Before and after abdominoplasty in a 37 year old mother of four children. Her lower abdominal skin had stretched out progressively after having her children. She had stretch marks that she could not make go away with expensive creams (which are a waste of money, to be honest!).
What causes stretch marks, also known as “striae distensae”? Stretch marks are in fact permanent and irreversible small tears in the bottom layer of the skin, called the dermis. These dermal tears occur when skin is stretched beyond its natural elasticity, such as during the final stages of pregnancy or massive weight gain.
To most women who experience stretch marks’ chagrin, the torn area of dermis fills in with scar and a stretch mark forms. They are initially pink from increased blood flow but eventually become silver-white as the scar tissue matures. The only way to actually get rid of stretch marks is to surgically excise them. No cream, laser or potion can help, unfortunately.
This woman’ abdominoplasty removed most of her lower abdominal stretch marks. Her abdominal muscles were repaired to one another in the midline. The skin of her abdominal wall was re-draped tightly downward. Her belly button was brought out (like a button through a button hole) in a new location on the abdominal wall.
Follow up photos are shown 4 months after surgery. Her initial firm swelling known as “edema” has nearly dissipated. She is doing scar therapy and she loves her new Mommy figure! Shopping for a new bikini was actually fun for the first time in years!
The last image shows how a low abdominal scar enables women to wear low cut panties and swim suit bottoms. There is no reason for the incision to be too high or too long!
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
