Stretch marks, also called striae, are indentations in the skin that usually are pink, purple or red. Most commonly, they are found on the stomach, thighs, arms and buttocks, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women often get stretch marks in the later half of their pregnancy. While stretch marks typically are cosmetic flaws that should fade over time, they can indicate a more serious condition called Cushing's syndrome. Treatments are available that can help get rid of unsightly stretch marks.
Step 1
Rub the marks with cream that contains tretinoin that you can get with a prescription from your doctor. Tretinoin cream works best on fresh stretch marks that are less than six-weeks-old and should not be used while you are still pregnant. Mayo Clinic researchers report that over-the-counter stretch mark creams are mostly ineffective.
Step 2
Make an appointment for pulsed dye laser therapy that stimulates the growth of elastin and collagen with wavelengths of light. Pulsed dye laser therapy is most effective on newer stretch marks, but can offer some improvements on older marks.
Step 3
Consider microdermabrasion for older stretch marks. Crystals used in the procedure break up the top layer of skin, which can then be removed with a vacuum. The new skin can grow back without the stretch marks. This is the best therapy for older stretch marks.
Step 4
Try a chemical peel that can be done by a cosmetic surgery clinic. High-powered chemicals are placed on the skin that thins out the top epidermis and can remove some of the color made by the marks.
Step 5
Bite the bullet and get a tummy tuck or other cosmetic procedure that surgically removes the skin. Cosmetic surgeon Jean Loftus insists that the only way to permanently get rid of stretch marks is to cut them off. Since most stretch marks occur on the abdomen, Dr. Loftus recommends a tummy tuck to tighten up the loose skin and remove the stretch marks.
Tips and Warnings
- Save money on miracle cures, such as castor oil and seaweed wraps, vitamins or botanicals. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic report that there is no evidence that these products remove any signs of stretch marks.
- Ask your doctor to test you for Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal gland disorders that can cause stretch marks if they don't respond even partially to any cosmetic treatments you have tried. Adrenal problems are diagnosed with a simple blood or urine test.
Things You'll Need
- Tretinoin cream
- Laser therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peel
