I am considering a tummy tuck. I weigh 148lbs and am 5'3". Pregnancy (2 yrs ago) and weight loss (70 lbs in 1 year) have caused loose, wrinkly & creased tummy skin, a "squashed" and wide looking bely button and a drooping tummy/pannus. I also have white stretch marks above and below my belly button. I know a tummy tuck will help my lower abdomen, but can it help the area above my belly button, too?
February 24, 2015
Answer: Can a Tummy Tuck help even if I have stretch marks ABOVE my belly button? The lower stretch marks will be removed with a tummy tuck and the upper ones brought to a lower position where they will be less obvious. While there are many nonsurgical procedures that are claimed to get rid of stretch marks, most ethical knowledgeable plastic surgeons will tell you that they have limited if any benefit, are unreliable, and not a satisfactory option. Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best surgery. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, M.D., FACS La Jolla,California
Helpful
February 24, 2015
Answer: Can a Tummy Tuck help even if I have stretch marks ABOVE my belly button? The lower stretch marks will be removed with a tummy tuck and the upper ones brought to a lower position where they will be less obvious. While there are many nonsurgical procedures that are claimed to get rid of stretch marks, most ethical knowledgeable plastic surgeons will tell you that they have limited if any benefit, are unreliable, and not a satisfactory option. Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best surgery. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, M.D., FACS La Jolla,California
Helpful
February 24, 2015
Answer: Can a Tummy Tuck help even if I have stretch marks ABOVE my belly button? The stretch marks above the belly button will be moved further down on the belly. If you have a significant amount of loose skin above the belly button, more of the stretch marks above the belly button could be removed. Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Helpful
February 24, 2015
Answer: Can a Tummy Tuck help even if I have stretch marks ABOVE my belly button? The stretch marks above the belly button will be moved further down on the belly. If you have a significant amount of loose skin above the belly button, more of the stretch marks above the belly button could be removed. Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Helpful