What Makes Stretch Marks Go Away?

Stretch marks are a very common and benign condition, but many people (especially women) find them unsightly and seek methods for eliminating them. No clinical or home remedy can fully remove stretch marks, but there are many steps that can be taken to reduce their appearance.

Commercial Creams

Creams and ointments containing vitamin E, cocoa butter, collagen or other anti-scarring compounds may work to reduce stretch marks.

Waiting Game

Over time, even very severe stretch marks will fade significantly. Some are completely unnoticeable within a matter of a few months or years.

Dermabrasion

Extremely severe stretchmarks are sometimes treated by dermabrasion, a cosmetic procedure that sands off the upper layer of the skin. This requires general anesthesia and can be expensive.

Laser Treatments

Dermatologists can eliminate stretch marks with laser treatments, which change the color of the stretch mark or surrounding skin to make them much less noticeable.

Tummy Tuck

Stretch marks frequently occur directly below the navel. This area is removed during the cosmetic procedure generally referred to as a "tummy tuck."