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A tummy tuck is often discussed as a solution for loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles, but one of the most common questions patients ask is whether it can improve or remove stretch marks. Many people develop stretch marks after pregnancy, weight changes, or growth spurts, and for some, these marks become a major aesthetic concern that skincare products and non-surgical treatments fail to address.
The quick answer:
A tummy tuck can remove many stretch marks, but only the ones located on the excess skin that is surgically removed — usually the area below the belly button. Stretch marks higher on the abdomen are not removed, but they often look flatter, lighter, and sit lower after the skin is tightened.
In this guide, we break down which stretch marks a tummy tuck can treat, what results you can realistically expect, and how the procedure fits into your overall body goals.
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks, but only those located on the loose skin that is excised during surgery.
Stretch marks below the belly button are most likely to be removed completely.
Marks above the belly button typically remain, but often look flatter and less noticeable after tightening.
A tummy tuck replaces stretch marks with a single low scar, usually hidden within the underwear line.
The procedure is ideal for people with loose abdominal skin, especially after pregnancy or major weight loss.
Non-surgical treatments (creams, lasers, microneedling) may soften marks but cannot remove them the way surgery can.
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks, but only the ones that sit on the skin your surgeon is able to cut away during the procedure. This is why the exact location of your stretch marks matters more than anything else.
Here’s how it works:
These are the marks most likely to be completely removed. During a standard (full) tummy tuck, all loose skin from the pubic area up to just above the belly button is excised. If your stretch marks sit in this zone, they go with it.
These marks are usually not removed, but they often improve in appearance. When the upper abdominal skin is pulled downward, these stretch marks are:
lowered to a flatter, tighter area
stretched out slightly (making them less deep)
paler and less noticeable once healing progresses
Patients are often surprised by how much better these upper marks look after their abdomen is smoothed and tightened.
A standard tummy tuck does not remove them, though an extended tummy tuck may address some skin on the sides.
A tummy tuck cannot treat stretch marks on:
the lower back
thighs
breasts
areas of skin that stay untouched during surgery
The only permanent removal comes from removing the actual skin containing the marks.
Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons stretch marks appear on the abdomen. As the baby grows, the skin stretches rapidly—especially during the third trimester. Once this stretching goes beyond the skin’s natural elasticity, the deeper layers tear, leaving behind the familiar red or purple lines that eventually fade into pale, silvery marks.
Many women try moisturisers, oils, massage tools, and firming creams after childbirth, but these options rarely provide a significant improvement. While they may help the skin feel softer or more hydrated, they cannot repair torn dermal layers or change the structure of the scar tissue underneath.
For some mothers, these marks are simply part of their postpartum journey. For others, they can affect confidence long after pregnancy, even when they maintain a healthy lifestyle. When stretch marks sit primarily on loose lower-abdominal skin—a very common pattern—tummy tuck surgery can provide one of the most effective solutions available.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is primarily performed to remove excess skin, tighten weakened abdominal muscles, and reshape the abdomen. However, it also offers a significant added benefit: it removes the stretch-marked skin that lies within the excised area.
This typically includes:
Most or all stretch marks below the belly button
A large portion of wrinkled, sagging postpartum skin
Any damaged skin that has lost elasticity
If your stretch marks are mostly concentrated on the lower abdomen, a tummy tuck can dramatically reduce or even completely eliminate them.
What a tummy tuck cannot do is remove stretch marks that sit on areas of skin that remain after tightening—most commonly:
the upper abdomen
the hips/flanks
the waistline
However, these remaining marks are often less visible after surgery because the skin is pulled tighter, making them flatter and lighter.
Realistic expectations are important: the procedure improves stretch marks significantly, but does not guarantee complete removal unless they lie within the skin that is surgically removed.
A tummy tuck is designed to remove loose skin, tighten weakened abdominal muscles, and reshape the midsection. When it comes to stretch marks, the biggest benefit happens during the skin-removal stage.
Here is a simplified overview of how the procedure works:
Your surgeon assesses your abdominal skin, muscle laxity, and the exact location of your stretch marks to determine how much can be removed.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic for comfort and safety.
A low horizontal incision is made along the bikini line. In a full tummy tuck, a second small incision around the belly button allows it to be repositioned naturally.
If pregnancy or weight changes have caused the abdominal muscles to separate, they are tightened to flatten the stomach and improve core strength.
This is the key stage for stretch marks.
The skin below the belly button is pulled downward and trimmed away, removing any stretch marks located on that portion of the abdomen. Remaining skin is pulled tight, which can improve the appearance of any marks that remain above the navel.
The incisions are closed carefully, and the belly button is shaped into a natural position on the tightened skin.
Patients wear a compression garment, follow their post-operative instructions, and usually return to light activity after 1–2 weeks. Full results become clearer as swelling reduces over the following months.
London Cosmetic Surgery group Berkeley Square Medical, is one of the UK’s leading providers of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. For more information about our tummy tuck procedure, please visit: https://www.berkeleysquaremedical.com/tummy-tuck
A tummy tuck can permanently remove stretch marks located on the skin that is surgically removed, typically the area below the belly button. Stretch marks higher on the abdomen are not removed but often look smoother and lighter once the skin is tightened.
Yes, although they won’t be removed. When the upper abdominal skin is pulled downward and tightened, stretch marks above the belly button often become flatter, lighter, and less noticeable.
Most pregnancy stretch marks form on the lower abdomen, which is the exact area removed during a full tummy tuck. This makes the procedure especially effective for treating postpartum stretch marks — though not all will be eliminated.
The removed stretch marks cannot return, but new ones can form if the skin stretches again due to pregnancy, significant weight gain, or hormonal changes. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.
Yes. A tummy tuck creates a low, horizontal scar across the bikini line. While permanent, it usually fades significantly within a year and is positioned to be hidden under underwear or swimwear.
A mini tummy tuck removes a smaller amount of skin compared to a full tummy tuck. It may remove a small number of stretch marks located below the belly button, but the improvement is usually limited compared to a full abdominoplasty.
Non-surgical treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, and radiofrequency can improve texture and colour but cannot remove stretch marks entirely. Only surgical excision can completely eliminate them.
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If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
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