Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks?

You bring up a lot of important points in your question. If you just had your baby 6 weeks ago, this is not a good time for a tummy tuck for a number of reasons. Your body is still adjusting back to it's normal state, and will continue to change as you lose weight and the tissues shrink. The skin and soft tissues stretched out to accomodate the pregnancy, and now they are in the process of returning to their "new normal" state. I typically recommend waiting at least six months... more

Most experienced plastic surgeons have strict guidelines to adhere to when planning an abdominoplasty procedure. In your case, you are in the immediate post-partum phase of healing. This is an important time when estrogen and hormones are peaking and affecting the anterior abdominal wall and skin. Hormones have an influence on your stretch marks, ligaments, tendons, and skin, causing them to stretch. This is the case because during pregnancy, the estrogen levels peak and the ligaments and... more

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Abdominoplasty produces the best result when you are as close to your ideal weight as possible. The concept of losing weight after the tummy tuck typically produces results that aren't as good as losing the weight first. Of course, losing weight is the hardest thing we ask people to do (probably tied with quitting smoking). But you will have significantly better results as more skin can be taken out (hopefully incorporating all of your... more

Unfortunately, the only way to remove stretch marks is to cut them out. If you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, then the skin area from below the umbilicus to the pubic region can be removed.

It is in your best interest to lose all the weight and then reassess your abdomen and skin laxity. My guiess is that you will have more loose skin then prior to the pregnancy and that you will be a candidate for some form of an abdominoplasty, see video

Although you may think that you do not have extra skin, if you have stretch marks, then you have extra skin. Be sure that your third child is your last and then get the tummy tuck. My favorite technique is the High lateral Tension Abdomenoplasty - great results, great scar and natural hourglass body shape without dog ears!

To proudnavyaowife, Hi. Wait a few months, lose a few more pounds, and then consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.  You will probably do fine with a tummy tuck.  I think you will have enough loose skin.  Just make sure you are done having babies before you have a tummy tuck.

Hi- I understand your frustration- you know it would be best to wait until you've reached your target weight to pursue surgery but are afraid that if you do, the outcome of surgery will be compromised. I don't think you need be concerned, however. It IS important to lose the weight of the pregnancy, and to allow your body adequate time to recover from the pregnancy and delivery (at least 3 months) before surgery- only after this recovery will you and your surgeon be able to be confident... more