How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks

If you are one of the millions of people who obtained stretch marks from pregnancy, body building, or rapid weight gain, then you probably have already done some research into how to get rid of stretch marks.

As no two bodies are the same, and effective cures can depend largely on the age of the marks themselves, how to get rid of stretch marks is not as easy as one might think.

The traditional, less expensive route is to buy a stretch mark cream that purports to reduce the appearance of striae.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks – Surgical Options

So, where do you turn? The answer depends on how much you are willing to pay.

Surgical removal

Plastic surgeons say that surgery can remove stretch marks by tightening loose skin. While this procedure is supposed to help eradicate stretch marks that are "crepey" and highly visibly by making the skin taunt, surgery to remove stretch marks come with a high price tag of $3,500 - $8,500 and all the risks of major surgery.

Stretch Marks Laser Surgery

Laser surgery to get rid of stretch marks is primarily effective on new stretchmarks that are still red or purplish in appearance. Once they have gone silver, this method doesn't work as well. For people with fair skin wanting to learn how to get rid of stretch marks, laser surgery is an option to consider if you can afford the $5,000 - $10,000 price tag.

Radio Frequency

Again, this method works for people who are looking to learn how to get rid of stretch marks that are newly acquired. Not as expensive as laser or surgery, it works by producing more collagen in the skin.

Micro Dermabrasion for Stretch Marks

Consisting of a dozen $75-$200 treatments spaced two to three weeks apart, micro dermabrasion gets rid of stretch marks by buffing impurities off the skin, minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. The smaller the stretch marks, the less visible they are to the eye. Micro dermabrasion for stretch marks can be done at a dermatologist's office or spa. Seek out board certified physician, as a spa aesthetician may not be certified or trained to provide safe and effective stretch mark removal.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks – over the counter options

Stretch mark creams with ingredients like collagen-healing peptides or retinyl can get rid of stretch marks. Stretch mark creams with more exotic ingredients like Sigesbeckia Orientalis that heal the skin by repairing the collagen matrix are an even better option for those seeking to learn how to get rid of stretch marks. These stretch mark creams are a far more cost-effective and safe option than surgical procedures for those looking how to get rid of stretch marks.

Click here for best stretch mark creams reviews to find tips for choosing the best stretch mark cream as well as reviews of the leading brands.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks – Final Word

Those who wonder how to get rid of stretch marks can go several routes to have them removed from sight. As with anything, it pays to be knowledgeable about any procedures you consider. Visit our review pages to find the best stretch mark cream for you.
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Striae: What causes Stretch marks?

Striae, the dermatology term for stretch marks, are a purple, silvery or red demarcation on the skin surface, usually caused by rapid weight gain or growth. Rapid growth can create an actual tearing of the upper dermis that can occur anywhere, but shows up primarily on the abdomen, breasts, arms, legs, thighs and hips.

Collagen and elastin often break down when body parts grow too fast, causing the striae. Once they occur, striae can be extremely hard to remove.

Striae removal can occur however, and many of the methods can range from the very expensive to the insanely cheap.

Every year, thousands of dollars are spent trying to get rid of striae as numerous women, teens and bodybuilders accumulate the unattractive stretch marks on their bodies and seek to be rid of the hard-to-remove striae.

Striae treatment

Just what method you choose will depend on the severity and the freshness of the scarring and your disposable income.

Laser surgery

Laser surgery for stretch marks will not work if the marks are old and have gone silver. While the high priced procedure can give results if the scars are old, optimum results are reached faster when striae are new.

Micro dermabrasion or abdominoplasty (tummy tucks)

Micro dermabrasion for stretch marks or abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) surgery to remove stretch marks can also be effective, but again, this depends on your weight, body type, severity and age of the scars.



Striae Stretch Mark Crème What may surprise you is that prior to the above striae removal procedures, doctors will often ask you to apply a striae stretch mark crème. More often than not, these creams have cocoa butter in them. Most patients notice that a simple striae stretch mark crème is effective in striae minimizing.

Since these topical creams and lotions can produce results on their own, it would appear to make sense to use a striae stretch mark crème in lieu of surgery. Considering that the cheapest tube of cocoa butter lotion in around five bucks, it may be a logical way to get rid of striae and save thousands of dollars.

Striae Removal – Final Word

Sure, a topical striae stretch mark crème takes longer than a surgical treatment, but if you want to look great and save money, a cream may be the best way to obtain striae removal. Look here for best stretch mark cream information.

Preventing Stretch Marks

The majority of pregnant women will develop stretch marks during their pregnancy. This is where the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," comes in handy. Believe it or not, but you aren't at the mercy of genetics when it comes to stretch marks. Just because your Mother got those red striations on her legs, belly and hips doesn't necessarily mean you will—but the odds are against you.

Tips To Prevent Stretch Marks

This is why it is important to find ways to prevent or at least minimize the appearance of stretchmarks. You can do so by utilizing a series of simple procedures. For the most part, these tips not only apply to preventing stretch marks caused by precnancy, but those caused by bodybuilding and rapid weight gain as well.

Use Aloe Vera and Cocoa Butter

These time honored ingredients, when used daily, can greatly benefit your skin and won't harm your baby. It can also make the skin more resilient and elastic, which will keep it from tearing. The sooner you start applying these two items, the better your chances of avoiding stretch marks.

When you are pregnant, get your doctor's blessing for anything you put on your skin. Those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding can seek stronger formulas for preventing stretch marks.

Water, water, water

Increasing your water intake can't be stressed enough. Not only will it aid in relieving the constipation that seems to be one of the most prevalent ills of pregnancy, it will keep the skin hydrated, which of course, keeps it elastic, thus preventing stretch marks.

Exercise

Walking and trotting lightly on the treadmill is one way to staying in shape and keeping the skin happy and glowing! Shortly after the baby is born, be sure to continue your rituals. This will be especially important if a few stretch marks showed up after the delivery. If you keep at it, even those marks will fade to oblivion.

Manage your weight gain

I know, I know, easier said than done. When Junior wants a hamburger at 2 am in the morning, he has to have it! However, blindly following those cravings can make you add on pounds that aren't necessary, and can be harmful in the long run. Doctors say that a woman should gain between 24-35 pounds during her pregnancy. Maintaining healthy and beneficial weight gain will help the skin grow slowly, aiding in preventing stretch marks.

Preventing Stretch Marks: Final Word

But remember, the real trick to preventing stretch marks is to start a healthy skin maintenance ritual them before they even begin. This will put you ahead of the game, and guarantee a greater chance of realizing to your goals.