Skin stretched thin? You’re not alone. Experts share the best ways to fade stretch marks.
Featured Experts
- Mariam Awada, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Southfield, MI
- Jody Levine, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Tina Alster, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington D.C.
- Chet Mays, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, KY
- Robert Singer, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, CA
The Cause of Stretch Marks
“Stretch marks (striae) occur when the middle skin support layer, the dermis, collagen and elastin fibers tear due to rapid overstretching,” explains Southfield, MI plastic surgeon Mariam Awada, MD. A vast majority of women have stretch marks, as they typically come with puberty, pregnancy and weight changes. “Initially red or purple, they fade to a silvery white over time as the skin heals,” Dr. Awada adds.
Stretch marks rarely, if ever, disappear completely, but their appearance can be reduced. Dr. Awada suggests “consulting with a qualified practitioner to determine the best approach for your skin type and condition.” She stresses prevention is key.
Over-the-Counter Products
“Most often, people will begin addressing stretch marks with topical products,” says New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD. Dr. Awada adds that massaging rich creams into the skin can help improve elasticity, while hydration and proper nutrition support skin health. Both of these are important in the early stages of stretch marks.
“I recommend using products that contain retinoids and/or hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Levine says. “Retinoids will stimulate collagen production and help improve skin texture, and hyaluronic acid will hydrate the skin. Both will work to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and help prevent new ones.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil debuted in 1987 and was the first oil to be submitted to clinical trials and prove that it could improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Today, one bottle sells every 10 seconds in the United States.
Lasers
Lasers are the solution to many of today’s biggest skin-care woes. Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD says a pulsed-dye laser, such as Vbeam, is a great option for new stretch marks. “Its vascular specificity hones in on the blood vessels, effectively destroying them, and reducing the pink or red color and improving the texture of the stretch marks,” explains Dr. Alster.
Dr. Awada says lasers like Icon and Picoway that stimulate collagen and tighten skin can also help fade the appearance of stretch marks. She recommends following this up with a laser like GentleMax Pro that targets discoloration, or Intense Pulsed Light.
Microneedling
While lasers are excellent for newer stretch marks, Dr. Alster recommends microneedling for older ones that are white and wrinkly. “Microneedling is safe and effective across all skin types and effectively reduces stretch marks in multiple body areas,” she says, noting that the arms, hips, abdomen, butt, breasts and thighs are all fair game.
Various factors contribute to the development of stretch marks, such as genetics, skin type, hormone levels and age, so treating them usually requires a combination of approaches.
Dr. Levine
Radio Frequency
Radio-frequency devices work by “delivering heat to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of stretch marks,” explains Dr. Awada, who recommends Thermi or Plasma IQ Pen. For a two-in-one treatment, Dr. Levine suggests Morpheus8, which combines radio frequency and microneedling.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
You can also top off the previously mentioned treatments with PRP. “Platelet-rich plasma uses the body’s natural healing process to promote skin repair,” Dr. Awada explains. “Concentrated growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood are delivered directly to damaged skin. This boosts collagen and elastin production, turns on tissue renewal and enhances repair.”
Surgery
Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Chet Mays, MD finds the most effective way to completely get rid of stretch marks is to surgically remove them. “During an arm lift, a tummy tuck or a thigh lift, I can surgically remove the stretch marks in those areas.”
DISCLAIMER: “The treatments listed may improve stretch marks, but nothing will totally erase them except surgery,” says La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD.
