I still have stretch marks after getting a tummy tuck. Any product suggestions?

Question

I want to try to make them less visible as possible I'm three weeks into recovery

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks that are left after a tummy tuck are usually very low on the abdominal wall, usually just above the abdominoplasty incision.  This new position of the stretch marks makes them a little less obvious than pre-operatively.  Unfortunately, there are no lotions or potions on the market which improve or eliminate stretch marks.  I have not personally seen any improvement in stretch marks after treatment by the various lasers which are touted to be stretch mark eliminators. Long lasting improvement in the appearance of stretch marks is truly the holy grail.  As of 2015, the only way to truly improve upon stretch marks is to cut them out surgically.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photo the stretch marks are above the area of skin resection. There is no magic product that gets rid of stretch marks. There are some lasers that may help the appearance of stretch marks. I would discuss this with your PS. Best of luck.

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to half some of your stretch marks remaining after tummy tuck, as the procedure doesn't get the higher up stretch marks on your abdomen, it just moves them lower.  Often, the swelling will also make these stretch marks temporarily look worse, but this resolve.  There is only one treatment that I am hearing about that might improve stretch marks a little bit and that is Fraxel Laser Treatment, which might be something to look into.  Typically dermatologists have better experience in this area.  Again, there is no cure for stretch marks, though!  Your result overall appear to be very nice!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. You will find that the appearance of the stretch marks may improve as swelling completely dissipates. This may take months/up to one year, to fully occur.   There are no products available, despite heavy marketing, that will improve the appearance of established stretch marks. Personally, I have very little faith that lasers will make much change in the appearance of established stretch marks either. Best wishes for outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

I still have stretch marks after getting a tummy tuck. Any product suggestions?

Answers (4)

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