Stretch marks are long, pinkish lines that form in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. They're known clinically as striae, and they occur when the skin gets stretched past its normal range of elasticity. This commonly happens when weight is quickly gained or lost--commonly seen with pregnancy, bodybuilding and adolescence. There are multitudes of stretch mark miracle formulas on the market, but they do very little in treating them. The treatments that work are designed to make the stretch marks less noticeable and to improve their appearance on the skin.
Cream
Stretch marks that are less than six weeks old can be treated with a topical prescription formula called tretinoin, which helps rebuild collagen. Collagen is a substance that helps give skin its strength and elasticity. When tretinoin cream works, the stretch marks blend in with your existing skin, giving them a more normal appearance. This formula should not be used if you are pregnant.
Pulsed Dye Laser
Elastin is another substance like collagen that helps promote healthy skin. Pulsed dye laser therapy is a treatment that utilizes wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen and elastin. The dermis gets remodeled and the stretch marks fade away. This treatment can be beneficial to old and new stretch marks.
Excimer Laser
An excimer laser is similar to the laser used in LASIK surgery for the eyes. High-energy ultraviolet laser light is shot down on the areas around the stretch marks to disrupt molecular bonds in the skin. The tissue then disintegrates--and this is all done without and burning or cutting. In some cases, it can take 10 or more treatments to remove the stretch marks completely. This is especially the case with older ones.
Microdermabrasion
For older stretch marks, microdermabrasion can be done. This is a procedure in which tiny crystals of aluminum oxide are blasted into the skin to abrade it. The skin cells and crystal remnants then get suctioned off, and new skin growth is promoted. This can cause greater elasticity.
Tummy Tuck
When stretch marks appear below the navel, a surgical procedure called an abdominoplasty can be done. In this procedure, an incision is made and the surgeon repairs abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin. Remaining skin is pulled down, and any stretch marks that were once there disappear.
