Get Rid of Stretch Marks Once And For All – Is It Possible?

If you search the Internet for one of the most commonly asked questions, ‘how to get rid of stretch marks’ would be one of them.  While more commonly a problem among women, stretch marks can affect either gender and do not have a preference for age.  Two of the most common times to see stretch marks appear are during adolescence when the body is developing and during pregnancy when the belly is expanding.  Just like they have no preference for gender or age, stretch marks also have no preference for area of the body.  They can show up anywhere, making us ashamed and insecure about our bodies.  So how can you get rid of them?

When learning how to get rid of stretch marks, there are two different routes we can take; non-invasive and invasive.  Non-invasive methods are the most popular and are those methods that can be used from the comfort of your own home.  Invasive methods are often thought to be more successful, but require the help of a physician and can often be quite costly.  Let’s examine the two different types of methods to help you determine which is the best answer for you.

Non-Invasive methods to get rid of stretch marks

Your best chance of getting rid of stretch marks is to catch them as they appear.  Newer stretch marks are often reddish, purplish, or brownish in color and are much easier to treat then aged, white stretch marks.  If you catch stretch marks within their initial developing phase, you can increase your chance of successfully removing them by over 80 percent!  For those who are just beginning to see stretch marks on their body, creams, lotions, and at home prevention may be the best option.

While most people will buy stretch mark creams, the majority of us are hesitant and wonder if they actually work.  Here’s the truth – some do, some don’t.  The success of your stretch mark cream will depend on the ingredients that are used within it.  Look for creams that contain high dosages of Retin-A, as well as other elastin and collagen producing ingredients.

In order for non-invasive methods to get rid of stretch marks, it is recommended that you use them in combination with other stretch marks prevention strategies.  In keeping your skin healthy, be sure to exfoliate daily, moisturize every day and night, increase circulation by massaging regularly, and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of water intake.

More invasive treatment methods to get rid of stretch marks

While creams and at home treatments may work for those with newer stretch marks, individuals with stretch marks that are aged may have a more difficult time ridding themselves of these scars using creams.  For these particular individuals, medical procedures are available.

Available in most spas, microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic procedure that is used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  During this procedure, the outer layer of skin is removed using mechanical or chemical means.  The success of this treatment method will ultimately depend on the age of your stretch marks.  While it is not the most powerful method used, it is the cheapest and safest of all invasive treatment methods.

Probably the most popular invasive method to get rid of stretch marks is laser therapy.  Depending on the extent of your scars, there are several different types of treatments that may be used.  These treatments are generally quite successful, but may be somewhat painful, expensive, and require several treatments.

Final Option To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks

Finally is cosmetic surgery.  While not available for all areas of the body, cosmetic surgery is an extremely effective way to rid yourself of stretch marks.  By removing portions and tightening the skin, stretch marks can virtually disappear using this procedure.

If you want to get rid of stretch marks, there are several treatment methods that you can use.  For newer stretch marks that are reddish in color, you may want to try options such as creams, lotions, and prevention strategies.  If your stretch marks are older and white in color more invasive treatment methods may be needed.  To find out more about microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or cosmetic surgery ask your medical professional.  They will be able to give you more information as to which treatment may be right for you.