Tummy Tuck and Stretch Marks
Posted September 11, 2025 in Plastic Surgery
A tummy tuck is a fantastic way to finally achieve the flatter, more toned abdomen you’ve been working toward. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available, and one that many people choose to undergo after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply as part of a total body contouring plan. While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tighten stretched abdominal muscles to give you a smoother, more toned abdomen, can it also get rid of stretch marks? The answer depends entirely on where those marks are located. In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about stretch marks and a tummy tuck, so you know what results you can realistically expect.
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What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks that appear on your skin when it’s been stretched beyond its natural elasticity. They often start out red, purple, or dark brown (depending on your skin tone) and gradually fade to silvery or white over time. Stretch marks aren’t harmful or signs that you should be concerned about your health, but they can be frustrating when they affect how you feel about your appearance.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks form when the dermis—the middle layer of your skin—tears due to rapid stretching. Common causes of stretch marks include:
- Pregnancy: The growing belly stretches the skin in a short time.
- Weight fluctuations: Quick weight gain or loss puts pressure on dermal fibers.
- Puberty: Growth spurts often stretch skin quickly, creating marks on your hips, thighs, or breasts.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to stretch marks due to their skin type.
- Medical or hormonal changes: The use of corticosteroids or hormonal shifts can weaken your skin’s elasticity, making you more prone to developing stretch marks.
Because stretch marks develop deep within the skin, creams and topical treatments usually don’t eliminate them completely, which is why many patients look to surgery for improvement.
Can a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Whether or not a tummy tuck can get rid of stretch marks depends on where the stretch marks are located and what type of tummy tuck you’re undergoing. A mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen, so stretch marks below your belly button may be eliminated. A full tummy tuck addresses your entire abdomen, so a larger area of skin excision may mean more stretch marks can be eliminated. A panniculectomy removes significant skin from your abdomen, which may include areas with stretch marks. If your stretch marks fall within the section of your abdomen addressed by your tummy tuck, they’ll likely be removed along with the excess skin.
Keep in mind that stretch marks above your belly button generally remain in place, though they may be repositioned lower on your abdomen once your skin is tightened. Additionally, stretch marks outside the treatment zone (such as those on your hips or thighs) are not affected by a tummy tuck.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
The removal of stretch marks during a tummy tuck happens through skin excision. When your surgeon cuts away excess skin from your abdomen, any stretch marks within that removed section of skin are physically eliminated. For stretch marks outside of this area, tightening the remaining skin can make them appear smoother and less noticeable, even if they’re not entirely gone.
You may wish to combine your tummy tuck with non-surgical treatments like PiXel8-RF or microneedling to further reduce the appearance of any stretch marks left behind. By blending surgical and non-surgical approaches, it’s possible to achieve a smoother-looking, more even-toned abdomen.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Coral Gables
While a tummy tuck isn’t a universal solution for all stretch marks, it can dramatically improve their appearance on your abdomen. If you’re ready to discover all of the benefits of a tummy tuck, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the trained and experienced surgeons at Careaga Plastic Surgery. To make an appointment, call our office today at (305) 960-7511 or complete the online contact form.