People develop stretch marks through many varied methods. Weight gain, pregnancy and puberty are all potential culprits. If the skin is over-stretched, connective fibers break, leaving behind lines on the skin. Whether one is prone to getting stretch marks relies mainly on heredity. Regardless, the lines usually appear light pink or reddish, and fade to a paler shade over time. Yet no matter how stretch marks are developed, they are almost universally despised. So is there a way to reduce or eradicate these lines? The good news is there are many alternatives. Your stretch marks may never disappear entirely, but many recent advancements aid in significantly diminishing the appearance of these unsightly marks.

Choices in Removing Stretch Marks

Since stretch marks occur in the middle layer of your skin, common over-the-counter creams can’t reach deep enough to help. The use of lotions rich in Vitamin E and cocoa butter will make your skin feel much softer, but they won’t assist in forcing stretch marks to fade. Instead, you’ll need to visit a doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get serious about erasing your stretch marks.

The first option in the treatment of stretch marks is a prescription ointment that contains Tretinoin, or Retina-A. These creams often dramatically assist in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, but will not erase them entirely. The creams work best for marks developed recently. They won’t work as well for those lines that have already begun to fade.

Your next option is a French treatment called Endemologie. This process aids in diminishing the scarring caused by stretch marks. It works by administering a machine with rollers across the affected area, which in turn uses suction to massage and exfoliate your skin.

One of the most effective options in treating stretch marks is through laser surgery. Lasers applied directly to the scarred area can break apart the damage and make the marks almost disappear. Likewise, microdermabrasion has also proven to be hugely successful in many patients.

Risks Involved with Each Stretch Mark Removal Option

There are a few risks involved with any cosmetic procedure, and the removal of stretch marks is no different. If you’ve chosen to use a topical cream, do not proceed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the ingredients can cause complications. Endermologie should not be used for excessive periods, or else you could end up damaging your skin further. Finally, always ensure your doctor is a specialist in dermatology before proceeding with laser surgery or microdermabrasion, as both of these methods carry serious risks if not administered with great care and precision.

Consult a cosmetic surgeon before you decide to undergo nose job surgery, abdominoplasty, or another aesthetic procedure.