Are stretch marks on the hips or sides affected by a tummy tuck?

No, tummy tucks don’t target stretch marks on the hips or flanks. To treat those areas, additional treatments like laser resurfacing or microneedling are often recommended after surgery.

How much improvement in stretch marks can I expect after a tummy tuck?

Improvement varies by location and skin quality. Stretch marks below the belly button are often removed completely, while remaining marks may appear smoother after the skin is tightened.

What are the best treatments for stretch marks that remain after surgery?

Laser treatments (like CO2 or IPL), microneedling with PRP, retinoid creams, and chemical peels can all help reduce the appearance of remaining stretch marks by improving texture and tone.

Why combine a tummy tuck with stretch mark reduction treatments?

Combining a tummy tuck with skin treatments removes loose, damaged skin and tightens the abdomen, while additional procedures can enhance texture and tone—offering a more complete transformation and increased confidence.

Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?

Q: Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks, but only if they are located on the skin that is removed during surgery—typically the area below the belly button. Stretch marks above the navel or on the flanks are not removed, but may appear smoother after the procedure.

Q: What happens to stretch marks above the belly button during a tummy tuck?

Stretch marks above the belly button are usually not removed, as that skin is preserved and repositioned. However, the skin tightening effect can make these marks appear less prominent.

Stretch marks are a common skin concern, especially for people who have experienced pregnancy, significant weight changes, or aging skin. Many patients considering a tummy tuck ask, “Will this surgery get rid of my stretch marks?” The short answer is—sometimes.

While a tummy tuck is not designed specifically to treat stretch marks, it can remove them in certain cases, depending on their location and severity. In this article, we’ll explain how a tummy tuck works, when stretch marks can be removed, and what realistic results look like post-surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that:

Removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area
Tightens the underlying muscles
Creates a smoother, firmer, and flatter midsection

It’s especially popular among:

Women post-pregnancy (Mommy Makeovers)
Individuals after major weight loss
Anyone with loose skin and muscle separation in the abdomen

Can It Remove Stretch Marks?

Yes—but only if the stretch marks are located in the area of skin that will be removed during the surgery.

Stretch Marks Below the Belly Button

This is where most stretch marks from pregnancy or weight gain tend to appear. A full tummy tuck typically removes a large portion of skin between the belly button and pubic area, so any stretch marks in that region are usually cut away entirely.

Stretch Marks Above the Belly Button

These are not typically removed, since that skin is preserved and repositioned. However, the skin is often pulled tighter, which can make stretch marks in the upper abdomen less visible or smoother.

Stretch Marks on the Hips or Flanks

Tummy tucks don’t address stretch marks on the sides of the body. If these are a concern, additional treatments like laser resurfacing or microneedling may be recommended post-op.

How Much Improvement Can You Expect?

The improvement in stretch marks depends on:

Their location (below or above the navel)
The amount of skin removed
Your skin quality and elasticity
Whether you combine surgery with post-op skin treatments

Patients often see a significant reduction in stretch marks, especially below the belly button. Any remaining marks may appear less stretched or prominent after the abdominal skin is tightened.

Additional Options to Treat Remaining Stretch Marks

If some stretch marks remain after your tummy tuck, you may consider:

Laser treatments (like fractional CO2 or IPL)
Microneedling with PRP
Topical retinoids or prescription creams
Chemical peels (for mild to moderate cases)

These treatments can fade discoloration, smooth texture, and improve skin tone for a more refined appearance.

Benefits of Combining a Tummy Tuck with Stretch Mark Reduction

Removes the loose, damaged skin most affected by stretch marks
Tightens and firms the abdomen for a more youthful shape
Boosts confidence, especially after pregnancy or weight loss
Allows for complementary treatments to address remaining skin texture issues

It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin again.

Conclusion

While a tummy tuck isn’t a stretch mark removal procedure by definition, it can significantly reduce or eliminate stretch marks—especially those located below the belly button. For many patients, this is an added benefit on top of the firmer, flatter abdomen they already desired.

Enhance Your Body with the Best Plastic Surgery Procedures in Tijuana

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in Tijuana, designed to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence.

Body Enhancement and Contouring

If you’re looking to refine your shape and add volume, our BBL in Tijuana (Brazilian Butt Lift) and Liposuction (Lipo 360) procedures will help you achieve a more sculpted and harmonious figure. We also offer Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, a surgery ideal for removing excess skin and tightening the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.

For mothers wanting to restore their pre-pregnancy body, the Mommy Makeover (MMO in Tijuana) combines multiple procedures, such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, and a tummy tuck, to bring back a youthful and firm appearance.

Facial Rejuvenation and Bone Reshaping

Our clinic specializes in advanced facial procedures, including Rhinoplasty in Tijuana to enhance nasal aesthetics and function, as well as Facelift Surgery for a more youthful appearance. We also perform Rib Sculpting and Rib Subluxation, an innovative technique to create a slimmer waistline.

Intimate and Reconstructive Procedures

We understand the importance of feeling confident in all aspects of life. That’s why we offer Vaginoplasty in Tijuana, a procedure that enhances the aesthetics and function of the intimate area.

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert surgeons to provide natural and safe results. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!