Stretch marks are common after pregnancy, but while this problem is very common for women, it also impacts men. Rapid growth, sudden weight change, and even hormonal imbalances combined with either factor can cause a wide variety of stretch marks. These unsightly marks are actually scars below the outer layer of skin, and because they do not “heal” naturally, they pose some challenges to hide.
Fortunately, one of the most common areas for stretch marks, the mid- to lower abdomen, is also an area where cosmetic surgery can remove or reduce stretch marks very effectively. If you are seriously concerned about your stretch marks in this area, you may consider a tummy tuck procedure to remove or minimize them.
During a tummy tuck, a surgeon removes excess fat and skin, including as much as possible of the marked / scarred tissue. Depending on the extent of the stretch marks and the level of excess fat the patient wants to remove, the surgeon may be able to remove all of the scarred tissue; in some post-weight-loss patients, the same incision can even correct for scarring in the hips and upper buttocks also.
It’s important to keep in mind that a tummy tuck does involve a thin scar of its own, but in many cases both men and women prefer this more minor incision instead of the widespread, inconsistent internal scarring that stretch marks create. At the same time, tummy tuck also removes loose skin to smooth and flatten the abdomen, improving contours along with the stretch marks. Because the surrounding skin is removed entirely, there is no risk for the stretch marks to “reappear. ”
Tummy tuck is a good option to remove stretch marks from the lower part of the abdomen; however, depending on the patient’s weight, stretch marks located higher (for example, around belly button), may be more difficult to correct. In some cases, a tummy tuck will shift scars to a lower, less noticeable position rather than eliminate them entirely, but in either case most patients find that even moderate adjustments create a noticeable, very flattering improvement.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
