Can an extended tummy tuck remove high stretch marks on my love handle? (Photo)

Hello and thank you for your question.   Tummy tucks and extended tummy tucks dramatically improve stretch marks, but I would need a more complete view of your abdomen to better answer your question.  I would recommend that you seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery and be sure he/she addresses all your concerns about an abdominoplasty and discusses the surgery details including the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  In terms of the abdominoplasty details -- the necessary skin and fat is removed, the abdominal muscles are plicated (tightened), a small umbilical incision is made that is not externally visible (to give you an "innie" belly button), and a short, low waistline incision is designed to be easily hidden by your underwear or bikini.  Please view plenty of before-and-after pictures in real women (and not just computer-generated images) who have a similar abdominal appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome.  And lastly, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For further information on tummy tucks, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS

Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

It is hard to give an opinion based on the posted picture, submit a picture showing your entire abdomen. Generally, stretch marks below the belly button will be removed, any above the belly button will be in a lower position. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options are available to you. Good luck.