Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are normal and often celebrated. But some may find them to be frustrating marks on their bodies. Determine what they are and why they happen, then explore all the treatments that work to diminish them.

Stretch marks are normal and often celebrated. But some may find them to be frustrating marks on their bodies. Determine what they are and why they happen, then explore all the treatments that work to diminish them.

Medically reviewed by Michele S. Green, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist
Written byMari MalcolmUpdated on July 6, 2021
RealSelf ensures that an experienced doctor who is trained and certified to safely perform this procedure has reviewed this information for medical accuracy.You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.
Stretch Marks (Page Image)
Stretch Marks (Page Image)

Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when skin stretches or shrinks quickly. “Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it’s overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted, causing stretch marks to form,” explains Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York City. 

Striae distensae (as they’re called by doctors) can develop at any age. They’re more common in women than in men, and they can show up on almost any area of the dermis. 

Typically, young marks look pale pink or red, depending on your skin tone, becoming paler as they mature. These raised scars can feel itchy.

Stretch marks usually appear due to skin stretching from a growth spurt, sudden weight loss or gain, rapid growth of muscles from bodybuilding, or a pregnancy (stretch marks on pregnant women have their own medical term: striae gravidarum). 

This sudden expansion of the skin causes its collagen and elastin to rupture. As this heals, scar tissue develops and presents itself as streaks along the skin.

Medical conditions such Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome can also cause stretch marks. 

Related: 6 Moms Reveal the Stretch Mark Products That Really Work

All scars are permanent, but there are ways to fade them so they become less noticeable. Dr. Tracy Evans, a San Francisco dermatologic surgeon, cautions that “stretch marks are very difficult to treat. With most treatment options, expect 30–50% improvement.”

The best solution for you will depend on your scars’ age, their location, and your skin type. Some moms swear by creams and oils, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, “in-office procedures have proven more effective than creams, lotions, and gels.” 

These are the treatment options that work best to help get rid of stretch marks, according to doctors and RealSelf members.

CO2 Laser (Page Image)CO2 Laser

nonsurgical

Microneedling (Page Image)Microneedling

nonsurgical

Tummy Tuck (Page Image)Tummy Tuck

surgical

Worth It Rating81%79%95%
Average Cost$2875$650$8200
Downtime1–2 weeks of downtime1–3 days of downtime2–4 weeks of downtime
AnesthesiaLocal or general anesthesiaTopical anesthesiaGeneral anesthesia
  • CO2 laser treatments can smooth and fade stretch marks and other scars. CO2 lasers can be fractional, meaning they target only part of the skin, or they can be unfractionated and fully ablative, stripping away the entire epidermis and heating the deeper layer. (Most modern CO2 lasers are fractional.) Both types of CO2 lasers trigger a healing response that boosts the production of collagen, to help fill in depressed scars.  Your doctor first numbs your skin and then moves the CO2 laser across the treatment area for about an hour. Afterward, temporary side effects include scabbing and tenderness. Depending on whether your doctor uses a fractional or traditional CO2 laser, it can take a few weeks to fully heal, but you’ll see results as soon as the scabbing subsides. You may need more than one treatment, for optimal results. Find doctors who offer CO2 laser
  • Microneedling fades stretch marks by creating micro injuries in the top layer of your skin, to stimulate your body’s collagen and elastin production.  Your provider applies a numbing cream before using a handheld device with very fine needles (like a Dermapen) to perforate the top layers of your skin. You’ll experience some swelling, sensitivity, and redness for two to three days afterward.  Most people need three to five microneedling sessions in order to fade stretch marks. You should see improvements after the first three. People with younger, more elastic skin will need annual maintenance treatments, while patients over 40 may need them every four to six months.  You can improve and extend your results by opting for a treatment like Vivace, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for a bigger collagen boost, or with a topical application of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, which encourages cell regeneration. “The growth factors and regenerative cells in the PRP infiltrate deep into the stretch mark areas, stimulating collagen and elastin regrowth,” explains Greenwich, Connecticut, dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols. Find doctors who offer microneedling
  • Tummy tuck surgery, also called an abdominoplasty, improves the contours of your tummy and tightens the abdominal muscles. The surgeon also removes excess fat and skin, including skin on the lower abdomen that has pregnancy stretch marks or those caused by major weight loss. This is a major surgery, involving general anesthesia and up to three weeks of recovery. It has the highest complication rate of any plastic surgery, and it carries a hefty price tag. It also leaves a permanent scar, though you should be able to easily hide it, even under a bikini.  Despite the downsides, the results can be dramatic enough that it’s worth considering, if your concerns extend beyond just stretch marks (or if the marks on your belly are especially long and severe). Find doctors that offer tummy tuck surgery Related: The Best Surgical and Nonsurgical Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening Procedures for Every Trouble Spot

  • Fraxel laser treatments also reduce the appearance of stretch marks by boosting collagen and elastin production. In addition to working well on new stretch marks, which are easier to treat, Fraxel can also improve the appearance of older marks. Your doctor numbs your skin with a topical or local anesthetic before treating the area. The Fraxel Dual laser is non-ablative (meaning it doesn’t remove the top layer of skin), so you’ll have fewer side effects than with ablative CO2 lasers—and only a week of downtime. Optimal results usually appear 8–12 weeks after your procedure and continue to improve for six months.  Find doctors that offer Fraxel
  • Vbeam and other pulsed dye lasers specifically target red pigment in skin, making them effective on some early marks. They’ve long been used to remove red birthmarks on children as well as acne scars, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. As with many laser treatments, it feels like a rubber band snapping against your skin, but any pain should be minimal. You’ll also have some minor swelling and redness afterward, which should fade within a week.  Treating stretch marks with Vbeam may take up to five sessions, spaced a month apart, but your results should last several years. Find doctors that offer Vbeam

Retin-A, a retinoid that can boost collagen production and cell turnover, can fade early stretch marks if applied every night for 24 weeks. A doctor or dermatologist can prescribe Retin-A as a cream, gel, or liquid, in dosage strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.25% tretinoin.

Studies have also shown that regular use of hyaluronic acid can help fade early stretch marks.

While other stretch mark creams aren’t proven to be as effective as these solutions, you’ll get the best results if you use them early, apply them daily, and massage them in.

If you’re interested in home remedies for stretch marks, keep in mind that the American Academy of Dermatology notes that “researchers found that none of the stretch marks faded when people massaged almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E into their stretch marks.” Your skin may become more supple, but fading these scars will take more serious measures.

Related: 5 Dermatologist-Recommended for Stretch Mark Removal If an Oil or Cream Didn’t Work

Updated July 6, 2021

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