Can A Tummy Tuck Remove My Stretch Marks?

Can A Tummy Tuck Remove My Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a troublesome problem for those who have had significant changes in their weight, gone through pregnancy, or experienced quick growth. Stretch marks, or striae, are caused by the skin stretching beyond its limits, which results in tearing of collagen and elastin fibers. Although stretch marks aren't dangerous, they can affect people's self-esteem.

A common question among people wanting to undergo a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is whether this procedure is effective in treating stretch marks. While the primary goal of a tummy tuck is skin removal and tightening the abdominal muscles, it is also possible to remove some stretch marks but only in certain cases. 

Stretch Marks: What Causes Them?

Stretch marks occur due to overly rapid stretching of the skin, damaging the dermis underneath. Many of the most common reasons include: 

  • Pregnancy – The abdomen that is expanding to carry a developing fetus puts a lot of strain on the skin which can lead to stretch marks. 
  • Sudden weight gain or loss – Gaining or losing a substantial amount of weight very quickly can result in the skin rapidly expanding or getting tighter, leading to stretch marks.
  • Growth spurts – Stretch marks usually occur on the thighs, hips, or abdomen of adolescents because of sudden growth.
  • Hormones – Certain steroidal imbalances like high levels of cortisols can damage the skin’s elasticity and can create stretch marks.
  • Family history – Skin of some people is predisposed to stretch marks regardless of how young or old the person is.

Stretch marks are stripes on the body that may appear red, purple, or silver-white, however, as time goes, they may fade but they seldom go without any kind of medical treatment. Stripes generally appear on the body as the person ages or depending on how severe the condition is.

How Does A Tummy Tuck Work?

Can A Tummy Tuck Remove My Stretch Marks? A tummy tuck is a surgical method designed to take excise the extra skin and fat the patient portrays on the chest area whilst tightening the muscles in the region. It is especially performed on a person that has shed considerable amounts of bodyweight or a woman that is post delivery and has excess suppository skin with abdominal separation which is medically known as Diastasis Recti.

The approach requires one to make a surgical incision at the lower side of the abdomen, usually done from one hip to the other, whereby the excess skin is cut off with the underlying muscles. After cutting the skin and muscles, the skin is gradually pulled downwards to the point that a stronger and flatter stomach is created before stitching.

Since a tummy tuck requires the removal of a skin section, any stretch marks inside the removed area will also be excised. However, not every single stretch mark can be removed. 

Can A Tummy Tuck Remove My Stretch Marks Completely?

If a tummy tuck procedure stretch marks, it entirely depends on where the mark is located:-

  • Lower abdominal stretch marks (below the belly button) - These are most likely to be removed, seeing as the loosed skin in this area is usually removed during the operation. 
  • Mid to upper abdominal stretch marks - Although these will not be entirely removed, a tummy tuck will relocate them to a position lower on the abdomen and make it less discernable. 
  • Stretch marks on the flanks or sides - These are not removed by a standard tummy tuck, although an extedend tummy tuck may help reduce stretch marks on these areas. 

Tummy tucks aid in the removals of stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, but cannot remove all stretch marks on the torso.

Types of Tummy Tucks & Their Impact on Stretch Marks

With different kinds of tummy tucks, each treatment has different functionalities when treating stretch marks: 

Full Tummy Tuck

  • Eliminates excess skin from the whole midsection.
  • Perfect for those with loose skin and stretch marks on the lower abdomen.
  • Belly button is moved for a more natural appearance.

Mini Tummy Tuck

  • A more simplistic treatment that eliminates excess skin under the belly button.
  • Does not move the belly button or eliminate upper abdominal stretch marks.
  • Best for those suffering with mild skin looseness.

Extended Tummy Tuck

  • Eliminates excess skin from the midsection, sides, and lower back.
  • Best for those desperate straits after massive weight loss showing extensive stretch marks.
  • Accomplishes greater skin tightening.
  • The procedure one goes with depends the degree of skin looseness, placement of stretch marks, and personal aesthetic targets.

If your stretch marks are not in a location where a tummy tuck can help, there are numerous alternative ways to improve their appearance including:  

Laser Treatments  

These treatments encourage collagen production that helps fade stretch marks over time,especially on newer red or purple ones.  

Microneedling  

This technique uses small needles that create micro-injuries on the skin which triggers the body's natural self healing technique. This improves the color and texture of the skin.  

Topical Retinoids  

Retin-A and similar retinoid creams, when applied consistently, also promote the formation of collagen to reduce mild stretch marks.  

Chemical Peels  

A chemical peel works best for mild stretchmarks than deep, severe ones since they exfoliate the skin surface to even out the tone and texture.  

Radiofrequency Treatments  

They use heat energy to stimulate collagen and elastin's production, which tightens the skin reducing the prominence of stretch marks.  

Can A Tummy Tuck Remove My Stretch Marks: Is It Right for You?  

Like any other surgical procedure, a tummy tuck requires serious thoughts and considerations prior to making decisions. One of the many aspects you should consider is being at a stable weight to prevent future skin stretching.

Stay within what is possible in terms of outcome for the procedure, and make sure that you have realistic expectations. Know that some stretch marks will be left over after the procedure is done. Look for an experienced abdominoplasty surgeon who has a board certification in plastic surgery. 

As a note, a tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss surgery and is intended for people who are at or near to their ideal weight but have loose skin with a lax abdomen. 

Conclusion 

A tummy tuck can be helpful for those who desire to get rid of stretch marks, but the procedure can only aid in getting rid of marks on the lower abdomen where the skin will actually be cut. For all other areas of stretch marks, treatments using lasers, microneedling, and lotions will help in combination. 

If stretch marks are of greatest concern, seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon will help formulate a custom plan that is best for your skin ailment and aesthetic needs. 

Dr. Preeti Yadav is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in Gurgaon.

  • Individually tailored aesthetic goal meeting solutions. 
  • Safe, effective results guaranteed. 
  • From consultation to recovery, comprehensive support available. 
  • Achieving patient comfort and safety while delivering natural-looking results. 
  • Exceptional surgical results delivered over 15+ years of experience.

For those of you thinking about getting a tummy tuck in Gurgon or are trying to figure out ways to get rid of stretch marks, booking a consultation can help you determine which approach is best to meet your goals. So, book your appointment today!