A tummy tuck removes stretch marks, leaving a very neat scar. Stretch marks left after pregnancy can be in the abdomen or on your hips. They make the skin look unappealing and can sometimes cause pain and itching. Pregnancy is not an excuse for having stretch marks since nearly 80% of women will get them during their pregnancy.
In this guide, we find out: Does A Tummy Tuck Get Rid Of Stretch Marks, tummy tuck stretch marks cost, How do you get rid of stretch marks permanently, and What surgery is best for stretch marks?
Does A Tummy Tuck Get Rid Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are extremely common for women who have had children, but there are many other ways that you can get them. This is a guide to how long it takes for stretch marks to go away and what you can do to speed up the process.
When Can I Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
When Can I Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
The results of a tummy tuck that reduces or eliminates stretch marks are usually visible after three months, and they will be permanent after six months. However, you can start to see results as soon as two weeks after surgery.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are scars that usually appear during growth spurts and pregnancy. They’re also known as striae, or “stretchy skin.”
A stretch mark is a linear scar on the skin. It’s most commonly caused by rapid stretching of the skin over time, but it can also be caused by injury or even weight gain. Stretch marks often appear in puberty or after pregnancy, when a woman gains a significant amount of weight rapidly—but they can also occur during times of sudden weight loss too!
The damage to your body causes collagen fibers to break down within your dermis (the second layer of your skin), resulting in discoloration at the site of each breakage. The resulting discoloration appears as pale ridges with darker streaks between them; these are what we call stretch marks!
Stretch Marks and Pregnancy
Stretch marks are caused by rapid and sudden changes to the skin’s elasticity. This can be caused by rapid weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or genetics. The severity of stretch marks depends upon their location and how quickly they formed. Stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the abdomen, thighs and breasts.
The good news is there are several ways you can prevent stretch marks from forming during pregnancy:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly (daily if possible)
- Use sunscreen daily before going outside
tummy tuck stretch marks cost
Laser stretch mark removal consists of removing striae (stretch marks) via laser resurfacing. It works by removing the outer layer of skin to help restructure the overlying skin.
During the procedure, beams of light are used in concentrated amounts to encourage new growth. While it can’t get rid of stretch marks completely, laser removal may help make striae smoother, thereby reducing their appearance.
Two types of lasers are used for skin resurfacing treatment: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium YAG) treat stretch marks by destroying the upper layer of skin. The newly generated skin tissues will be smoother in texture and appearance.
Non-ablative lasers (Alexandrite, Fraxel) don’t destroy the upper layer of skin. Instead, they target the underlying areas of the skin’s surface to promote collagen growth from the inside out.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), skin resurfacing treatments of this kind have a vast cost range of $500 to $8,900.
Each ablative laser treatment costs an average of $2,681. Non-ablative laser treatments cost $1,410 each on average, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
There are often other hidden costs outside of these estimated provider fees. Your total cost can depend on:
The good news is that in terms of time, each procedure is relatively quick. Ablative lasers can take about an hour and a half, while non-ablative treatments can be done in as little as 30 minutes at a time.
What’s the time cost for laser stretch mark removal? | Recovery time
Laser therapy is classified as a noninvasive treatment, which means that no surgical incisions are used. This makes the recovery time much quicker compared with traditional surgery. Still, you should plan to take time off on the day of your treatment at the very least.
Depending on the type of laser used, the total procedure time can last between 30 and 90 minutes. This doesn’t include time spent on filling out paperwork, as well as prep time before the procedure.
You might notice that your skin is slightly pink or red after each treatment. This is normal and should subside within a few weeks. Ablative lasers are the most effective in treating striae, but they also have the most side effects because of their aggressive nature. Such effects include raw skin and mild discomfort. Your skin will also scab over before revealing new tissues around the stretch marks.
Depending on the area being treated and the type of laser used, some people elect to take several days off work following the procedure.
It can also take several months to see the full results, especially with non-ablative lasers, says the ABCS.
Stretch mark removal through laser therapy and other treatments is considered a cosmetic (aesthetic) procedure. Laser therapy may be covered in cases that are deemed medically necessary, such as pain management. However, medical insurance doesn’t cover laser therapy for stretch mark removal.
