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

The TT will remove the stretchmarks to the level of the belly button. The scar can be well concealed if placed in a low position.  Stretch marks above the navel cannot be removed during a TT.  However, because the skin is lifted and repositioned during the TT, stretch marks above the navel prior to the surgery will be less visible following the TT, as they will be moved to a lower position.  You would need to be examined by a board certified PS to determine if you have enough skin laxity to obtain the results you are seeking.

When an extended abdominoplasty is performed the lateral stretch marks are in part removed. The extent of the removal of the stretch marks is determined by the extent of lax skin, length of tolerated scars and weight loss. Good luck...

Thank you for the question.  You are wise in achieving your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with abdominal wall contouring surgery, when it comes to achieving an optimal outcome.
 
Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.

The "extended" tummy tuck surgery refers to an extension of the abdominoplasty incision to the flanks/lower back area; this operation is helpful when patients wish to improve the appearance of the sides (flanks)/lower back areas. In other words, the operation extends from the anterior abdominal wall to the flanks and back areas, often involving additional skin/tissue excision and liposuction surgery.   The extended tummy tuck operation tends to "create" a more well-defined waistline, compared to standard tummy tuck surgery (which involves some level suction surgery also) alone.

In my practice, I recommend the extended tummy tuck to patients who have significant "excess" of adipose tissue and/or skin of the flank and back areas, where liposuction surgery alone will not suffice.  Patients who have lost skin elasticity in these areas, have a significant amount of diet/exercise adipose issue in these areas, and/or who wish to wear low riding jeans after surgery (and do not want to have a "muffin top" when they bend sideways) are potentially good candidates for the extended tummy tuck operation.

Generally speaking, achieving   realistic expectations is an important part of the preoperative "process";  this involves very careful communication between patient and plastic surgeon when it comes to what the patient wishes to achieve and what is ACTUALLY achievable.  In my opinion, this is often best communicated with the help of visual aids such as photographs (for example previous patients).   Failure to achieve realistic expectations prior to surgery may be a  cause of patient satisfaction, despite a well executed and complication free procedure.  Best to communicate your goals with your plastic surgeon, preferably in front of a full-length mirror; after doing so, he/she will be able to discuss rules expectation concerns with you.  
 
I hope this helps. Best wishes.