons with lots of experience with performing abdominoplasty. more

Removal of Stretch Marks with a TT

If the stretch marks are above the umbilicus to start with, those stretch marks are difficult to get rid of unless you have a significant amount of excess skin removed. It should be possible to remove all stretch marks that are below the level of the umbilicus. If you started with stretch marks above the umbilicus, I can understand why those may still be present after surgery.