Can a Tummy Tuck Improve Stretch Marks?
Posted January 30, 2017 in Stretch Marks, Tummy Tuck
If you have redundant folds of skin around your midsection, you might be considering body contouring to help you achieve the physique you desire. Men and women may both develop excess skin around the abdomen for a number of reasons, the most common being weight fluctuations, aging, and in women, pregnancy. The most common abdominal contouring procedure is the tummy tuck, and it can be used in combination with liposuction to eliminate excess fat. However, for many patients, excess skin and fat aren’t the only abdominal issues they have. Stretch marks can cause an unattractive belly appearance, which many people seek to hide with clothing. On the right patient, a tummy tuck can improve the appearance of abdominal stretch marks for smoother abdominal skin.
Why Do Stretch Marks Develop?
Stretch marks typically develop when there is rapid stretching of an area of skin. Adolescents commonly develop stretch marks during growth spurts, which fade over time. Adults develop stretch marks when there are rapid or prolonged changes in the elasticity of their skin. Women are likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy, and men and women can develop stretch marks with weight gain. Dramatic weight loss can leave the developed stretch marks looking more prominent on loose skin. While the abdomen is one of the most common areas where stretch marks develop, you may notice their presence on the breasts, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
Treating Abdominal Stretch Marks
You can find many at-home treatments for stretch marks that include various creams. However, depending on your genetics and the rate of your skin expansion, your stretch marks may be too deep or dark to treat with at-home remedies. If this is your case, a tummy tuck may be the right choice for you.
Patients with excess abdominal skin who also have stretch marks can use a tummy tuck to restore a smooth and firm appearance. If stretch marks are on the portions of skin that are removed, the stretch marks are removed along with the excess skin. When the skin is redraped, remaining stretch marks can be smoothed out.
While a tummy tuck cannot eliminate 100 percent of your stretch marks, you will have a noticeable change in the amount and color of your stretch marks. For many patients, their remaining stretch marks are so faint that they feel comfortable wearing bathing suits and revealing clothing.
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your abdomen, schedule your consultation with Dr. Koch today. Call us at (716) 631-1220 or contact us online.