Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Usually if a patient has a lot of stretch marks, there is more skin and more skin laxity than there seems. Especially if there are stretch marks above the belly button, the best procedure is usually a full tummy tuck.

All of the stretch marks will not be removed, but the majority usually can be. Every patient is unique and as always, an exam will be necessary to determine how effective the procedure can be for you. (Kelly E. Tjelmeland, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)

Based on your description, you will see much improvement in your contour by removal of the loose skin. Depending on the amount of loose skin, your surgeon may recommend a full or mini tummy tuck.

I typically find patients have a skin only problem, without much fatty tissue, have superb tummy tuck results once the skin is tightened. I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result! (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

Over the last 10 years we have used many different modalities to get rid of stretch marks in my practice. Lasers, RF, ultrasound, etc. The only certain way is for the skin with stretch marks to be removed (excised) when performing a tummy tuck. This, of course, only addresses the stretch marks located in the area where the skin is removed. (Z. Paul Lorenc, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck for stretch marks

The most aggressive tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, can only remove the stretch marks from the belly button down to the pubic area. In general, it would not remove the stretch marks above your belly button. That being said, from your photo, it is not clear if you would be a candidate for a full as opposed to a mini tummy tuck. Best to have an in person consultation! (Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS, Wellesley Plastic Surgeon)

You are excellent candidate for a Tummy Tuck. At our practice we have performed surgery on patients with severe stretch marks and lose skin and their results have been very successful. (Jhonny Salomon, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

The issue you are describing is the key goal of a tummy tuck. At this point, the best solution for stretch marks is to remove the skin that is overly stretched. A tummy tuck will do this. Your stretch marks are fairly high, as you describe them, so the problem can be in leaving some behind If that is the case, remember that the top tummy tuck incision should get pulled much much lower, below your panty line, which will, at the very least, put those marks in a much less conspicuous place.

Tightening the muscle can have a greater effect than you might think and can be used to improve your shape. I’d encourage you to find a board certified plastic surgeon whom you trust and let that persons exam and discussion guide your expectations. (Jeremy Pyle, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)

My initial thoughts after seeing the one image that you have posted are that you are a much better candidate for tummy tuck than for liposuction of the abdomen. You have significant laxity of your abdominal tissues, and that can only be addressed with removal. Additionally, you have laxity of your muscle wall as well, and you would have optimal contouring of your tummy if you had that repaired also.

This can only be done with a tummy tuck. Regarding the stretch marks, the only benefits that you can expect from a tummy tuck are the removal of those that are within the area of skin that is removed with the tummy tuck and perhaps some tightening or stretching of the stretch marks that remain so that they are possibly a bit less noticeable.

They will always be there as they are really caused by fracture of the skin’s elastic fibers, and once that happens, unfortunately there is no way to reverse it or treat it other than removal.

If stretch marks are your primary goal, I would think twice about tummy tuck, and liposuction will do nothing for them at all. (Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)