Concerns About Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks

Thanks for the question -
Abdominoplasty is an effective way to remove stretch mark scars, tighten abdominal muscles, remove excess skin typical after weight loss or pregnancy and improve your abdominal contour.
These benefits come at the cost of a scar. For full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) there is a scar around your umbilicus and from hip to hip. Typically this scar is low enough to be hidden in your panty line.
Unfortunately, other treatments of treating stretch marks tend to not be very effective.
I hope this helps!

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can significantly improve the appearance of your abdomen, especially if you're dealing with excess skin and stretch marks from pregnancy or weight changes.
Stretch Marks Below the Belly Button: If your stretch marks are primarily below the belly button, there's a good chance they will be removed during the procedure. This is because a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin from the lower abdomen, which often includes the area where stretch marks are located.
Stretch Marks Above the Belly Button: Stretch marks above the belly button are more challenging. While some may be improved as the skin is stretched and pulled tighter, it's unlikely that they will be completely removed, as they are typically not part of the skin that gets excised. However, these marks might be moved downward, making them less noticeable.
Liposuction: Liposuction can help contour areas of excess fat, but it will not significantly affect stretch marks. While it may help to improve overall body shape, it is not a solution for stretch marks.
Consulting with a plastic surgeon is crucial to discuss your specific concerns and understand what can be realistically achieved with a tummy tuck.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Dear Sherlykeyrose,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about stretch marks and considering a tummy tuck procedure. It's understandable that you're seeking solutions for the stretch marks that can impact your confidence and self-image.

It's important to understand that while a tummy tuck can address excess skin and improve abdominal contours, it may not completely eliminate stretch marks, especially those located above the belly button. During a tummy tuck, the skin is tightened and excess skin is removed, which can lead to the elongation of existing stretch marks. Stretch marks located above the belly button are typically more challenging to remove completely.

However, stretch marks located below the belly button, especially within the area of skin that is excised during the tummy tuck procedure, may be effectively removed along with the excess skin. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the expected outcomes of the procedure and provide realistic expectations regarding the improvement of your stretch marks.

As for undergoing liposuction in certain areas, while it can help contour specific areas of the body by removing localized fat deposits, it may not significantly impact the appearance of stretch marks. Liposuction is primarily focused on fat removal rather than addressing skin concerns like stretch marks.

I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific concerns, evaluate your candidacy for a tummy tuck, and discuss the potential outcomes of the procedure based on your unique anatomy and goals. Your surgeon can also provide you with before and after photos of patients with similar concerns to help you visualize possible results.

Best wishes on your journey toward achieving your desired aesthetic goals.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon