Why would I still have a lot of stretch marks after my Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a standard tummy tuck three weeks ago. I know three weeks is very early to judge my results. I was told at my consult that the very few little stretch marks I had above my belly button would be down by my pubic line. I have a great deal of stretch marks left between my belly button and incision line. They are on each side and come up almost to my belly button. I see so many photos of women on here that look like all or most of their stretch marks are gone after surgery.

Steven Vath, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Any stretch marks that you had from the belly button down to the pubic bone are removed during a tummy tuck. Stretch marks that were above your belly button are re-positioned when the skin is pulled down and may be a bit more noticeable on your new, tight abdomen. Once the swelling has resolved and the skin and tissues have relaxed a bit, the majority of my patients are not bothered by these marks and feel the tummy tuck was still a very worthwhile procedure.

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

Stretch marks on the lower abdomen are completely removed by the procedure but those above will remain.  Stretch marks can look worse immediately after surgery as the swelling will accentuate them.  As your swelling resolves they will often improve but it may take 4-6 months after surgery.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

An abdominoplasty can predictably remove all of the scars between the navel and the pubic area. Those above will be redistributed in generally look better but do remain.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. A tummy tuck will remove stretch marks that are located from the belly button to the pubic region. Those above the belly button will still be visible but will now be located below the belly button. Hope it clears things up.

Salvatore Pacella, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks in the abdomen are caused by a relatively rapid stretching of the skin which is often the case during pregnancy.  This represents a significant injury into the deep layers of the skin, which usually leaves a permanent scar at the skin surface.  Despite topical treatments, stretch marks usually do not resolve completely.During tummy tuck, it is our goal to usually attempt to reposition these marks lower on the abdomen.  However it is virtually impossible to rid the abdomen of all of the marks.  If a plastic surgeon tries to pull the skin so tightly as to remove all of the stretch marks, this can cause problems with skin blood supply.  Bottom line is that tummy tucks require gentle re-draping of skin.  Pulling too tight to remove all of the stretch marks could leave you with an open wound of your abdomen.

Timothy Connall, MD, FACS · Answer

Please discuss this with your surgeon.Generally, only the stretch marks within the excised skin will be removed with a tummy tuck.  The remaining stretch marks may be displaced inferiorly, but sometimes not as much as might be desirable.  Rarely, new stretch marks occur after tummy tuck surgery from tightening the skin.Best wishes.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

The stretch marks removed by a tummy tuck are are normaly  the stretch marks confined to the skin removed.  If your abdomen was maximally tightened , all of the stretch marks that could be removed would have been removed.  If you have remaining stretch marks and you were maximally tightened the remaining marks were above the skin that could be removed.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

When having an abdominoplasty, you will only lose the stretch marks that are contained within the skin that is removed during the course of the surgery.  Any other marks that are on the front of the stomach that are left behind will be repositioned lower, but all of the others essentially remain in place.As stated, there are no effective treatments for stretch marks other than cutting them out.  It sounds like you had the maximal improvement with your tummy tuck, so hopefully that will make you happy.Best of luck!!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

hello.
thanks for the question. you should contact your plastic surgeon if you feel
any concerns about your surgery, he is the only one who can tell you after a
physical examination what to  expected. not all stretch marks will go after tummy tuck, only those that are in the region of skin being cut, which is
usually below the belly button.

David N. Sayah, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

A
tummy tuck can end up eliminating stretch marks, but not always. Stretch marks
are a form of permanent scarring in the skin, but if they’re located primarily
on the area of skin that’s excised during your abdominoplasty, then they’re removed
for good. The process of stretching the remaining abdominal skin downward
should relocate remaining stretch marks, or even smooth them somewhat out due
to the skin tightening. However, this is not always the case, and these results
depend entirely on your anatomy as well as the approach your surgeon take
during the procedure. If you have concerns, I recommend discussing them with
your surgeon to see what your options are.

Why would I still have a lot of stretch marks after my Tummy Tuck?

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