Help with Stretch Marks
The tummy tuck is a popular body contouring procedure that firms and tightens the abdomen by removing excess, loose skin and stubborn deposits of fat. It’s not uncommon for individuals who struggle with belly fat and flabby skin to also be bothered by the appearance of stretch marks.
In this blog post, Sacramento plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Hause explains how tummy tuck addresses stretch marks.
Tummy Tuck Can Remove Stretch Marks Below the Navel
Potential tummy tuck patients should understand that the procedure does not correct stretch marks. The procedure can, however, remove stretch marks if they are located on the excess skin below the navel that will be excised. Stretch marks above the navel will not be removed during tummy tuck. But because the skin will be lifted and repositioned during surgery, those stretch marks above the navel will be lowered. This means that overall, tummy tuck can greatly improve the appearance of stretch marks.
It is also important to note that while tummy tuck improves the appearance of stretch marks, the procedure requires creating an incision, from hipbone to hipbone, right above the pubic area. With proper care, the scar will fade over time until it is hardly visible. The scar can also be concealed with most underwear and bathing suit bottoms. Also, patients agree that the cosmetic results of tummy tuck (i.e., flatter and more toned tummy and reduction in stretch marks) is well worth the scarring that results.
How to Maintain Your Tummy Tuck Results
An important factor in prolonging your slimmer and more sculpted tummy is practicing healthy lifestyle habits. This includes eating healthily, exercising regularly and protecting your skin against the sun. Unprotected sun exposure breaks down the collagen (the protein that keeps your skin tight and elastic) in your skin, which in turn can reverse tummy tuck results and cause the skin to sag. What’s more, sun damage can cause your tummy tuck scar and remaining stretch marks to thicken and darken. Dr. Hause can discuss more tips on how to maintain your tummy tuck results during an in-office consultation.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about tummy tuck, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hause. Contact us by calling Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery at (916) 646-6869.
