Stretch marks occur for a variety of reasons, such as pregnancy, rapid weight gain and use of corticosteroid creams, according to MayoClinic.com. These marks may be purple or red in color and appear on the stomach, thighs and arms. Some treatments for stretch marks are very expensive. For example, laser treatments cost thousands of dollars for a single session. Fortunately, a few options are less expensive, making treating stretch marks more affordable.
Step 1
Contact your medical insurance company. Most insurance companies won't pay for stretch mark treatments. These products and procedures are typically considered cosmetic. However, talking with your insurance company will determine if you have coverage and affordability of treatments.
Step 2
Apply tretinoin creams to the skin. Theses creams, which are available through a dermatologist prescription, may improve the appearance of new stretch marks, according to MayoClinic.com. The cost is typically about $39.99 per bottle and higher, according to Drugstore.com. Apply the cream as directed to the stretch marks to achieve the desired results.
Step 3
Undergo microdermabrasion treatments. These treatments slough off top layers of skin to minimize the stretch mark's appearance, according to MayoClinic.com. At home microdermabrasion kits cost as little as $15, according to the Microdermabrasion Guide. Salon treatments cost $75 and higher and procedures performed in the dermatologist's offices are the most expensive, at $100 or more per treatment. Multiple treatment sessions may be required, depending on the scar's severity.
Step 4
Talk with your medical provider about treatment side effects. Each treatment option has different risks and benefits. Understanding these items before choosing a treatment will help.
Tips and Warnings
- Most stretch marks will fade naturally over time. Give your skin some time to heal before undergoing treatment options.
- Avoid the sun and use sunscreen. Sun exposure causes pigment changes which can make stretch marks more obvious. Use an SPF of at least 30 on the body to protect the scars and minimize additional damages.
