Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when your skin stretches or shrinks very fast, such as during pregnancy or due to sudden changes in weight or muscle gain. While stretch marks often fade on their own with time, many people wish to treat stretch marks to make them less noticeable.
Stretch marks have been notoriously challenging to treat. Surgical and non-surgical “solutions” have come and gone, and drug stores still offer plenty of creams and serums that just plain don’t work. Fortunately, there are a few proven stretch mark treatments you can try that may not completely remove your stretch marks, but should help to make them less noticeable.
1. Apply a Nightly Retinoid Cream
If you prefer to start with a topical cream to try to fade stretch marks, your primary care doctor or dermatologist may be able to prescribe a retinoid cream. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, prescription retinoid creams have been shown to effectively fade early/fresh stretch marks. However, retinoids are less effective on older stretch marks.
2. Microneedling with Radiofrequency
Combined microneedling and radiofrequency devices like Profound RF have also shown promising evidence of their ability to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Unlike retinoid creams, microneedling with radiofrequency can treat both early and mature stretch marks.
3. Laser Stretch Mark Removal
One of the most effective ways to improve stretch marks is through laser treatments. At Simply Smooth Laser Center in Tampa, we utilize a combination of two highly effective lasers, eMatrix and PicoWay® Resolve, to maximize your stretch mark removal results. For most people, around 3 laser stretch mark removal treatments is enough to deliver optimal results. These comfortable treatments are performed right in our office with practically no downtime afterward.
If you are bothered by the appearance of stretch marks and would like to discover the best stretch mark treatment for you, please call our Tampa office at 813-877-8067 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced skincare professionals.
Author: Caroll Delo, CCE, CME
Lead aesthetician and co-owner of Simply Smooth, Caroll Delo has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, and medical grade skincare services. Her vast knowledge in cosmetic medicine helps make sure that every man and woman who enters our doors receives top-quality care and expertise.