Treating horizontal stretch marks near belly button. Am I a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

It is a rare individual in whom the minitummy tuck produces the best
result. However, I would need to examine you to make
that determination.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year. Look for great reviews and great
before
and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

A mini tummy tuck will only remove stretch marks on the very lower part of your abdomen.  It is hard to say from that photo alone but it does not look like a tumm tuck alone would remove all of your stretch marks.  Two non-invasive procedures we have had luck with treating stretch marks are E-Matrix and MicroPen.  Both treatments have helped diminish the appearance of stretch marks and improved skin texture as well.  A series of at least 6 is recommended.  I hope this helps and good luck to you!

The only way to permanently address stretch marks is to surgically remove them. If not addressed they do tend to fade some over time, but they will always be there. I've included a video about stretch marks that I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for the question and picture. Unfortunately, the mini tummy tuck operation will not help you improve the areas that you have concerns about. The areas addressed with the mini tummy tuck operations are along the very lower part of the abdominal wall, just above the pubic area.  Generally speaking, the mini tummy tuck operation produces very limited results, and is very rarely indicated for patients who have undergone pregnancies and/or significant weight gain/loss. Personally, if I were seeing you in consultation, I would probably suggest that you avoid ANY surgery;  I think that scarring along your abdominal wall, including around the umbilicus, may be more bothersome to you than the existing stretch marks.   Best wishes.

From this picture it is hard to say what the best approch would be. The only way to get ride of stretch marks is to surgically remove them and that does leave a scar. Go in for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out what your best option would be and what you can expect. Good luck, Dean Vistnes.

Thanks for your question. The mini tummy tuck is usually reserved for a select group of patients with loose skin in the lower abdominal area, and would do nothing to help with stretch marks around the umbilicus. Best of luck.

A mini tummy tuck (basically the same thing as a modified tummy tuck) is an excellent procedure - but only if you know what it will and won't do.  It removes skin (and fat) from the lower portion of the abdomen.  Lipo can be performed simultaneously for maximum effect.However, it does not remove stretch marks from the region you're showing on the photo (as far as I can tell).  Stretch marks are, in fact, hard to "remove" at all, despite many claims to the contrary.  In general, tissue can be removed (including any stretch marks) and then remained skin is lowered and stretched out, all of which improves the overall appearance of the abdomen.  But removing specific and isolated stretch marks is beyond the scope of a tummy tuck of any kind.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100