Stretch Marks Treatments

Many people have spent money on at-home stretch mark treatments only to be disappointed by the results. Stretch marks on the skin are notoriously difficult to treat, making it hard to find a good method to remove them.

If you have stretch marks, you know what we’re talking about. Those white and silver lines on our bodies can be embarrassing and unsightly.

Understanding Stretch Marks

Medically referred to as striae, stretch marks appear as wavy red, white, or silvery streaks on the skin. Stretch marks form in the dermis, which is the middle layer of your skin. When the skin stretches more quickly than usual, as with rapid weight change or pregnancy, the dermis breaks down and forms a stretch mark.

Pregnancy and Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks for women. When you gain weight fast, as in pregnancy, the skin expands rapidly, and stretch marks form. Pregnancy stretch marks are generally found on the stomach, breasts, and thighs.

It is almost impossible to predict who will get stretch marks during pregnancy and who will not. However, genetics do play a role, as does the maternal age of the birth mother. Moms-to-be can try and avoid stretch marks in pregnancy by gaining weight at a slower and steadier pace over 9 months.

Do Stretch Marks Fade

Unfortunately, stretch marks will never go away entirely, but they can become less visible. While the actual scars can fade, their texture will remain the same.

Treatment Options for Stretch Marks

While stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat, and most over-the-counter products are not effective, the good news is that you do have options. Fortunately, there are some in-office treatments that can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The best way to remove stretch marks entirely is with a laser. Clinical studies of fractional laser resurfacing on stretch marks have shown a 75 percent improvement.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we are pleased to offer the most cutting-edge and advanced lasers for stretch mark removal. We utilize the Fractional CO2 Laser, Fraxel Laser, Pulsed Dye Laser, and KTP laser to reduce stretch marks from the skin.

When the stretch marks are red or purple, the best lasers to use are the Pulsed Dye and KTP Laser, which target damaged blood vessels without harming the skin. If your skin has white or silver stretch marks, the fractional CO2 laser and the Fraxel Laser are the best options. The Fraxel laser and other fractional CO2 lasers work by poking microscopic holes in the skin, which reaches the dermis. This, in turn, regenerates collagen growth and helps the skin heal and reveal healthier skin to replace the stretch marks.

In addition to lasers, certain prescription medications such as high potency retinoids (vitamin A creams) can help for some cases of stretch marks.

The earlier you seek treatment for your stretch marks, the better your results. However, moms-to-be and new moms should wait until they are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding to receive any treatment to remove stretch marks.

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