When you go through a period of rapid weight gain, you may develop stretch marks. These blemishes occur due to a disruption in the production of collagen and appear as reddish or purple indentations on the skin. Pregnant women, bodybuilders and adolescents going through puberty have an increased likelihood of developing stretch marks. Keep in mind that gaining weight at a gradual pace is the best way to prevent stretch marks. Using vitamin E or cocoa butter to prevent and treat stretch marks has not been proven to be effective.
Step 1
Receive a referral for a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. During your initial consultation, the doctor will go over removal options for the stretch marks. The treatment recommended will be based on the age of the stretch marks.
Step 2
Apply a retinoid based cream. If the stretch marks are less than six weeks old and still have a red color, this treatment may help, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor must prescribe the cream and it needs to be used daily to help rebuild collagen at the site of the stretch marks.
Step 3
Undergo treatment to remove the stretch marks. Laser therapy and microdermabrasion are treatment methods used to get rid of older stretch marks. Pulsed dye laser therapy focuses concentrated energy onto the underlying layers of the skin. This stimulates growth of collagen and elastin in the skin. With microdermabrasion, abrasive crystals are blown onto the stretch marks and vacuumed off to remove the top layers of the skin. Multiple treatments of both procedures are likely.
Step 4
Wait it out. Over time, stretch marks typically fade in appearance and color without any treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- In the meantime, while you try to get rid of your stretch marks, you can camouflage their appearance. Clothing pieces and sunless tanning products can hide the stretch marks from view. Because stretch mark removal procedures are for cosmetic reasons, your insurance is not likely to provide coverage.
