Scars and stretch marks are unsightly, although getting rid of them is difficult. Some topical products and cosmetic procedures can fade the appearance of these marks, especially if you act quickly when a new scar begins to form. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about your scars or stretch marks and your treatment options to determine which method would be best for you.
Home Treatment
Home scar and stretch mark removal treatments include silicone bandages, massage, and over-the-counter creams and gels. Applying silicone bandages to raised scars helps flatten them, according to Fitness magazine. Massaging a new scar after the wound heals helps break down collagen that attaches to underlying skin. Scar creams and gels that contain onion extract can also help prevent excess collagen formation, according to "Fitness" magazine. Many companies manufacture creams and balms that contain vitamin E, cocoa butter and other ingredients that claim to improve the appearance of stretch marks, these products usually don't help much, according to MayoClinic.com. Stretch marks do tend to fade over time with or without treatment.
Medical/Cosmetic Treatment
Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy are common cosmetic treatment methods for scars, particularly acne scars. Chemical peels are most beneficial for smaller scars, while dermabrasion reaches deeper layers of skin to treat larger scars. Laser treatment can help sculpt large or irregular scars and elevate indented scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Large scars, such as those from burns, can restrict movement, particularly around the joints. Surgeons can remove excess scar tissue and close the new wound around the skin folds to improve appearance. Your dermatologist can prescribe a cream that contains tretinoin that can fade new stretch marks by helping rebuild collagen around the mark, according to MayoClinic.com. Do not use tretinoin creams if you are pregnant. Microdermabrasion treatments for stretch marks remove the upper layer of skin to encourage new skin growth. Laser therapies encourage new collagen and elastin growth to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. The excimer laser enhances melanin production, making stretch marks' color appear similar to that of the surrounding skin.
Time Frame and Frequency
Since at-home products and methods are less potent than cosmetic procedures, they tend to work best on small, light scars that are less than a few months old. If you decide to use a topical scar or stretch mark removal product, follow the manufacturer's directions regarding frequency of use. Most creams recommend application twice daily for several weeks. Cosmetic procedures, such as dermabrasion, laser therapy and chemical peels, often require several sessions to achieve maximum results. Most cosmetic procedures require waiting at least two to three weeks between treatment sessions.
Potential
While many people do see a slight improvement in the appearance of scars and stretch marks with at-home treatment methods, the most dramatic results typically come from cosmetic procedures. It is important to be realistic about your expectations when undergoing any scar or stretch mark treatment. Very large, dark or old scars or stretch marks are likely to remain at least slightly visible even after treatment, though they may fade considerably.
Considerations
Many cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks are costly and often require several treatment sessions for patients to see full results. Dermabrasion and chemical peels can leave the skin red, sore or otherwise discolored for several days or weeks. Not all types of scars respond to specific treatments, and you may have to try several different methods before finding one that gives you your desired results.
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