How to Remove Stretch Marks Completely

Collagen makes the skin's elasticity possible.

Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched rapidly to a point that is beyond its normal elasticity. This condition commonly occurs with rapid weight gain or loss, during pregnancy or during the growth periods associated with puberty. Weight lifters also tend to get stretch marks during periods of rapid muscle growth. These marks typically develop on the upper thighs, buttocks, belly, chest, arms and back. While new stretch marks appear red or purplish and resemble jagged lines, old stretch marks are a silvery white in appearance. There are several methods for getting rid of stretch marks, either by following an at-home regime of moisturizing or consulting a dermatologist for specific types of outpatient treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Cocoa butter
• Shea butter
• Dermatologist
• Glycolic acid
• Retinoids
• Laser therapy

Instructions

1. Moisturize three times daily with cocoa butter or shea butter. Massage the butter into the hips, thighs and buttocks until well absorbed. This process reduces the appearance of current stretch marks and helps prevent new ones from developing.

2. Get glycolic acid treatments in combination with retinoids. Glycolic acid treatments can be applied by a dermatologist for about $100 a session (as of July 2011). Typically, four applications are needed in order to see results. Home users can purchase over the counter skin treatments with glycolic acid in lower dosages. Apply a retinoid cream on a daily basis -- in conjunction with the glycolic treatments -- for 12 weeks to see results.

3. Get laser therapy on your stretch marks. Laser treatment costs about $1,000 per session (as of July 2011). A minimum of three sessions are often needed in order to see results. The treatment works on new stretch marks with a focused beam and on old stretch marks by blurring the edges of the marks with a laser in the shape of a grid.

4. Get microdermabrasion treatment for old stretch marks. Old stretch marks that have turned white or silvery are more difficult to remove than fresh ones. Microdermabrasion works by removing the top layer of skin, stimulating the growth of new, more elastic tissue. A single session with a dermatologist will cost between $75 and $200 (as of July 2011). The treatment may require several sessions for the best results, however.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, don't use retinoids at all.

• The dermatological fees cited may vary depending upon your location.

References

• WebMD; Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?; Annabelle Robertson
• MayoClinic: Stretch Marks
• Stretch Marks: Home
• Skin Abrasion: Microdermabrasion - FAQ

Resources

• The Globe and Mail; I Hate My Stretch Marks. Is There Anything that Works?; Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe