Stretch Marks

Stria

During periods of rapid weight gain, skin stretches to accommodate increased body volume. As skin is elastic, it will tolerate significant stretching over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy. At some point, however, skin reaches a limit, and the deepest layer will tear instead of stretching further. When this occurs, the overlying skin remains intact but appears thin and streaky. These streaks are called stretch marks. Once these marks occur, they are permanent.

Surgical Removal of Stretch Marks

Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. The only way to remove stretch marks is with a tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck, much of the skin below the belly button is removed, therefore stretch marks in this area are also removed.