Can I have a tissue expander put in to grow new skin and get rid of my stretch marks via tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 3 years ago with the sole purpose of removing majority of my stretch marks. I feel like that did not happen. I was told due to my skin not having much elasticity it couldn’t be done. Can I have a tissue expander put in the area with no stretch marks to grow new skin and then have a tummy tuck to get rid of my stretch marks? This has really affected my life I’m so self conscious about my stretch marks and I want them gone.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without pre-op photos and the benefit of physical exam- it's difficult to comment accurately. Based on limited photos-and generally speaking a Tummy Tuck can remove stretch marks up to the belly button. Your idea about tissue expanders is good and can work if done properly. However, keep in mind- this will significantly be more expensive than  tummy tuck revision

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no efficient treatment for stretch marks unfortunately. There are occasional reports of success with laser treatment but that seem not to be as satisfactory as we would like. I am afraid that in a process of skin expansion (if it would be possible to such an extent in abdominal area) you will develop more stretch marks (due to poor skin elasticity and small amount of collagen in your skin) what will beat the purpose of skin expansion. It would be very extensive, lengthy and unpredictable procedure all together. Sorry. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Skin removal is really the only way to treat stretch marks and some patients are more prone to them than others. Unfortunately, tissue expanders are not successful on the abdomen because there is no firm surface for them to expand against (bone, etc.). Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Richard Zinn, MBChB, MMED, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.  It is an interesting one.  Firstly, you need to consider what a stretch mark is.  When the tissue is stretched, your dermis can rupture bringing about stretch marks.  There is no cure for this problem although there is much investigations into treatments.

A tissue expander would be employed to stretch the skin, and in itself may bring about more stretch marks.  In any event, this would need a number of operations, a high complication rate and an area that does not have great outcomes with tissue expansion.

Unfortunately, I don't think this is a viable option.
A tummy tuck usually gets most of the marks out.  You can try a redo tummy tuck to see if you can get more stretch marks out.  Chat to your qualified plastic surgeon to get his opinion.

All the best

Can I have a tissue expander put in to grow new skin and get rid of my stretch marks via tummy tuck? (Photos)

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