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

Question

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.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

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.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for your question. Unfortunately there are limitations to topical creams and due to the fact that your stretch marks are white in colour means they no longer have a blood supply. Because of this there is no active nutrients or oxygen being provided to the area and therefore not much improving will be made by using the topical creams. I would recommend a course of medical needling to stimulate the blood supply and increase your collagen and elastin production. This should give you the desired results. You can also use your retin-A cream alongside this treatment for best results. Kind Regards

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

First and foremost, if you are pregnant or nursing then you should not use Retin-A.  It can cause birth defects to your unborn child.  But if that is not the case and the stretch marks are new (less than a year old) then it may be helpful.  It should only be used under the supervision of a physician.

	 

	"DR.D"

Anthony Perri, MD · Answer

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 Retin A on a new stretch mark that is still pink in color can offer improvement. As always, consult a board certified dermatologist prior to using Retin A.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

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.

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