Stretch Marks

Reviewed by Mitchel Goldman, MD and Scott R. Miller, MD, FACS

If you have had a baby or gained a lot of weight, then lost it again, you'll see an unwanted side effect on your physique: stretch marks. Stretch marks, clinically known as striae, are scars left after the dermal and epidermal skin layers lose elasticity due to extreme stretching.

The good news is that stretch marks often fade over time. Those that don't fade can be treated with topical creams and lotions. Exercise is a good way to help prevent stretch marks.

Some people are more genetically susceptible to stretch marks than others. For some, moisturizers and abdominal crunches may not always help. However, for many people there are a variety of treatments that do help.

Treatments

Topical Lotions and Creams: Many of these products work to firm and tighten the skin. This tightening may lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks by minimizing discoloration and depth. Topical Retin-A, hydroxyl creams, and products like StriVectin-SD tighten skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels: Both of these procedures have been used to minimally improve the appearance of scars, reduce discoloration, and smooth uneven skin surfaces.

Laser Scar Reduction: Lasers have recently gained popularity to reduce the color and depth of stretch marks.

Abdominoplasty: Some plastic surgeons have noticed stretch mark improvement after an abdominoplasty procedure. Though, patients are not considered candidates for abdominoplasty for the sole purpose of improving stretch marks. Abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle from the abdomen.

Consult a Qualified Doctor

Talk to a qualified doctor about your goals and the treatment options available for your condition. A primary care physician, dermatologist, and gynecologist can suggest topical solutions. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists may have experience with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Plastic surgeons perform abdominoplasty.

• Review the doctor's credentials, education, training, type of certification held, and the number of times that the treatment has been performed in the practice.
• Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with stretch marks who received topical applications, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and abdominoplasty to help decide which procedure, or combination of procedures, is best for you.
• Ask the treatment provider to estimate the number of treatments you will need.
• Ask about possible side effects or complications associated with each treatment.
• Remember that results vary among providers and patients.

For surgical procedures, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery with extensive experience in all of the treatment options available to improve stretch marks. Dermatologists, licensed RNs, and estheticians may also have extensive experience with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments, and topical creams or lotions. Board certification is not required for these treatments. Treatment providers will receive certification from the manufacturer for microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser treatments.

Costs

Fees for the facility, anesthesia, and the doctor will vary based on surgical procedure, other treatments, and your geographical region. Skilled and experienced providers typically cost more.

• Topical Lotions and Creams: These vary from $5 to $150 for a six-month supply.
• Microdermabrasion: Cost varies from $75 to $150 per treatment. Multiple treatments may be needed.
• Chemical Peels: Cost varies from $75 to $600 per peel. Multiple treatments may be needed.
• Laser Scar Reduction: Cost varies widely, $200 and up.
• Abdominoplasty: Cost varies from $3,000 to $8,500.

Payments

If the cost is too much for you to pay at once, ask your doctor about payment plans. For financing options and tips, continue reading about Patient Financing.

About the Reviewers of This Article

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery focusing on phlebology (the study of veins), laser surgery and liposuction. Dr. Goldman received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and dermatology specialty training at the University of California, Los Angeles. He maintains hospital staff privileges at Scripps Hospital and the VA Medical Center, both in La Jolla, Calif., where he practices, and is a volunteer clinical professor of dermatology/medicine at the University of California, San Diego. He is an associate editor of Dermatologic Surgery and The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and has authored more than 300 medical articles.

Scott R. Miller, MD, FACS, is a member of the editorial advisory board for Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miller practices in La Jolla, California. [More about Dr. Miller.]

[page updated June 2008]