A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, reshapes and flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. Many individuals consider this procedure to address changes in their midsection due to factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging. It is often sought by those who find that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve their desired abdominal contour.
How Tummy Tucks Address Stretch Marks
A tummy tuck can impact stretch marks through the direct removal of skin. The procedure excises excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. If stretch marks are in this area, they are permanently removed with the tissue.
The effectiveness of a tummy tuck in eliminating stretch marks relates to their position. Marks below the navel have the highest chance of removal, as this is the primary region of skin excision. While not designed specifically for stretch marks, their elimination in the lower abdomen is a beneficial side effect.
What Happens to Remaining Stretch Marks
Stretch marks above the navel or on the flanks are typically not removed during a standard tummy tuck, as this skin is not excised. However, these remaining stretch marks might appear differently after surgery.
As abdominal skin is tightened and redraped, stretch marks above the belly button may be repositioned lower. This tightening can make them appear less noticeable or smaller, though they are not eliminated. While their appearance might improve, the marks themselves persist.
Beyond Stretch Marks: Other Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Beyond its effect on stretch marks, a tummy tuck offers other benefits for abdominal contouring. The procedure involves tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti. This muscle repair creates a flatter, firmer abdominal wall and can alleviate a bulging belly that diet and exercise cannot address.
The procedure also removes excess skin, often resulting from weight loss or pregnancy. This contributes to a smoother, more toned abdominal profile. Additionally, a tummy tuck can improve posture and core strength by restoring abdominal muscle integrity.
Key Considerations for the Procedure
Individuals considering a tummy tuck should meet certain criteria for optimal outcomes and safety. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have maintained a stable weight. Surgeons typically recommend being at or near one’s goal weight, often within 10 to 15 pounds, for at least six months prior to surgery.
Prospective patients should also have realistic expectations regarding the results. While a tummy tuck can dramatically improve abdominal contour and may remove some stretch marks, it is not a weight-loss solution. Scarring is an inevitable part of the procedure, and results are best maintained with a stable weight.