Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks

Skin stretches during periods of rapid weight gain to accommodate increased body volume. Because skin is elastic, it will tolerate significant stretching over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy. However, at some point, the skin reaches a limit, and the deepest layer will tear instead of stretching further. When the deep layer tears, the overlying skin remains intact but appears thin and streaky. These streaks are called stretch marks. Once stretch marks occur, they are permanent.

These stretch mark lines start out red and then evolve to a white depressed scar with a different mobility than adjacent tissue. The exact cause is unknown, but the leading theory describes the formation of stretch marks as due to degradation of collagen, which then heals with a scar.

Stretch marks are often a source of disturbance and frustration for women, particularly those who have undergone childbirth. Due to pregnancy, their abdominal area will get stretched out resulting in loose skin and a lot of stretch marks. No matter how intense their post-pregnancy work-out regiment is, or how healthy their diet is, or how much firming lotions, stretch-away creams, and other supplements they use, many women will find out that nothing has worked. Although there have been many treatments available to remove stretch marks, results have not been consistent nor do we know about the long term results. And indeed, many doctors conclude there is no consistently effective (non-surgical) treatment for stretch marks. This can be a source of great aggravation and disappointment for women suffering from stretch marks- leading to a low self- esteem.

But there is an answer in tummy tucks, otherwise known as abdominiplasty. This surgical procedure is performed to remove excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the mid and lower abdominal region and to tighten up the abdominal wall - and in the process, it removes those unsightly stretch marks.

Tummy tuck surgery involves making an incision to remove loose skin and excessive fat. The length of the incision is determined by the amount of loose skin that is to be removed. The incision lengths vary from as short as six inches (Mini Tummy Tuck) to as long as the entire circumference of the waist (Body Lift). The most common incision length runs from hip to hip concealed beneath the bikini line (Full or Traditional Tummy Tuck).

Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. Because much of the skin below the belly button is removed during a Tummy Tuck, stretch marks in this area are also removed. If you have stretch marks below your belly button and are also interested in having a tummy tuck, then this operation will remove those stretch marks. It is agreed that there is no other proven treatment for stretch marks.

Interested people are recommended to consult a board certified plastic surgeon in order to determine your individual needs. It should be remembered that. It is important to remember that by undergoing tummy tuck surgery you will be trading one scar for another. It is only therefore used, as in 'scar revision' surgery, when the trade off is worth it, for example, in a woman with a bulging lower tummy which has multiple stretch marks, a tummy tuck operation will improve both the bulge and remove her lower tummy stretch marks.

Tummy tuck plastic surgery combined with hysterectomy, is generally advocated as being safe. The amazing growth experienced by the plastic surgery industry has led to major technological advancements allowing for a relatively easy procedure and a safe and comfortable recovery. It is important to remember that combining hysterectomy and abdominiplasty surgical procedures, like any other surgical procedures, may increase complications. Therefore, consultation with your gynecologist and/or plastic surgeon is necessary to evaluate each patient's individual case.