How to Eliminate Stretch Marks

If you’re one of the millions of people with unsightly stretch marks, you are not alone. While stretch marks can be extremely personal, statistics suggest that as many as 70% of teenage girls and 40% of teenage boys develop stretch marks by the time they reach adulthood. On top of that, between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy.

Luckily, there are just as many ways to get rid of stretch marks as there are ways to get them in the first place. Whether yours came from pregnancy, weight gain, body building, or just bad luck, there are numerous ways to make them disappear. The type of treatment that works best for you will depend on several factors, including your body type and how long you’ve had them. So what can you do to get rid of stretch marks?

Medical Options

Plastic Surgery
The most drastic way to eliminate stretch marks is with plastic surgery. If your stretch marks are older and were caused by changes in weight or by pregnancy, you are the ideal patient for this procedure. A surgeon pulls the loose skin taut, making your stretch marks disappear. Keep in mind that this is a medical procedure and carries the risks associated with any surgery. The price tag can also be a deterrent, since this procedure can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000.

Laser Treatments
Laser treatment is another drastic way to eliminate stretch marks; however, it is only effective on recent ones. The ideal patient has pale skin with red or purple stretch marks, as the contrast makes it easier for the laser to lock on. Laser treatments also can be expensive, as each treatment costs $200, and it can take numerous sessions to see results. For many people, laser stretch mark removal can be as expensive as plastic surgery.

Radio Frequency
One of the newest trends in stretch mark treatment uses radio frequencies to stimulate collagen production. Radio frequency treatments aren’t as painful as laser treatments since they don’t burn skin, but they are just as expensive. A single treatment can cost anywhere between $600 and a $1000 and it typically takes between four and six treatments to fully eliminate stretch marks. This type of treatment works best on recent stretch marks. You may also experience a reduction in cellulite following treatment.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is the least drastic of the medical stretch mark treatments, in part because it requires more sessions to complete. This treatment buffs away surface impurities and stimulates collagen production. Microdermabrasion is most effective on smaller and older stretch marks. Each treatment costs between $75 and $150 dollars. You can expect to need at least ten treatments over the course of several months.

Stretch Mark Creams

The medical treatments listed above aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a treatment that is less expensive or risky, there are also stretch mark creams. Most stretch mark creams contain peptides or retinyl to stimulate collagen production and repair stretch marks. Other creams contain exotic ingredients like Sigesbeckia Orientalis, which repairs the collagen matrix to eliminate stretch marks. In addition to being safer and less expensive than surgery, stretch mark creams can be applied in the comfort of your own home.

We’ve reviewed and compared the top stretch mark creams on the market today. Visit our stretch mark cream reviews to find out which product is the best for you.