Tummy Tuck to treat stretch marks (Striae)

Stretch marks or grooves, as they are called in plastic surgery, are actually skin scars. The dermis is the deeper and thicker part of the skin in most of the body. Preventing and stretching stretch marks is a multi-billion dollar business. Unfortunately, no single product or non-surgical treatment has become the “gold standard” because no single product has been proven to eliminate or completely prevent them today. Several products have become common preventive measures for stretch marks.

Only one randomized controlled trial was published, stating that oils or creams prevent the development of stretch marks. This study showed that daily use of a cream (Trofolastin) containing Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E and collagen and elastin hydrolysates was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy. In another study, despite the absence of placebo control, a cream (Verum) containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol was examined. This is due to fewer stretch marks during pregnancy and without treatment.

There are hundreds of treatments for stretch marks, but until a product or treatment is achieved (usually lasers) that can literally heal the skin without scarring, but without surgical means only minor improvements can be made.

The surgery of choice for stretch marks is a tummy tuck. It sells the abraded dermis of the lower abdomen for a well-placed thin scar on the bikini line. To get and understand what skin can be safely removed, a horizontal line can be drawn just above the navel (umbilicus) to the sharpest part of the bones of the thigh from the side. A gentle curve of the arc downward from each thigh is drawn with the lowest part of the curve, lying a few inches above the upper part of the pubic region. This component is the area of ​​skin that needs to be removed.

The upper abdomen is then raised under a direct vision by a plastic surgeon so that he can drape over the lower abdomen. Before suturing, tighten the abdominal wall to create an inner corset. This provides a nice view of the watch glass in the trunk, so that the skin can climb. If this area of ​​the skin makes up the majority of your stretch marks, then this procedure may be the most suitable for you. The remaining stretch marks can be surgically cut after the skin can be stretched to a later date, or lasers can be used for gradual improvement.

The cost of a tummy tuck is usually 3000-4000 dollars. Many patients spent several thousand dollars on various creams and procedures over the years before they decided to get a tightened belly. Each operation carries risks and benefits, and it is important to discuss these risks with your certified plastic surgeon prior to receiving the procedure. To get the most out of the discussion with your surgeon, it is important to have a general understanding of the procedure.