Laser stretch mark removal can end up becoming quite costly, considering the fact that insurance doesn’t cover it. Still, there are some ways you can potentially reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
First, talk to your provider about payment plans and discounts. Many offices offer no-interest financing for these types of procedures. Some medical spas even offer discounts for multiple sessions. Such offers vary by providers, so you may need to shop around.
There’s also the possibility of manufacturer rebates. This can help offset a small fraction of the overall cost of treatment. Ask your provider if they know of any current rebate offers.
Generally speaking, the ABCS says that skin resurfacing treatments can “last for years.” The catch, however, is that this can depend on how well you take care of your skin.
Sometimes stretch marks only need one ablative laser treatment. Non-ablative treatments aren’t as aggressive, though. The ASAPS estimates you’ll need between one and six non-ablative laser treatments, on average.
Each treatment typically costs the same as the initial session. The exception might be if your particular provider offers any discounts for multiple sessions. You’ll need to wait three or four weeks between each session.
Once your skin has completely healed and you’re done with all your sessions, results may last for years, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Laser skin resurfacing is just one of the available options for stretch mark treatment. Surgery is the most invasive, but may also provide the longest-lasting results. Consider the differences and similarities of laser treatments compared with microdermabrasion, surgery, and microneedling below.
Whether ablative or non-ablative laser treatment is best for you and your skin type, there are ways of absorbing the cost through planning ahead and communicating with your provider.
One way you can get the most out of your laser skin resurfacing is to understand what results you can expect and to follow steps to maximize those results.
It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions for laser treatment aftercare. This will help prevent complications such as infections, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Let your skin completely heal before engaging in any vigorous activities.
Also, no matter how long it’s been since your last session, you need to apply sunscreen to the area every day. This will not only reduce the chances of age spots, wrinkles, and cancer growths, but it will also help prevent any remaining signs of stretch marks from darkening and becoming more visible.
How do you get rid of stretch marks permanently
Stretch marks are extremely common. In fact, about 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females, and 40% of adolescent males have them.
While there are plenty of treatments out there for stretch marks, it’s important to note that stretch marks do not indicate that anything is wrong with your skin or overall health.
Feeling beautiful is about what makes you happy, and stretch marks should not impede that. They are a completely normal and harmless skin response to rapid growth — whether you’re having a baby or going through puberty.
If you are interested in removing stretch marks, there’s a lot of misinformation around the process. Moreover, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to make them disappear entirely.
Here’s what you need to know about the few processes that are proven to help minimize stretch marks.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae or stria atrophicus, are scars caused by tears in collagen and elastin fiber, which support the structure of the skin. Stretch marks form in the dermis, the second layer of skin that contains connective tissues. They occur when your skin stretches, usually during times of rapid growth, including:
Stretch marks usually look like red, pink, or purplish raised lines across the skin when they first appear, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. Over time they will often fade and appear white.
Anyone can develop stretch marks, but they are more common in women than in men and can be more prominent in dark-skinned individuals. You are also more likely to get stretch marks if others in your family have them, due to genetics.
Can you get rid of stretch marks?
Contrary to popular belief, there really is no cheap, easy way to get rid of stretch marks, says Shari Sperling, DO, a dermatologist with her own private practice in New Jersey.
“Exfoliation or topical creams are typically not effective as they just work on the surface of the skin and do not penetrate deeper into the skin to have a noticeable difference,” Sperling says.
Some studies have found that prescription vitamin A derivatives, like tretinoin cream, may improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the results are mixed. In general, no topical solution has been shown to be completely effective at getting rid of stretch marks.
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, Green says, but certain dermatological treatments may make them less noticeable.
Treatments that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Many of the treatments available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks focus on strengthening the skin and rebuilding collagen. If you’re interested in stretch mark treatments, talk with your dermatologist about the best course of treatment for you.
Here are some of the most popular treatments:
Laser therapy directs light at certain components of the skin, like pigment and blood vessels, to increase collagen production and restore elastin fibers. One type of laser, the Fraxel laser, is an FDA approved therapy designed for:
The Fraxel laser makes microscopic cuts in the skin stimulating new collagen production while leaving the surrounding tissue intact, Green says.
“It is recommended that stretch mark treatment begins at the initial onset when the likelihood of successful stretch mark removal is much higher,” Green says. “It is much easier to remove the red stretch marks with laser treatments, than the later stage of scarring or white stretch marks.”
