Stretch marks are incredibly common (virtually everyone has them!), and they often suddenly appear after pregnancy, weight changes, or a growth spurt, but that does not make them any less frustrating. Many patients come to us looking for ways to treat or erase stretch marks and feel more confident in their skin.
At Maningas Cosmetic Surgery in Joplin, we offer both surgical and non-surgical stretch mark treatments. Whether you are looking for a full-body transformation or just a subtle improvement in skin texture, triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Talon Maningas and his expert aesthetics team can help you find the right approach for you.
Here is how we help patients reduce or remove stretch marks at our cosmetic surgery center and med spa in Joplin, MO.
What are stretch marks, exactly?
Stretch marks (a.k.a. striae) form when your skin stretches rapidly and your collagen fibers tear. These marks often appear as red, purple, or white lines on your abdomen, inner or outer thighs, breasts, arms, or hips. Over time, they may fade in color, but their texture often remains, which can make them difficult to cover or ignore.
While topical creams marketed to remove stretch marks may offer mild improvement, most visible stretch marks require professional treatment to significantly reduce their appearance.
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling: Non-surgical stretch mark treatment
If surgery is not in your plan, or your stretch marks are in areas other than the lower abdomen, Morpheus8 radiofrequency (RF) microneedling may be a more suitable alternative for you. A popular treatment at our Joplin med spa, Morpheus8 is a non-invasive treatment that uses microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy to both address your skin’s surface-level irregularities and tighten the deeper layers of your skin.
Morpheus8 is highly effective for:
- Fading the appearance stretch marks
- Improving skin texture and firmness
- Stimulating collagen and elastin production
- Smoothing scars and crepey skin in a variety of areas
This Maningas Cosmetic Surgery patient is shown before and then 4 weeks after just one Morpheus8 stretch mark treatment on the hips, love handles (flanks), and abdomen.
Morpheus8 for stretch marks is safe for all skin types, and can be used on the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, or breasts. Results build gradually over a series of treatments, with most patients seeing smoother, more even-toned skin within just a few months.
Read more: 4 Reasons We Love Morpheus8 »
Tummy tuck surgery: A long-term solution for abdominal stretch marks
If your stretch marks are located on your lower abdomen and you also have loose skin or separated abdominal muscles (a condition called diastasis recti), a tummy tuck with a qualified cosmetic surgeon may be the most effective solution for all of these concerns.
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Maningas removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal wall. If stretch marks are located on the portion of skin that is removed—usually below the belly button—they can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated in the process.
If stretch marks are located on the portion of skin that is removed during a tummy tuck, they can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated.
Benefits of treating stretch marks with a tummy tuck:
- Permanently removes stretch-marked skin from the lower abdomen
- Tightens remaining skin for a smoother, flatter belly
- Repairs muscle separation to improve core strength and posture
- Can be combined with liposuction for body contouring
A tummy tuck is ideal for patients looking for a comprehensive solution to both stretch marks and abdominal laxity. Because it is a surgical procedure, it does involve downtime, but many patients say the long-term results are more than worth it.
What is the best stretch mark treatment for me?
Choosing between surgical or non-surgical stretch mark treatment will depend on several factors:
- Location and severity of your stretch marks
- Skin laxity and muscle tone in the area
- Your goals, schedule, and personal preferences regarding procedure extent and downtime
During your consultation, Dr. Maningas will evaluate your skin and help you create a personalized treatment plan to best achieve the results you’re hoping for. That may include tummy tuck surgery, a series of Morpheus8 sessions, or a combination of procedures for optimal stretch mark reduction.
I would like to recognize Dr Maningas and his wonderful team. I recently had a Morpheus 8 and lower face Quantum RF. The care and attention to detail were remarkable. Thank you so much for the great care!
–5-star Google review
Treat stretch marks in Joplin, Missouri
At Maningas Cosmetic Surgery in Joplin, we offer advanced, proven treatments to help you feel more confident in your skin. Whether you are interested in non-surgical stretch mark treatment with Morpheus8 or are considering a tummy tuck to remove stretch marks permanently, we’re here to help you reach your goals with the highest level of care and expertise.
Call us at 417-437-0303 or click the calendar icon above to schedule your consultation.