How to get rid of stretch marks - from natural ways to surgery

There are millions to be made for the scientist who discovers how to get rid of stretch marks. At present there is a plethora of creams and products, natural and surgical treatments that all claim to get rid of them, but very few that have been scientifically proven. While one method may work wonders on someone else’s stretch marks it doesn’t guarantee it will necessarily work for you.

The majority of treatments are most effective on stretch marks that are still in their early stage of development, so the earlier you can start treating them the better. The concept behind treating anything early on is that you also limit the amount of damage that is caused.

Laser surgery is one of the most popular methods for treating stretch marks that are new or those that are red, purple or brown. Most lasers can only detect color pigment so they’re not affective in treating mature stretch marks that have turned a pale silver-white shade. However, new laser technology is currently being developed that can detect white scars. Most laser treatments require a series of between five and six sessions for optimum results. Studies have also shown that the appearance of stretch marks can show improvement six months after the initial treatment.

One of the most extreme and expensive ways to get rid of stretch marks is through a type of surgery called abdominoplasty. This is primarily a tummy tuck to remove excess fat and skin but it will also remove those stress marks that are located below the belly button.

Microdermabrasion isn’t one of the most effective methods for getting rid of stretch marks but it can work well at improving their appearance if combined with other treatments. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves the skin being ‘sand blasted’ with tiny crystals which removes scarred epidermal tissue.

Massaging cream into your stretch marks on a daily basis can help to increase the circulation in the affected area stimulating new tissue growth. It has been suggested that it is not the type of cream that makes a difference but the actual daily ritual of massage that improves their appearance.

However, many women have had significant success with creams that contain vitamin E and cocoa butter. Clinical trials have shown significant success with various prescription creams that contain tretinoin or retin A. These creams thin the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and then penetrate the dermis (the middle layer where stretch marks develop) where they stimulate collagen growth.

As well as treating your stretch marks externally with creams it is important to eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that help to maintain healthy skin, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc and silica. Avoiding excessive weight gain also helps to prevent your stretch marks from getting worse.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

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