How do I get rid of stretch marks?

What works for stretch marks?  Is there any cream or lotion I can use?

Sort: Date | Helpful
7 answers to “How do I get rid of stretch marks?”

A: Unfortunately, there are no products that work on...

Jeannette Graf, MD

Unfortunately, there are no products that work on stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by weakness of skin and over-stretching, resulting in breaking of the dermis and subsequent scarring. When these are fresh, they can be a dark purple color; however, they diminish in thickness and fade to a white silvery... more

A: Stretch marks are permanent

Richard P. Rand, MD

Unless you can surgically remove them like in a tummy tuck, stretch marks are a permanent result of skin stretching more rapidly than its elastic fibers can tolerate. The anatomy of a stretch mark explains why no treatments can cure them. They are a splitting of the deeper dermis layer of the skin while the... more

A: Nothing new for this old problem

Robert M. Freund, MD

Stretch marks are breaks in the deeper layers of the skin. The color is typically blood supply and damge transmitted through the skin. The color usually resolves within one to two years. There is a genetic component to who gets them and who does not. Large changes in skin tightness will cause these breaks in... more

A: Abdominoplasty is a great way to get rid of stretch marks.

David Shafer, MD

There is no easy way to get rid of stretch marks. One way to get rid of stretch marks between your belly button and your pubis is an abdominoplasty. Many women develop stretch marks during pregnancy in this area and come for consultation after childbirth. If you are done having children and wish to both... more

A: No quick fix but here are some tips

Brent Moelleken, MD

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... more

A: The goal is improvement of stretch marks

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

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 -... more

A: Beware of the Snake Oil salesman

Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Stretch marks are one of unfortunate cosmetic difficulties where marketing has been unleashed on uninformed consumers. Because these marks represent areas with the deeper connective portions of the skin have been permanently damaged, there are no creams or ointments, or other treatments for that matter that... more

Post your question
Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.