Stretch marks occur as the network of collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, are pulled apart. Fast weight gain, pregnancy, and weight lifting are common causes. Teenagers may experience them due to growth spurts accompanied by the introduction of steroid hormones in puberty. Genetic factors, diet, and exercise are also implicated.
The most effective time to repair them is when they are new. Depending on your skin color, it will resemble stripes of red, pink, purple, or brown. Topical creams and ointments, like vitamin E, cocoa butter, and wheat germ oil, hydrate the skin and increase collagen stimulation. Glycolic acid, applied several times a day, will carefully remove the top layers of skin and improve the appearance of the scars.
If your stretch marks are older, they have probably faded to a silvery white color. This stage is more difficult to treat, but you still have options.
Plastic surgeons have recently been armed with new technologies developed to target stretch mark repair. Several different types of lasers and dermabrasion techniques have generated good results for many people who have tried them. The down side is the cost of procedures can range from $200 to $1000 a treatment, and several visits are required to achieve results.
Laser treatments have been effective for about 50% of patients in some studies and depends on the age of the stretch marks being treated. The laser stimulates collagen production in the middle layers of the skin, and improves the appearance of the scars. Laser treatments are expensive, may be uncomfortable, and several visits recommended to get the best possible improvement.
Microdermabrasion is recommended for older stretch marks and is proven to lighten and fade them. The process polishes and skin and stimulates new skin growth. Proven effective for some people, it is a costly procedure with several visits to a provider.
The "Tummy Tuck" is a surgical procedure that may remove all the stretch marks and extra skin from pregnancy or rapid weight loss. The procedure costs around $8000 and has considerable down time and discomfort. Dangerous complications exist as do with all major surgical procedures.
Natural products to lighten and fade even silvery white stretch marks are available. Topical preparations specially formulated to treat the scarred dermis have been rated with positive reviews. You can treat your problem areas with privacy in the comfort of your own home. The costs are considerably lower than surgical or medical procedures, and there is no discomfort or down time. The downside is it takes longer to achieve results.
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