For many men and women, stretch marks are simply an aspect of their bodies they've learned to live with. Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches rapidly and are a common side effect of pregnancy and bodybuilding. Many individuals also develop stretch marks when they pass through puberty. Stretch marks initially appear as reddish or deep purple indentations in your skin but fade to white over time. If your stretch marks impact your self-confidence, there are ways to minimize or eliminate them.
Micro-Dermabrasion
Micro-dermabrasion is an FDA approved skin treatment process that involves deep exfoliation of the skin. The goal is to remove old skin cells, allowing new ones to grow. According to Dr. Phillip S. Chua of the CEBU Cardiovascular Center, this process also stimulates the growth of collagen, which thickens skin. Micro-dermabrasion can successfully remove smaller stretch marks and reduce the appearance of larger, deeper stretch marks. Although micro-dermabrasion may not result in the disappearance of all of your stretch marks, it can make your stretch marks less noticeable--giving you a greater degree of self-confidence.
Surgical Removal
For complete removal of your old, white stretch marks, you may turn to surgery. Although surgery may not be a wise option for stretch marks located on certain areas of the body, stretch marks located in the abdominal area are common and can be removed via an abdominoplasty--commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck." Through abdominoplasty, your cosmetic surgeon will remove the section of skin containing the majority of your stretch marks. Abdominoplasty leaves a scar low on your abdomen, but this scar is typically easier to hide than stretch marks. If surgical removal is an option, talk to your physician about the risks and additional benefits of the procedure.
Prescription Cream
Although numerous over-the-counter remedies are marketed specifically for individuals who would like to remove their stretch marks, its wise to visit your dermatologist for a recommendation before spending money on stretch mark creams and gels. Your dermatologist may recommend a prescription topical cream to help "heal" your stretch marks. Retin-A is one such topical cream prescribed by dermatologists to treat new and old stretch marks as its high vitamin A content can help repair damaged skin.
Laser Removal
Laser treatment may be effective at eliminating your old, white stretch marks. During laser treatment, your physician uses a laser to penetrate the skin beneath your stretch marks and cause minor injury. The body's natural response is to produce collagen to repair the damaged tissue--repairing the stretch marks at the same time. You will likely feel minor pain and discomfort after laser treatment. Depending on the severity of your stretch marks, your physician may recommend several laser treatments over a short period of time.
