Stretch marks appear as a result of weight gain in a short period of time. The skin is overstretched and purplish red lines appear at the site of the weight gain. Common areas where stretch marks appear include the abdomen, butt, thighs, hips and breasts. Groups that are more prone to stretch marks include bodybuilders, pregnant women and adolescents going through puberty. Getting rid of stretch marks completely can prove difficult, but there are several methods you can use to try to get rid of them.
Step 1
Use a stretch-mark cream to get rid of the marks. Stretch marks can become very pronounced as a result of dehydrated skin. The creams can moisturize the area to make the marks fade. There are also stretch-mark creams that contain retinol, an ingredient that can help remove stretch marks.
Step 2
Adjust your diet and exercise plan. Exercise in order to tone the areas that contain the stretch marks. Firming up the muscles under the skin can help them fade quickly. Aim to workout at least three to five times a week for half an hour or more. Drink a lot of water and eat foods high in zinc, protein, vitamin A and vitamin C. Some examples include green leafy vegetables, chicken, turkey, beans, grapefruit, oranges, carrots, fish and nuts.
Step 3
Make an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist. There are several procedures that a dermatologist can use to get rid of stretch marks completely. A dermatologist can use dermabrasion, laser therapies and chemical peels to help get rid of stretch marks completely. With dermabrasion, the top layer of skin will be sanded away to remove the stretch marks. Laser therapy removes the stretch marks with the use of concentrated energy pointed on the area. Chemical peels involve the use of a chemical solution to dissolve a layer of the skin that has stretch marks. You may require multiple treatments to get rid of the stretch marks with these procedures.
Step 4
Consider meeting with a plastic surgeon. Stretch marks can be surgically removed as well. For example, a tummy tuck can get rid of stretch marks in the abdominal area. A plastic surgeon will go over the risks and costs.
