Tummy tucks and stretch marks?

Hormonal changes and weight gain can cause
hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and accelerated skin growth. For the most
part, women are genetically predisposed to certain conditions, but there are
things we can do to help skin regain its youthful look. Acid creams encourage
exfoliation of dead skin and help the skin to regain its glow. I sometimes use
microdermabrasion on stretch marks, but it requires multiple treatments over a
large area, and lots of patience. Some light lasers can also help tighten
stretch marks.
When sagging and scarring are really bad, however, I usually
advocate a tummy tuck. Typical candidates for a full tummy tuck are women with
drooping abdomens after pregnancy, women and men who've lost a great deal of
weight, menopausal women, or older people with loose skin due to age. In the
tummy tuck, the skin from the rib cage down to the pelvic area is tightened,
and the navel is moved up and secured in a new position.



Thermage® is now a safe, non-invasive, radiofrequency (RF) cosmetic
procedure that’s clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for
an overall younger looking appearance. The treatment delivers natural looking
results with little to no downtime —on all skin colors, on and off the face,
all in a single procedure. Fast and easy, you can even come in during your
lunch break and return to work after!

Thermage® uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep, collagen rich
layers of your skin. The heat helps tighten existing collagen and stimulate the
formation of new collagen, which reduces sagging, renews contours, and improves
the smoothness and texture of the skin’s surface. Comfort Pulse Technology,
including a vibrating handpiece delivers enhanced patient comfort. On the body,
Thermage® can treat wrinkled, crepey, sagging or bulging skin as well as the
appearance of cellulite.

ZERONA® is an FDA cleared alternative to liposuction, which reduces inches
with no pain, no surgery and no downtime. Patients are losing between 3.5 to
5.5 inches and many are seeing even greater results when combined with a
sensible diet and exercise program. It's the perfect way to lose stubborn body
fat from: neck, love handles, arms, hips, back/bra‐line, thighs, tummy/waistline and knees in this
fast pace world we live in. After just six 40 minute treatments you will see
inches melt away. And best of all there is no recovery or downtime so you can
resume all your normal activities immediately after each treatment.

A tummy tuck (with muscle repair)  may produce the best result, but an exam or pictures would be helpful.Find
a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year, has great reviews, and has great before and after
pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Given the history you have provided, I would say the treatment of choice for you would be a full tummy tuck with tightening of the muscles and some liposuction.  A mini tummy tuck does not address the area of the abdomen above the umbilicus.  A full tummy tuck would remove the excess skin and the stretch marks on your lower abdomen.  Consult a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of tummy tucks and schedule a consultation. Best of luck,