How can I get rid of stretch marks?

If you choose to visit a dermatologist for advice and treatment to get rid of stretch marks you will be presented with a few treatments. These treatments have different rates of success; it depends very much on personal circumstances and how much you are willing to spend.

Tretinoin cream, also known as Retin-A, can be prescribed by your dermatologist – as long as you are not breastfeeding. This cream may be used in conjunction with other similar creams. Studies have shown some success with the application of 0,1 percent Retin-A on stretch marks. One study has shown a reduction of stretch mark length by 14 percent, another has shown a 20 percent reduction in length of stretch marks. It is not known how much of the Tretinoin that gets absorbed into the skin ends up in breast milk – so it is best to avoid breastfeeding while using it.

There are a number of laser treatments available to make stretch marks less visible. By using different colour lasers, stretch marks can either be lightened or darkened to match your natural skin tone. A newer kind of laser treatment stimulates the production of collagen, which makes skin supple and elastic. This helps with the depressed areas in stretch marks.

If you are planning on having another child in the near future, it might be better to hold off on the treatments.

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