The goal is improvement of stretch marks

As the panel members have mentioned, stretch marks should be accepted as permanent.  Although abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be a good option for many, it is not always the best option.  For example, some of our patients come to us after being told that they were not a good candidate for surgery - meaning there was not enough extra skin or tissue to remove.  For others, the stretch marks were in places that an abdominoplasty would not address.  For example, the stretch marks may be high on the abdomen, on the breasts, flanks, or even to buttocks and arms. 

Although class IV medical lasers will not erase stretch marks, they do offer a good option in resolving the color that is associated with stretch marks as well as improving the texture around the stretch marks to minimize their appearance. In our experience, medium to darker skin types have a tendency to experience darkening of the stretch marks that generally do not fade within a reasonable amount of time or do not fade at all.  Lasers are an excellent modality in fading these areas when the body does not or has not done so in an acceptable length of time.  In fact, research now suggests that earlier intervention may actually enhance outcomes.

We agree that ointments and creams only offer false hope.  However, there is no reason one should assume that there are no options inasmuch as technology continues to prove otherwise. If your goal is improvement -- then finding the right practitioner with the correct technology is an excellent step in the right direction.

Stretch marks are a sign of ripping of the deep dermal tissues, often seen after childbirth, after weight gains or losses, or after certain therapies, such as steroids.  Once you understand how the ripped dermal tissue resembles a burlap sack that has been pulled apart, it is then clear why no treatment will put those fibers back together.  So aside from maybe making a bit more collagen in the area or causing temporary swelling, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, patients should not hope for too much with laser or radiofrequency treatments, or they will be disappointed.

There is no quick fix or cream that takes stretch marks away.  Lasers designed for treating redness however can help greatly with stretch marks that are very red.  No laser, in my opinion, takes established stretch marks away.

If the stretch marks are located on the lower abdomen and there is a lot of loose skin, these stretch marks can often be removed when a tummy tuck is performed.

There are several ways to prevent stretch marks from occurring in the first place:

1.  Avoid large weight gains during pregnancy.  Not only do large weight gains cause stretch marks, but they are unhealthy for the baby and the mother.

2.  Avoid excessively large breast implants. They can stretch the skin, occasionally causing it to give way and form stretch marks along the top and sides of the breast.

3.  Avoid repeated weight gain and loss.  In stretching to accommodate increased body weight, the dermal fibers can rip, causing stretch marks. 

3 of 6 found this helpful

Helpful?

Contact the doctor