Is there anything that can be done about these horrible stretch marks? (Photo)

Question

I got pregnant when I was very young and skinny and it completely ruined my stomach. I'm starting to lose hope that there is anything that can we done about these stretch marks. They're about 8 years old and I'm willing to do or pay anything to get rid of them.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are no current treatments to get rid of stretch marks other than surgical excision.  During a standard tummy tuck stretch marks that are located between the belly button and pelvic area are removed.  Those above the belly button are moved lower.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

Morpheus8 is fabulous for treating stretchmarks!  Check out the before and afters on Instagram at @monroecomprehensivelasercenter

Brian Blumenauer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for 'stretch marks'. They represent weakening of the dermal skin layer secondary to rapid expansion, i.e. pregnancy. An abdominoplasty or panniculectomy can remove some of the affected skin which often involves the lower abdominal skin. There are non-surgical treatments available but can have very limited results.

Is there anything that can be done about these horrible stretch marks? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Stretch Marks - Striae

Answer: Stretch Marks - Striae

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is there anything that can be done about these horrible stretch marks? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Stretch Marks - Striae

Answer: Stretch Marks - Striae

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.