Messy lower abdomen

Hi there, I'm hoping someone will be able to help with my question. I had my appendix removed when I was 8, a belly button piercing grow out at 19 - which I had re-pierced later, a laparoscopy when I was 21, and two pregnancies at 28 and 29 both delivered by c-section, leaving me with horrible stretch marks and a moderate amount of excess skin. All of this has left me with an extremely messy lower abdomen that I am severly self conscious of. I'm wondering if a tummy tuck will get rid of the majority of scarring? Thank you

June 5th, 2016 QLD

  • Answer
     Alan Breidahl

    Alan Breidahl

    8 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Victoria, Australia

    Hi,
    You should be able to see a dramatic improvement, but not all your stretch marks and scars can be removed: those above the belly button are particularly difficult to be rid of.
    with best wishes,
    Alan Breidahl
  • Answer
    Dr. Raymond Goh

    Raymond Goh

    123 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Queensland, Australia

    Hi Prettyhurts. Thank you for posting your questions and photos.
    There are a few points that you should be aware of when it comes to a tummy tuck:- It will not remove all the stretch marks. Whatever tissue that is not excised and has existing stretch marks will continue to have stretch marks.- If your excess tissue is sufficient, then a standard abdominoplasty should be able to remove all the tissue between your belly button and pubic area, incorporating your old appendicectomy and C-section scar.- Recent medicare changes have removed coverage from medicare and private health insurance unless you have experienced massive weight loss.
    Hope this information helps.
    All the very best.
    Warm regards,
    Dr Ray Goh