Will a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks? | Seattle Plastic Surgery Insights |

Year after year, the tummy tuck remains one of the most requested procedures I perform as a female plastic surgeon in Seattle. Patients seeking improvement of the contour and appearance of their abdomen, especially after having kids, is obviously desirable. What often comes with the things that cause enlargement of the abdomen– kids, weight changes, menopause, etc.-- are stretch marks. A common question I hear during our initial consultation in my Seattle Plastic Surgery office is whether a Tummy Tuck will remove any if not all of their stretch marks. Reality is, there is no blanket answer to this as there are many types of tummy tucks and many locations for stretch marks. In this blog post, let’s break down the basics of a tummy tuck, of stretch marks, and of how (if at all) a tummy tuck can address these issues. 

First Things First: What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, or striae, are small tears in the dermis caused by rapid stretching of the skin. They’re especially common in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, weight gain, or rapid body changes—and while they may fade in color over time, their texture rarely improves without intervention.

Unlike scars from a surgical incision, stretch marks develop internally. They often start out red or purple and then fade to silver or white. And while there are plenty of creams and lasers that claim to treat them, the only truly effective way to “remove” stretch marks is to remove the skin they’re on.

That’s where the tummy tuck—or abdominoplasty—comes in.

What a Tummy Tuck Actually Removes

A standard tummy tuck, which I perform regularly in my Seattle plastic surgery practice, involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen (below your belly button), tightening the abdominal muscles (especially after diastasis from pregnancy), and creating a flatter, more contoured midsection. Your belly button remains attached underneath, and is repositioned once the skin has been tightened. 

Here’s how this matters for stretch marks:

If your stretch marks are located on the skin that’s removed during surgery, they’re gone. If they’re on skin that’s left behind, they’ll still be there but may be in a different location. 

That means the location of your stretch marks determines whether they’ll be removed.

Let’s break it down.

Where Are Your Stretch Marks?

During your tummy tuck consultation, I’ll assess the location, extent, and color of your stretch marks. While each patient is different, here’s a general guideline:

Stretch Marks Below the Belly Button:

These are the most likely to be removed. During a tummy tuck, all skin between the belly button and pubic area is excised. If your stretch marks live there, they’re typically eliminated during the procedure. 

Stretch Marks at or Slightly Above the Belly Button:

These may not be fully removed, but they can be moved lower on the abdomen and may appear flatter after surgery. While not entirely gone, they’re often less noticeable after the procedure since the skin is tightened and they have been pulled down to the groin area. 

Stretch Marks High on the Abdomen or on the Flanks:

These usually remain, as they fall outside the standard skin excision zone. However, they may appear less prominent thanks to the improved skin tension and smoother contour post-surgery.

As a female plastic surgeon, I make it a point to align expectations clearly. Removing stretch marks isn’t the primary goal of a tummy tuck—but in many cases, it’s a welcome secondary benefit.

Understanding the Types of Tummy Tucks

There are a few different types of tummy tucks out there and each one has a slightly different variation of how much & which skin is removed. Ultimately, which type of tummy tuck is chosen depends on your anatomy, skin laxity, and cosmetic goals. Each version has its own impact on stretch mark removal.

Standard Tummy Tuck:

The most commonly performed version, this procedure removes all the skin from below the belly button down to the pubic region. In addition to helping remove stretch marks, this type of tummy tuck is often combined with muscle repair and liposuction contouring of the waist and mons. 

Mini Tummy Tuck:

This is a more limited approach, best for patients with minimal loose skin and stretch marks confined to the very lowest part of the abdomen. If your stretch marks sit higher up, this version will not remove them.

Extended or Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck:

These procedures are typically performed on massive weight loss patients, where excess skin extends horizontally and vertically. They offer the most extensive skin removal and can eliminate a larger surface area of stretch-marked skin, including in both the lower and the upper abdomen. This type of tummy tuck also comes with more scarring, so is typically reserved for patients with excessively loose skin. 

