What else can I do with my stretch mark after TT? (Photos)

Question

This picture is five days after my tummy tuck surgery. I'm happy with the outcome so far but the remaining stretch mark all over my stomach is driving me crazy. Is there a stretch mark cream, oil, that will help improve the appearance? Will it become less noticeable overtime? Is there any suggestion or brand that will make it look better while in early stage? I'm still wearing the body binder (garment) and applying ointment on my scar. Very concerned about my stretch mark.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Looks like your surgeon did a very nice job on your tummy tuck! However, there are limitations to how much of the stria (stretch marks) that can be removed with a tummy tuck. Having said that, the tummy tuck pulls the stria tight so they become more flat and less noticeable and now they are puffy and swollen which will significantly improve as the months pass. Know that it typically takes around one year for the on-and off swelling of your abdomen to subside, until then, you will need to wear an elastic garment to help keep the swelling down. Thank you for sharing!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  In the initial phases of recovery from a tummy tuck it is not uncommon for remaining stretch marks to worsen in appearance due to the skin tension.  This tends to improve spontaneously with time once your swelling resolves and skin loosens a bit.  Unfortunately there is no solution to stretch marks except by cutting them out so I would advocate maintaining your skin moisturized but it will not make the stretch marks disappear.  Hope this helps.

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

You look fantastic! Your early result is excellent. With the swelling that is present, your stretch marks look worse, so with time, they will be better. I do not recommend anything for the striae at this point. Check with your surgeon for additional recommendations. Best wishes.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!Thanks for the question and provided information as well.Certainly it's too soon to think about the stretch marks, because right now they look bigger and thicker due to the swollen.I recommend you to get in touch with your plastic surgeon to talk about it and see what to do after.Good luck :)

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. The result seems quite good for five days post surgery. I would wait a month or two to see what the remaining stretch marks look like before contemplating treatment. We have had very good success with skin of any color in treating stretch marks using micro needling with radiofrequency. The technique is called Vivace. Under a topical cream anesthetic, a machine can robotically stamp a 1 cm grid containing 36 goldplated needles which are 430,000 of a millimeters in s izw. While the needles are in the skin, radiofrequency heat can be delivered at multiple different levels so as to create microscopic injuries that heal with new collagen formation. It is this new collagen that gives the skin better elasticity and appearance with less stretch marks. Hope that's helpful.

What else can I do with my stretch mark after TT? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Can I pole dance 9 weeks after tummy tuck?

How much do you have to weigh to be considered to get an apron removal?

How many inches can I expect to lose off my waistline If I get a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Bunched up skin, is this normal? 1 week post-op TT. (Photos)

I have loose skin on my stomach from multiple pregnancies -- would I need a full or mini tummy tuck? (Photos)

3 wks post op & center of TT scar is red w/yellow oozing. It doesn't look like there is an opening. What could it be? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS