Why Did I Get New Stretch Marks After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck done 10 weeks ago. About week 3 I discovered I was getting a lot of NEW stretch marks. When I asked the surgeon about it he could not explain why. Is this acceptable to have all these new stretch marks after paying for a tummy tuck?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I have rarely seen new stretch marks in either breasts after placement of implants or in the abdomen after a tummy tuck. I think it is possible but very unlikely. Therefore, I, like the other physicians below, beleive it most likely represents pre-existing stretch marks.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

If these are indeed new stretch marks, then it is from the process of pulling the skin tight to give you the best contour possible. However, I have never seen this before. Usually, the answer is that the stretch marks were there before the surgery, but not very noticeable. Whatever the process was that caused your abdomen to be distended in the first place ( and hence need an abdominoplasty) is probably the culprit. They can be very faint and varely noticeable at first. However, when everything gets tightened, it can make the stretch marks appear more prominent and noticeable. I hope this helps.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

The stretch marks you have now may have been present before and are now just more visible because of swelling and the inflammation that accompanies surgery, which would cause the redness. I have seen stretch marks on the breast worsen after breast augmentation as well. Unfortunately, there is no good treatment for stretch marks and you will likely have to just wait out the healing process and see how they finally heal. You might consult with a dermatologist experienced with lasers about laser treatments that are sometimes effective. Good luck!

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Stretch marks are actually stretch cracks; They are actual cracks in the skin caused by the rapid stretching of skin as is seen with pregnancy. It is extremely rare for a Tummy Tuck to cause stretch marks. The most likely explanation that in tightening the tummy skin, stretch marks that were there but not as obvious can become unveiled.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately these stretch marks may not be new but ones that were there before and are now showing up as the excess skin has been removed and stretched downward. Remember that when you have stretch marks this is evidence of damaged skin throughout the whole area. For ten weeks it looks like you are doing very well and I hope you continue to do so.

Why Did I Get New Stretch Marks After Tummy Tuck?

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