How can I get rid of crepey skin after a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

Had a tummy tuck with major muscle repair last year. These stretch marks were above my belly button and when they got pulled down they pulled and also got crepey. When i stretch my stomach skin, to me it looks better. What procedure can be done to make that happen? I was looking at bodytite but is that the best option. I also do not currently have a belly button, it will be made at a later time.

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

Yes, this can certainly be improved quite a bit. First, you have to understand the difference between skin quantity versus skin quality. If there’s extra skin left over, you can easily come back and cut out the old tummy tuck scar in any extra skin above it. For the remaining stretch marks, a powerful micro needling RF device can shrink the width of them over several treatments. My favorite device for this on the body is the Morpheus. As far as creating a new umbilicus, this can also be done as well. It does not look as natural as a belly button from birth, but certainly better than not having one.

Erik Peterson, MD · Answer

Hi! Dr. Peterson here &mdash;
What you’re noticing makes sense &mdash; when you stretch the skin, the crepiness looks smoother, which tells us this is mostly a skin texture and laxity issue rather than deeper fat. After a tummy tuck, stretch marks and crepey skin can still remain, since surgery removes skin but doesn’t change the quality of what’s left.
BodyTite is a radiofrequency device that tightens skin to some degree, but it tends to be more effective for mild-to-moderate laxity and doesn’t directly improve stretch marks or crepey texture. For that, treatments like fractional CO2 laser, radiofrequency microneedling, or resurfacing procedures are often better choices. They work by stimulating new collagen and elastin to thicken and smooth the skin.
It’s also worth noting that no procedure can make stretch marks disappear completely, but we can improve their appearance and skin quality. Since you’ll also be having your belly button reconstruction, your dermatologist or surgeon can help you plan the timing so healing is optimized.
A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon is the best next step to determine if resurfacing, microneedling RF, or a combination would give you the smoothest result.

Behnoush Zarrini, MD · Answer

Crepey skin after a tummy tuck is unfortunately common when stretch-marked skin gets pulled downward. What you’re seeing is more about the quality of the skin (thin dermis, stretch marks) than looseness alone - which is why it looks better temporarily when you pull it taut.
For improvement, the focus is on collagen and elastin remodeling rather than just “tightening”:
RF microneedling (Morpheus8, Virtue, etc.): Stimulates new collagen in the dermis, thickens the skin, and smooths crepiness. Usually done in a series.
Fractional resurfacing (CO₂ or Er:YAG lasers): Excellent for stretch marks and texture. Stronger results, but does involve some downtime.
Biologic boosters (PRP or exosomes with microneedling): Can enhance healing and help stretch marks remodel.
Energy-based tightening (BodyTite, Renuvion): These work best for deeper laxity and excess tissue. They won’t fully correct stretch-mark crepiness but can be combined with resurfacing.
Since you’re also planning belly button reconstruction, some surgeons will evaluate whether a small skin revision or excision can be combined at that time if there’s still redundant tissue.
Bottom line: BodyTite alone won’t give the smooth look you’re hoping for. The most reliable improvement comes from stacked approaches - usually RF microneedling + fractional CO₂ (with or without PRP/exosomes). A board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who offers both tightening and resurfacing options can create the right sequence for you.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Quantum has replaced bodytite and is now the state of the art skin tightening especially if you combine it with Morpheus at the same time.  That will really help you a lot and is so easy to undergo.

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Hi, bodytite is great, but may not address the superficial skin like you are hoping for.  You may be better off with Morpheus 8 series of treatment, with more focus on depth between 1-3 ideally to address the superficial area.   If any area has fatty deposits that you want further reduced, then the Morpheus can go deeper up to 7mm.  But I would not recommend that deep for the crepey skin that you have going on.  Add Rejuran with the treatment for optimal results.  This is something that my team addresses a lot and the results are noticeable improvement. You’ll never get rid of all old stretch marks, but it beats not doing anything.  I hope that helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The only way to completely erase stretch marks is to surgically excise them.  You may be able to improve the way they appear though.  Consider Morpheus8 Body.  This treatment combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

How can I get rid of crepey skin after a tummy tuck? (Photos)

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