FAQ: Stretch Marks

Are there solutions to stretch marks?

Unfortunately there is no magic elixir in the battle against stretch marks; however there are some options that may help, although the success of these techniques depends on the individual as well as the color, age and irregularity of the stretch marks.

Prevention

First consider prevention. Avoid prolonged use of potent cortisone skin preparations, which weaken the elastic fibers of the skin, and resist the temptation to use steroids to develop a muscular physique.

Creams

Vitamin E oil, aloe vera, and similar agents will not prevent or reverse stretch marks and often cause allergic reactions. However tretinoin when used in high doses may be effective. The drawback is that the dosage required causes the skin to be very irritated, dry and itchy. This can be very annoying and many people find the course of treatment difficult.

Lasers

In the early stages of stretch mark development when they are purplish/red in color, lasers which remove veins (Dye lasers) are very effective in removing the redness and preventing the elastin and collagen fibers from becoming disorganized. Unfortunately most people wait until the stretch marks are mature before they seek help, so this treatment is rarely used.

The Pearl Fractional laser has also been beneficial in reducing the visual impact of stretch marks, although this treatment is more effective with newly formed stretch marks.

Skin Tightening

The Titan skin tightening infrared light device has been beneficial for some patients especially when the stretch marks are relatively new.

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