Stretch marks appear as red or purplish indentations on the surface of the skin. The markings occur when the skin has become overstretched and the production of collagen is disrupted, according to the Teens Health website sponsored by the Nemours Foundation. If you have stretch marks less than six weeks old, retinoid creams may be prescribed by a doctor. However, these creams do not work for older stretch marks and other treatment options need to be considered.
Step 1
Make an appointment with a dermatologist. Receive a referral for a dermatologist from your doctor. During your initial consultation with the doctor, he will discuss treatment options for your older stretch marks. He may require that you give him an approximate age of the markings.
Step 2
Undergo microdermabrasion to remove your older stretch marks. This procedure is one of the least invasive options available to get rid of older stretch marks. During a treatment session, crystals are blown onto the skin and then suctioned off. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin and stimulates new growth to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You may need multiple sessions of microdermabrasion for optimal results.
Step 3
If you don't achieve the results you desired from microdermabrasion you my choose to try laser therapy to remove the blemishes. According to the Mayo Clinic, an excimer laser is commonly used on older stretch marks. The laser stimulates the production of the pigment melanin. If successful, the older streaks match the rest of the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- While you treat old stretch marks, you may camouflage the markings with the use of sunless tanning products. Keep in mind that removing stretch marks is a cosmetic concern and treatments are not likely to be covered by insurance.
- Don’t use cocoa butter or other over-the-counter creams to remove stretch marks. These products have not been proven to be effective.
