Can a Tummy Tuck Help with Stretch Marks and Loose Skin?

Obtaining a flat stomach is not always an easy feat — even with a healthy diet and frequent exercise, loose skin and stretch marks can get in the way of a fully sculpted body contour. Our skin develops indented, scar-like lines after rapidly shrinking or expanding due to weight gain, and, like a rubber band, our skin loses some laxity with every stretch as it resettles and adjusts to changes in our bodies. Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging all test the laxity of the skin that makes up our midsection, and as we get older and lose collagen, it’s harder for the stomach to snap back. While the most common association with abdominoplasties, known colloquially as tummy tucks, is eliminating extra fat around the midsection, many patients also seek the procedure to remove excess skin and improve the look of stretch marks. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers highly customizable Beverly Hills tummy tucks with dramatic body contouring results that last a lifetime when paired with a healthy lifestyle. 

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What is an abdominoplasty?

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Abdominoplasties are a surgical procedure that eliminates loose skin and fat while tightening the muscles in the abdominal area. Tummy tucks are considered one of the most powerful and life-changing operations because of their dramatic results. The procedure can reverse the effects of weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and time to restore or create the patient’s ideal body shape. 

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To perform an abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the belly button and pubic hairline, strategically placed low enough that bathing suits and undergarments can hide any visible scarring. To ensure minimal visible scarring, the surgeon creates a second incision around the belly button within the skin’s natural creases. 

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The surgeon removes excess tissue, fat, and skin through the incisions and tightens the abdominal muscles if necessary. From there, the surgeon will pull the skin firmly across the midsection and suture it closed. Barrett Plastic Surgery uses a double reinforcement plication technique that ensures the abdominal wall repair doesn’t relax over time and a meticulous five-layer closure method to minimize tension and scarring. Finally, the surgeon may make adjustments to belly button placement for the most natural-looking results. 

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Will an abdominoplasty remove loose skin?

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Abdominoplasties are excellent for removing loose skin. Once our skin stretches past a certain limit, if there isn’t enough collagen production (which usually begins to decrease with age), the skin begins to sag. Significant weight loss, especially over a short period of time, often exacerbates this process, dramatizing the appearance of loose skin. 

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Other factors that may contribute to loose or sagging skin include:

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Poor diet
• Smoking
• Dehydration

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Can tummy tucks eliminate stretch marks entirely?

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While abdominoplasties will obviously eliminate any stretch marks on the excess skin that the surgeon removes, the procedure will not permanently fix stretch marks on other areas of the stomach or on the skin that remains after the surgery. Stretch marks occur at one of the skin’s deepest levels and are difficult to completely remove. However, tummy tucks do reduce the number of stretch marks and improve overall stomach contour.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

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Patients who have met their weight loss goals and are finished having children are ideal candidates for abdominoplasties. Individuals who have loose skin due to weight fluctuations, experience a change in body type after pregnancy, or retain excess fat despite long-term diet and exercise are also great candidates for the procedure. Patients with significant abdominal scar tissue, who have a BMI greater than 30, or who plan to lose weight in the future may be advised against abdominoplasties. 

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Some patients may only need a partial abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck for small changes, but a traditional tummy tuck will offer more correction and is particularly helpful for patients with significant skin laxity. Tummy tucks are also popular as a component of a post-pregnancy Mommy Makeover. 

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Are there risks?

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Like any other surgical procedure, abdominoplasties have risks, including infection, blood clots, and scarring. Finding a qualified, board-certified surgeon with a reputation for successful procedures significantly reduces the risk of complications. 

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Other risks associated with tummy tucks:

• Tissue damage
• Change in skin sensation 
• Numbness
• Seroma

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Are there non invasive options for loose skin and stretch marks?

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For patients who would like to rejuvenate their midsection without surgery, noninvasive options like laser treatments and chemical peels can improve the look of stretch marks in mild cases. Since stretch marks begin at such a deep level, topical treatments are rarely effective. For those looking to tighten their skin non-invasively, there are treatments that utilize lasers, ultrasound technology, or infrared light to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

How can I naturally prevent stretch marks and increase skin laxity?

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Stretch mark prevention is more effective than stretch mark removal. Some people are more genetically prone to stretch marks, while others only encounter them through extreme body changes, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. 

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While there is no universal way to prevent encountering these little scars, there are many methods to reduce their severity:

• Keep the skin hydrated inside and out

• Maintain a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and exercise 
• Use topical treatments like hyaluronic acid or retinol

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I’m interested in abdominoplasties — what are the next steps?

If you’re interested in having an abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills, Barrett Plastic Surgery offers consultations to determine if the procedure is correct for you. To learn more about Barrett Plastic Surgery, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media at TikTok, Instagram, Realself, and YouTube for updates. Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step!  

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