In this article, we will talk about a question that baffles many patients after losing fat, which is: Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Firstly let’s know what are stretch marks ?
Stretch marks are a type of scarring on the skin that can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, puberty, heredity, or fast weight increase or decrease.
The most common locations are:
- Thighs.
- Breasts.
- Hips.
- Buttocks.
- Abdomen.
They occur when the dermis – the middle layer of the skin that keeps its shape and elasticity – is stretched beyond its capacity, causing collagen (the protein that makes the skin’s connective tissue) to break down and the least elastic fibres to break down. Stretch marks are more frequent in women, but they can also affect men.
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The stretch mark can be divided into two phases:
- A first stage, when the stretch mark is new and has a reddish tint
- A second stage, when the stretch mark is pearly white (or has already become a scar), which is the ultimate stage.
Because the stretch mark lacks blood circulation and fibroblasts, it is more difficult to remove in the later condition.
How can you get rid of stretch marks on your breasts, thighs, and abdomen?
Despite the fact that stretch marks represent no health risk, many people want to have them removed for aesthetic reasons. The only way to get rid of stretch marks for good is to have them surgically removed.
Stretch marks can be faded or lessened using other ways, such as laser removal or natural creams, but they will never be fully removed.
It should be emphasised that stretch marks can only be erased if the surgical procedure the patient is undergoing includes skin removal, such as abdominoplasty, and the stretch marks are situated in the skin segment that is being removed.
The distinctions between red and white stretch marks
Stretch marks vary in look and colour depending on the age of the markings. Stretch marks are reddish in colour and somewhat higher than the rest of the skin at first, but after a while, they turn white and hollow. The former may still be battled by spreading certain products since they are still new, whilst the later are now permanent. Since a result, the latter demand serious therapy, as any oil or cream will be ineffective in the presence of a permanent sign.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch mark removal with a belly tuck is now the most frequent and successful surgical technique.
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes extra skin from the abdomen. All stretch marks from the navel to the pubic hairline are removed with this surgery.
In conclusion, 90% or more of your stretch marks will be eliminated. Due to the stretching of the skin and its repositioning in the lower groyne area, the residual stretch marks will be considerably less evident.
The removal of stretch marks, superfluous skin, and the creation of a flat abdomen with a lower waistline are all goals of an abdominoplasty. It is, nevertheless, impossible to get rid of all stretch marks. Before the procedure, a skilled plastic surgeon will describe the expected outcome to you.
Breast lift or reduction: as previously said, stretch marks can be erased if they are located in a specific location of the body.
When the drooping skin of the breast tissue is removed during a breast reduction or lift, stretch marks in the lower region of the breast or on the areola can be totally eradicated. Stretch marks, in particular, can cause minor folds or creases on the skin.
The skin is toned and stretch marks are assisted with breast reduction and lift treatments; they are not eradicated, but they are less apparent. Stretch marks on the upper chest, for example, cannot be eliminated.
Thigh lift, also known as cruroplasty: It is a technique that raises the thigh by removing extra skin and subdermal tissue (where stretch marks are generally seen) while tightening the skin.
Stretch marks on the thighs, buttocks, and lower sides are blurred and less visible as a result of this treatment. The inner thigh lift and the outside thigh lift are the two procedures utilised for thigh lifts. Excess skin and fat deposits are removed in both operations, and the skin is tightened.
Monica’s experience with stretch marks that do not completely disappear after a tummy tuck
A patient had a stomach tuck three months ago. Her tummy was entirely droopy after her second child, with several stretch marks. As a result, the surgeon advised her to have a belly tuck. She was pleased with the outcome after the superfluous skin was removed. Because the scar is short and low, it may be hidden by my underpants. She didn’t mind because she was aware that the scar would be noticeable. Her stretch marks, on the other hand, she expected to vanish at the same time. Not exactly, at least! She has a couple on my lower tummy, but the doctor said he couldn’t help her any more.
Monica says: The tummy tuck operation will hide the stretch marks and scars, but not completely.
