What Can I Do About Stretch Marks?

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One woman, after giving birth and seeing stretch marks appear so prominently on her body, said, “I look like I’ve been mauled by a wild animal.” This is not an uncommon feeling for women who’ve given birth to a child. But pregnant women are not the only ones prone to the unsightly marks.

Stretch marks may form on anyone that gains or loses large amounts of weight (including body builders) or experiences hormonal c hanges. Additionally, some people are just genetically predisposed to stretch marks.

According to a recent article in Medical News Today, stretch marks may attack any area on the body that has the ability to expand—generally from the knee up—such as the stomach, waist, buttocks, breasts, lower back, hips, and legs.

The Cure

The first step to diminishing the appearance of stretch marks would be to research your options and consult a dermatologist and/or plastic surgeon.

Robert Applebaum, a Los Angeles board certified plastic surgeon, notes that there are products on the market—lotions, creams, and ointments, for example—that can be purchased over-the-counter and used to help reduce stretch mark appearance.

A good physician should be able to recommend a cream/ointment to treat the target area. The cost of topical lotions and creams ranges from $5 to $150 for a six-month supply. However, in addition to creams and lotions, other treatments for stretch marks include:

Dermabrasion—This is a quick surgery that usually only takes a few minutes to perform but may require repeat treatments. The procedure consists of a scraping away of the skin with a specific tool. The skin showing the stretch marks is “sanded” down to a reveal a “new” layer of skin. This new skin has no visible stretch marks. Cost is approximately $75 to $150 a treatment, depending on your physician and how many times it may have to be repeated.

Chemical Peels—A high-powered topical formula will be applied directly to the stretch mark. The chemical works to remove the damaged outer layers of skin. The cost of a chemical peel ranges from $75 to $600 per peel and, again, multiple treatments may be needed.

Laser Scar Reduction—Laser surgery usually requires between five and six treatments. There are several laser treatments for stretch marks available, so consult a board certified plastic surgeon for the best treatment. Cost can be from $200 and up.

Take Care of Your Body

Diet, exercise and a healthy intake of water will help prevent stretch mark occurrence, as will lubricating your skin frequently with creams.

“I gained 60 pounds with my first child, and only plan on gaining the allotted 25 pounds with this one,” said the woman horrified by the appearance of stretch marks after her first pregnancy. “I didn’t get one stretch mark until 30+ weeks.”

With a healthy diet and the help of a qualified plastic surgeon, she could soon be rid of her stretch marks forever.

(Article by: Donna Corrado)

Considering stretch mark treatment? Contact us today to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.


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