The number of sessions you may need depends on how old (and pronounced) your stretch marks are, Green says, but most people need at least three to five. Stretch marks that are red, blue, or purple in color are typically newer and easier to treat with laser therapy than those that are white and silver.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Because stretch marks are deep in the skin, this treatment can reduce their appearance, but not eliminate them. Exfoliation can also help stimulate collagen production and promote new skin growth, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
A 2014 study found microdermabrasion to be as effective as a daily application of topical 0.095% tretinoin cream in reducing the severity of early stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion has few side effects and is well-tolerated by people with many different skin types, Green says. But using microdermabrasion to treat stretch marks is a lengthy process and could take a dozen or more treatments to see results.
Microneedling uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. As the skin heals, your body produces new collagen which repairs damaged fibers and fills the lines caused by stretch marks. Side effects are usually temporary and include redness and swelling at the site.
In a 2008 study, researchers found that microneedling could reduce the appearance of stretch marks in one to four treatments by as much as 60% to 80%. A small 2016 study found three microneedling therapy sessions were more efficient than microdermabrasion in treating stretch marks.
How to prevent stretch marks
It’s impossible to completely prevent stretch marks, Sperling says, but there are some ways to minimize the chances of developing them, including:
Insider’s takeaway
Stretch marks are scars that form when your skin stretches and tears, and they are a normal part of rapid growth during times like pregnancy or puberty. These marks are harmless and extremely common, so there’s no reason to worry about needing to erase them from your skin.
Plus, because the scars occur deep within the skin, they will likely be permanent. If you’d like to rebuild some of that collagen and strengthen your skin, dermatological treatments like laser therapy and microneedling can do this, and may help your stretch marks fade over time.
What surgery is best for stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a form of scarring in the middle layers of the skin that occur when skin stretches and tears due to rapid changes in the shape of the body. Stretch marks commonly appear during pregnancy, adolescence, and periods of extreme weight gain or loss.
While their color may fade over time, stretch marks are permanent and will not go away on their own without intervention.
In the past, undergoing surgery for the removal of stretch marks was popular because there were very few alternative options to consider. Today, however, the variety of options available for removing stretch marks has made surgery much less common. In part, this is due to the high cost and significant risk associated with undergoing a serious surgical procedure for a cosmetic concern.
What is an Abdominoplasty?
More commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure where excess skin is removed from the abdomen. When undergoing a tummy tuck, all stretch marks below the navel can be removed along with the excess skin in that area.
Keep in mind that traditional surgical options like an abdominoplasty can only remove stretch marks on the abdomen. There is no surgery available for removing stretch marks on other areas of the body, and isn’t recommended given the risks involved. There are more non-invasive alternatives listed below
Good candidates who do opt for a tummy tuck surgery though are typically healthy nonsmokers who have excess skin on their stomachs. Excess skin is typically caused by gaining and later losing a significant amount of weight due to pregnancy, bodybuilding, or obesity. Individuals looking to have stretch marks removed but who do not have loose abdominal skin may not qualify for the surgery. Consult with a doctor to be sure.
How Much Does Surgery Cost?
Undergoing a tummy tuck to get rid of stretch marks is by far the most expensive stretch mark treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an abdominoplasty is more than $5000. However, the cost of the surgical procedure can vary widely depending on the technique being used by the doctor. A tummy tuck is a wholly cosmetic procedure, so it is extremely unlikely that the procedure would be covered by health insurance.
What Are the Risks of Surgery?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, and with any surgical procedure, there are serious risks involved. Before undergoing a tummy tuck, the benefits should be seriously considered against the possible risks.
Superficially, tummy tuck surgery may cause scarring, so you may be exchanging stretch marks for surgery scars. Complications due to anesthesia administration during surgery, though rare, can result in nerve damage, brain damage, or even death. After surgery, there is a risk of developing blood clots, skin necrosis (death of the skin), infection, and fluid accumulation beneath the wound.
Full recovery from an abdominoplasty will take between three and six months, though most patients are able to return to work sometime between one and four weeks after the surgery is performed. Within 3-6 months, bruising and discoloration should disappear and scars from the surgery will heal and fade to white.
Alternative Treatment Methods
Because surgery for stretch marks is expensive, risky, and only potentially effective for removing stretch marks on the abdomen, it is not a good option for most people. In good news, there are many other ways to potentially get rid of stretch marks that do not require undergoing surgery.