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Will Tummy Tuck Incision on Stretch Marks Cause Problems?

asked 2 years ago by debnfl in Florida
Latest answer by Christopher L. Hess, MD
Question viewed 542 times
Tags: stretch marks, belly, incision

If during a Tummy Tuck the incision made is through wide stretch marks, will the thin skin cause any healing problems?

4 answers to Will Tummy Tuck Incision on Stretch Marks Cause Problems?

+2

Tummy Tuck incision on stretch marks

Dear Debnfl, Do not worry. We do it ALL the time. Stretch marks are cracks through the dermis caused by sudden stretching which heal with scar tissue. For this reason they cannot be removed DESPITE the billions of dollars spent on ads telling you that. An abdominoplasty will remove much of the stretch marks damaged skin below the belly button. Since the wound is held together with several layers of stitches UNDER the skin and the stretch marks, there should be no tension on them and they... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy tucks and stretch marks

Hi, Placing the scar directly across stretch marks is not uncommon in tummy tucks, since it is usually not possible to remove ALL of the stretch marks. You are right to question healing, since it is more difficult to sew together skin that has stretch marks on it, however it should not impact healing of the scar itself.
Nirav Savalia, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck Incision Through Stretch Marks

Your question is actually interesting and not without merit. Stretch marks are actually caused by rapid stretching of the skin such that occurs with pregnancy or weight gain. Genetics plays a large role. Some patients have skin that is less elastic and thus more susceptible to stretch marks. The appearance of these marks is due to splitting of the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) with an intact epidermis (the superficial layer). Since the dermis is the main structural layer of the skin... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

No necessarily, but

Stretch marks are caused by changes in the dermal thickness of the skin. If the marks are extremely thin, this may make suturing to the opposing skin a bit difficult and the skin can swelll differentially causing temporary surface contour irregularities. There can also be potential "step-off" of soft tissue thickness that this thinning contribute to. These are all trade-offs to the positives of an improved contour.
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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