Does a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
A tummy tuck can significantly improve the look of your abdomen and may remove stretch marks in the lower belly, but it’s not a universal stretch mark removal solution. Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches due to weight gain, pregnancy, or the natural aging process, causing visible tears in the dermis. While stretch marks can appear anywhere, they are most often found on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, and buttocks.
A common aesthetic concern for post-pregnancy women, many patients wonder whether a tummy tuck can effectively remove stretch marks and restore a smoother look on the surface of the skin. Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Wesley Schooler, MD, FACS outlines what to expect from the tummy tuck procedure and reveals when abdominoplasty is capable of eliminating stretch marks on the midsection.
What’s the Goal of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a body sculpting procedure designed to:
- Remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area
- Tighten the underlying muscles
- Create a smoother, flatter, and more toned midsection
During the procedure, Dr. Schooler makes an incision low on the abdomen, removes excess skin, and repositions the remaining skin for a more youthful contour. If stretch marks are affecting your confidence, a tummy tuck may help remove them or improve their appearance — particularly stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
When Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks that fall within the area of skin removed during surgery — most often, tissue below the belly button — can be permanently eliminated. In cases of significant skin laxity, such as after pregnancy or major weight loss, additional skin may be removed, which may be able to get rid of more pervasive stretch marks if necessary. Once Dr. Schooler evaluates your concerns, he will be able to more definitely guide you in whether the body contouring procedure can address your stretch marks.
Stretch marks located above the belly button generally remain after surgery, although they may be shifted lower on the abdomen and appear smoother or less noticeable. The amount of improvement depends on the skin’s quality and the type of tummy tuck performed. A mini tummy tuck removes less skin, so it eliminates fewer stretch marks than a full tummy tuck.
Considerations Regarding Stretch Mark Removal
The possibility of removing stretch marks with a tummy tuck depends on certain factors, such as the type of tummy tuck technique performed and the elasticity of your abdominal skin:
- Partial vs. Full Tummy Tuck: A mini tummy tuck removes less skin, so it may not be able to remove stretch marks as thoroughly as a full tummy tuck.
- Skin Quality: If your skin is very thin or has poor elasticity, some stretch marks may still be visible even in the lower abdomen after tightening.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
For remaining stretch marks, non-surgical treatments like fractional laser resurfacing, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, and topical retinoids can help improve the skin texture and fade their appearance. Many patients choose to combine these treatments with a tummy tuck for more comprehensive results.
Knowing what to expect from the final results of abdominoplasty is an important part of the process and Dr. Schooler is passionate about educating patients on the various treatment options that can help them achieve their goals. Contact Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center today for more information or to book your initial consultation.