Reverse Tummy Tuck:

Rarely indicated, this version targets upper abdominal laxity and is performed via incisions beneath the breasts. It’s only appropriate for patients with isolated upper abdominal stretch marks—typically done in conjunction with a breast lift or breast reduction.

Can Remaining Stretch Marks Look Better After a Tummy Tuck?

Yes—absolutely. Even if stretch marks aren’t completely removed, they often appear less noticeable after surgery. This is something my Seattle tummy tuck patients are pleasantly surprised by.

Here’s why:

• Skin is tighter, so the stretch marks don’t ripple or wrinkle as much.

• Light reflects more evenly, reducing the shadowing that exaggerates texture.

• Muscle repair flattens the abdominal wall, giving the skin a smoother base.

• Scars fade, and the newly reshaped contour draws attention away from lingering marks.

  
  

So while not every stretch mark disappears, many patients feel their overall appearance improves significantly.

Should You Choose a Tummy Tuck Just for Stretch Mark Removal?

As a female plastic surgeon in Seattle, I want every patient to understand the primary goal of abdominoplasty: to restore contour, remove excess skin, and repair muscle separation.

Stretch mark removal is a bonus, not the headline.

If you’re otherwise happy with your abdominal contour and only bothered by stretch marks, there are non-surgical options worth considering, such as:

• Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF)

• Laser resurfacing (like Fraxel or CO2)

• Topical retinoids

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

  
  

While these won’t remove stretch marks, they can reduce pigmentation and texture differences, particularly in early-stage (red or purple) striae. However, if you’re dealing with loose skin, stretched muscles, and lower abdominal stretch marks, then a Seattle tummy tuck is likely the most comprehensive and effective solution.

Why Choose a Female Plastic Surgeon in Seattle?

One of the most frequent comments I hear from patients is how comfortable they feel speaking openly during their consultation. As a female plastic surgeon, I understand the emotional and physical changes that come with pregnancy, aging, and body transformation. I also know that for many women, it’s not just about “looking good”—it’s about feeling like yourself again.

In my Seattle plastic surgery practice, I take the time to listen, educate, and partner with you to create a plan that honors your goals and your body. Whether you’re a mom looking to reclaim your pre-baby body, a weight loss warrior who’s ready for the final step, or someone simply wanting to feel more confident in a swimsuit, we’ll work together to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

What to Expect During Your Seattle Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, your first step is a detailed consultation in my downtown Seattle office. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• A full abdominal exam to evaluate skin laxity, muscle tone, and stretch mark location

• A discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and goals

• A review of tummy tuck options, with visual examples of scar placement and before/after photos

• A clear explanation of downtime, risks, and realistic expectations

  
  

This is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your tummy tuck will be personalized to your unique body and goals, especially if combined with additional procedures such as a breast lift or augmentation.

In Summary: Will a Tummy Tuck Remove Your Stretch Marks?

Let’s wrap it up with a quick recap:

• Yes, a tummy tuck can remove stretch marks—but only if they’re on the skin that’s being removed (typically the skin below the belly button).

• No, it won’t remove stretch marks located above the belly button, on the sides, or on the flanks.

• Remaining stretch marks often appear flatter and less visible due to tightened skin and improved contour.

• A tummy tuck should be chosen primarily for contour restoration and muscle repair, not just for stretch marks alone.

• A consultation with a board-certified female plastic surgeon in Seattle will help you decide if the procedure aligns with your goals.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re ready to explore whether a tummy tuck-- or any plastic surgery procedure--is right for you, I’d love to help. As a female plastic surgeon, I offer a thoughtful, educational, and individualized approach to every consultation. We’ll talk about it all-- your lifestyle, your body goals—and develop a plan that meets your goals and expectations.

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Dr. Megan Dreveskracht is a Seattle-based Female Plastic Surgeon who specializes in Aesthetic Surgeries of the Breast, Body & Face. To schedule your consultation, call 206.860.5582 or fill out a contact form here.