Stretch marks, which are known to doctors as striae, are small scars in the skin that occur when skin has been stretched. Pregnancy is a common cause of stretch marks, because the skin around the stomach is stretched abruptly, causing small tears in the skin. In some cases, stretch marks will fade and go away on their own within a year. If stretch marks are more severe, they may need to be removed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Step 1
Wait it out. "Stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable over time," states the Mayo Clinic, "and don't require any specific self-care or home therapy." Older stretch marks are more difficult to remove, however, so if stretch marks do not fade after one year, try another treatment.
Step 2
Consult a dermatologist about tretinoin cream. Tretinoin cream, which is a topical prescription medication derived from vitamin A, is best for stretch marks that are still pink, suggests Melvin L. Elson, M.D., director of The Dermatology Center in Nashville. Tretinoin cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Step 3
Get pulsed dye laser therapy for old or new stretch marks. Stretch marks that are a few months old or less will benefit more from pulsed dye laser therapy, but it may also help older stretch marks. The laser stimulates collagen growth, changing the texture and color of the stretch marks.
Step 4
Ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion for older stretch marks, suggests the Mayo Clinic. During a microdermabrasion procedure, an abrasive material is blown against the skin, wearing away skin cells. When these skin cells grow back, skin will appear smoother and more even in color.
Step 5
Undergo an excimer laser treatment for older stretch marks. Stretch marks that are more than a year old may benefit from an excimer laser treatment, which stimulates melanin production. Melanin changes the color of your skin, making it appear more even in tone.
Tips and Warnings
- Over-the-counter creams that claim to reduce stretch marks are not effective, states the Mayo Clinic.
- Your dermatologist may recommend you wait until after you are pregnant to get a laser or microdermabrasion procedure.
Things You'll Need
- Tretinoin cream
