Surgical Stretch Mark Removal

Surgical stretch mark removal is the only effective option for the complete and permanent elimination of stretch marks. Other methods, including laser stretch mark removal and natural stretch mark removal techniques, can fade stretch marks and lessen their prominence but can’t fully remove them. While posing no health risk, stretch marks remain a source of anxiety and insecurity for many people. If patients wish to eliminate stretch marks instead of simply camouflaging them, then surgical stretch mark removal remains the only viable solution.

Areas of the Body That Can Be Treated

Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck,” is currently the only effective surgical procedure for stretch mark removal. The tummy tuck tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin in the mid to lower abdominal region. All stretch marks below the naval are discarded along with the excess skin. At this time, there are no surgical procedures for stretch mark removal in other areas of the body.

Because if this limitation, surgical stretch mark removal is only performed on patients that qualify for the tummy tuck procedure. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery include patients in good health that do not smoke and have a significant amount of excess skin on the stomach.

The Surgical Stretch Mark Procedure

Stretch marks most commonly result from pregnancy and weight gain. Pregnancy and weight gain can also leave patients with excess abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles, conditions that tummy tucks are designed to correct. During the tummy tuck procedure, stomach muscles are pulled together; in addition, abdominal skin is pulled downward, and excess skin is removed. All stretch marks below the belly button will vanish along with the excised skin. As a result, tummy tuck surgery improves the size and shape of the abdomen while simultaneously enabling surgical stretch mark removal. However, it’s important to consider that abdominoplasty is not intended specifically for the removal of stretch marks; their removal is simply a coincidental benefit. Tummy tucks are major surgical procedures and should not be undertaken solely for stretch mark removal.

Recovery

The tummy tuck procedure is a serious surgical procedure that involves a recovery period. In general, patients take one to two weeks off of work and other obligations to allow the body time to heal. During the first week, most patients will wear a drain that collects fluid from the incision site. Patients are advised to rest during the first week, and if they have children, arrange for child care. During the second week after surgery, patients may be able to move around the house and attend to some chores, but any strenuous activity or lifting should be avoided.

Side Effects

There are a number of side effects associated with tummy tuck surgery, including:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Infection
• Pain
  
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Itching at the incision site
  

Find a Dermatologist in Your Area

If you would like to discuss your options for stretch mark removal, use DocShop to find a qualified dermatologist in your area.