Can you get new stretch marks having a full tummy tuck and if so why?

Question

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

It is highly unlikely that you would get stretch marks from an abdominoplasty.  I have never seen or heard of it.  Often times they are completely removed if they are focussed in the lower abdomen.  Sometimes the upper marks remain if they extend quite high.  Stretch marks come from rapidly stretching the skin and thus causing injury to it.  Although tummy tucks tighten the skin, they do not do so to this extreme.  If a tummy tuck were closed under that much tension the wound would likely open... so that is not done.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a very good stretchmark removal tool.  I have not seen a tummy tuck cause stretchmarks.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

I do not believe you get "new" stretch marks after a tummy tuck. In fact, all the stretch marks from below the belly button to the planned incision line will be removed. In my experience, the remaining stretch marks above the original belly button position will be lowered and less noticeable as the skin is pulled tighter, thus flattening the marks.I have also found that performing Collagen Induction Treatments with microneedling (we use the DermaPen in our office) is a great adjunct to help lessen the remaining stretch marks and will also help camouflage the incisional scars as well.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck does not produce new stretch marks.  In many cases, any stretch marks which were located below the belly button can be successfully removed.  However, whatever stretch marks that remain may appear more prominent because the underlying fat (which stretched the stretch mark to make it pale) has been reduced. The result is that any remaining stretch marks (now usually very low down on the abdomen near the incision) are pinker than prior to surgery.Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

John Sampson, MD (license restricted) · Answer

I would think that stretching of the skin after a tummy tuck would produce stretch marks. But in over 20 years of practice, I have not seen or have I had even one complaint from a patient.So, my answer is it is possible but unlikely.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The tummy tuck should not create new stretch marks.  However be aware that stretch marks that U already have will be moved to a lower location on your tummy as the tummy tuck can only remove stretch marks below the belly button.

Can you get new stretch marks having a full tummy tuck and if so why?

Answers (6)

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Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

11 weeks post op Tummy Tuck and Pain After Exercise. (photo)

Can you get an arm lift and tummy tuck at the same time?

What are some signs of a bad/good Tummy tuck? (photo)

12 days post-op: Does tummy tuck look like it was done professionally and Is the pleating and the stitching normal? (Photo)

After a tummy tuck surgery will I be able to get pregnant again without causing a big mess up in the abdomen? (photo)

Steri-strips... Should they be pulled? Or changed? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS