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Can Retin-A Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks on the Belly?

asked 1 year ago by 7246anon in NJ
Latest answer by Anthony Perri, MD
Question viewed 2,126 times
Tags: age 18-24, stretch marks, female, after pregnancy, belly, white

Im 24 yrs old and have stretch marks on my belly after pregnancy and they are a white color now. Someone told me Retin-A might help reduce the appearance of the stretch marks.

3 answers to Can Retin-A Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks on the Belly?

+1

Retin A when the stretch marks are pink

Retin A should never be used when pregnant as it causes birth defects and should not be used while breast feeding.  I have noticed that Retin A can improve stretch marks (striae) early on in the evolution of the scar when the color is still pink.  Unfortunately, most of these stretch marks are "older" by the time it is safe to use Retin A once a women is not pregnant and not breast feeding.  In patients with stretch marks from growth or increased weight, early use of... more
Anthony Perri, MD

Houston Dermatologist
+1

Retin A is a safe and a less expensive 1st step for striae

I almost always try Retin A first. As a dermatologist, I have been prescribing Retin A for 26 years and know it is both safe and effective.The protocol is a bit different for striae than acne, however.  It does work best when the striae are less than a year old. I have found the next steps are procedures like Fraxel Restore, SilKpeel, and Smoothshapes. There is no one magic bullet that works on all patients. Improvement, not total elimination, is the usual result. more
Mary Lupo, MD

New Orleans Dermatologist
+1

Retin A For Stretch Marks

Retin A can help improve stretch marks in some people, but it is really hit or miss.  The problem with retin A is that you cannot be using it if there is any chance you may become pregnant while on it.  It causes very severe birth defects.  Also, you cannot be exposed to the sun when you are usuing it, you must use it every day, and you really only start to see an improvement after 6 months.
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon

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