Will a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

Hi, I’m Dr. Glenn Lyle, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC. Many of my patients ask me, Will a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks? The short answer is: it depends. If you’re frustrated with stubborn stretch marks and excess skin, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how a tummy tuck can help and what you can expect from the procedure.

Understanding Stretch Marks and Why They Form

• Stretch marks, or striae, occur when the skin is stretched too quickly, causing collagen and elastin fibers to tear. This sudden expansion doesn’t allow the skin enough time to adjust, leading to permanent marks.
• Common causes include pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, and genetic predisposition. Some individuals are more prone to developing stretch marks than others due to hereditary factors.
• They often appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts, and even arms. These marks can be more noticeable in areas where the skin undergoes the most tension.
• Stretch marks may start as red, pink, or purple lines due to inflammation and blood vessel dilation. Over time, they fade to a silvery-white color as the inflammation subsides and collagen production decreases.
• Despite their harmless nature, stretch marks can be a significant cosmetic concern for many individuals, impacting self-confidence and body image.
• “Stretch marks are incredibly common, but they don’t have to define how you feel about your body,” says Dr. Glenn Lyle, plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC. “There are ways to improve their appearance and, in some cases, remove them altogether.”

Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks? 

• A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles for a flatter, smoother appearance. By eliminating loose skin, it can also remove stretch marks in certain areas. 
• If your stretch marks are located below the belly button, they will likely be removed along with the excess skin. This means that patients with stretch marks in the lower abdomen often experience the most dramatic improvement. 
• If they are above the belly button, they may not be removed entirely. However, the skin is repositioned during surgery, often pulling these marks lower on the abdomen, where they may be less noticeable. 
• The tightening effect of a tummy tuck can also improve the overall skin quality, making remaining stretch marks look less pronounced by smoothing out wrinkles and creases in the abdominal skin. 
• Patients with extensive stretch marks should have realistic expectations-while a tummy tuck can significantly reduce their appearance, it may not eliminate them completely. 
• “Think of a tummy tuck as a reset button for your abdomen-it’s not just about removing excess skin, but about creating a smoother, firmer look,” Dr. Lyle explains.

Additional Benefits of a Tummy Tuck 

• Improved abdominal contour: A tummy tuck removes sagging skin and stubborn fat, giving the midsection a firmer, flatter, and more toned look. 
• Stronger core: This procedure repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), a common issue after pregnancy, improving both function and appearance. 
• Better posture and back support: Weak abdominal muscles contribute to poor posture and back pain. By tightening the core, a tummy tuck can help alleviate discomfort and improve spinal alignment. 
• Reduction in skin irritation: Excess skin can cause chafing, rashes, and irritation, especially in warmer climates or during physical activity. Removing this skin eliminates these problems. 
• Boosted confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable wearing fitted clothing and swimwear, regaining a sense of self-confidence after years of dissatisfaction with their abdominal area. 
• Easier to maintain results: Without excess skin, patients often find it easier to exercise, maintain a stable weight, and enjoy an active lifestyle. 
• “A tummy tuck isn’t just about appearance-it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin,” Dr. Glenn Lyle shares.

What a Tummy Tuck Can’t Do 

• A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is designed to contour the body rather than serve as a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes. 
• It won’t remove all stretch marks-especially those higher on the abdomen, sides, or other areas like the hips and thighs. Patients should be aware that some marks may persist. 
• While results can be long-lasting, future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can impact the outcome and may cause new stretch marks to form. 
• The procedure does not address excess fat beyond the abdominal area, and patients seeking further contouring may need additional procedures such as liposuction. 
• “A tummy tuck is a great way to remove excess skin, but managing expectations is important. Some stretch marks may still be visible, though they often appear less prominent,” Dr. Lyle advises.

Other Options for Treating Stretch Marks

If a tummy tuck won’t remove all of your stretch marks, other treatments may help minimize their appearance:  

• Laser Therapy - Uses focused light energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, gradually fading stretch marks over multiple sessions.  
• Microneedling - Creates tiny punctures in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process and promoting the formation of new collagen for improved texture.  
• Chemical Peels - Exfoliate the skin’s top layer, helping to reduce discoloration and smooth out stretch mark texture over time.  
• Radiofrequency or Ultrasound Therapy - Uses heat to stimulate deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen remodeling and improving skin elasticity.  
• Topical Retinoids - Prescription creams containing vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin, may help fade newer stretch marks by increasing cell turnover and collagen production.  
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy - Uses growth factors from the patient’s own blood to rejuvenate the skin and enhance the appearance of stretch marks.  
• “For some patients, a combination approach works best,” says Dr. Glenn Lyle, plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC. “We can discuss the best options during a consultation.”

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

• You may be a good candidate if you have loose, excess skin and stretch marks on your lower abdomen that impact your confidence.
• Ideal for women post-pregnancy or individuals who have lost significant weight and want to restore a firmer, more youthful-looking midsection.
• The best candidates are at or near their ideal weight, as additional weight loss or gain can affect results.
• Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before surgery have a lower risk of complications and better healing outcomes.
• A personal consultation with Dr. Glenn Lyle can help determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice based on your unique body type and aesthetic goals.
• “Every patient’s body is unique, and the best way to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you is through a personalized consultation,” says Dr. Lyle.

FAQs About Tummy Tucks and Stretch Marks

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to say goodbye to excess skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks, I’d love to help. As a trusted plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC, I specialize in creating natural, beautiful results tailored to your body.

Schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Glenn Lyle, today! Visit my website  or call my office to learn more about how a tummy tuck can help you feel more confident in your skin.

Further Reading

• Read more about Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) in Raleigh, NC 
• Read more Dr Glenn Lyle's Blog Page on Can a Tummy Tuck Remove a C-Section Scar 
• Read more Dr Glenn Lyle's Blog Page on Tummy Tucks Can Get Rid Of Ugly Scars 

About Dr Lyle - Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh NC  

Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh, NC community at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center since 2002. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in breast surgery and body contouring , including tummy tucks, to enhance patients' appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, and aging.  

Dr. Lyle completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyle has contributed to the field through research, publications, and presentations at national meetings. His practice emphasizes patient safety and personalized care to achieve natural results.  

Next Steps  

If you’re considering a breast augmentation in Raleigh, NC, and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks and results, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Let’s work together to help you achieve your best results-safely and beautifully.  

To book a consultation please fill in the contact form or phone the office.