Stretch Marks

Cosmetic Surgery Before & After Pictures Slideshow

• How can I get rid of stretch marks?
• Surgical methods
• Lotions and creams
• Diet and exercise
• Does insurance cover surgery to remove stretch marks?
• Patient Discussions: Stretch Marks - Effective Treatments

Skin does not bounce back if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, or lower back.

Featured patient discussions on stretch marks "I tried Brenese Cacao Butter Cream. It is the best cream out there for stretch marks, and it is natural. I am a dark-skinned woman, and I had them on my arms, back of my legs, hips, and thighs. You name it. It was not pretty. It is so concentrated that you only need very little. I have used it for three months, and after three kids, I needed all the help. It reduced my stretch marks, and as I continue to use it, my stretch marks seem like they are actually healing. I think it works so well because it has cocoa butter, shea butter, and jojoba oil as the major ingredients. I also used it all over my body. It works as an anti-aging cream for the body. Who would have thought that I would get rid of my stretch marks and look younger at the same time. You should start seeing results in about seven days. I thought it would be nice to let you guys know that there is a better cream out there that you do not know about." Read all stretch marks comments » Top Searched Stretch Marks Terms: get rid of stretch marks, dermabrasion, chemical peel, body marks, stretched skin, streaked skin, removing, causes, treatments, laser surgery, remedy, vitamin E, home remedies, plastic surgery, pregnancy, prevent, avoid, reducing, cosmetic surgery, surgically remove, can stretch marks be removed, exercise Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment. See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

What can I do about stretch marks?

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. Treatment options include:

Surgical methods

Dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser surgery can be used to address unwanted stretch marks.

Lotions and creams

Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments are available. Ask your doctor to recommend one. And, if you are pregnant, discuss your concern with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy, before stretch marks develop, so that preventive treatment can be started.

Diet and exercise

Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much—or more—water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin health: foods rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish; foods high in vitamins A and C, such as carrots and citrus fruits and milk; protein-rich foods, such as eggs.

It's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.

Does insurance cover surgery to remove stretch marks?

Insurance may not cover stretch mark removal because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are severe). Talk to your particular provider to see what is covered under your plan.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology.

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, April 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005.

Stretch Marks - Effective Treatments

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