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Treating stretch marks
Most stretch marks aren't particularly noticeable and will fade over time.
If you have unsightly stretch marks, or if they affect a large areaof your body, there are a few treatment options available. However, there isn't much evidence to show that these treatments work.
Camouflage
Cosmetic camouflage (make-up) isavailable over-the-counter at pharmacies. It can be used for small areas of skin affected by stretch marks. Some types are waterproof and can last two to three days.
Creams, gels and lotions
The manufacturers of creams, gels and lotions often claim that they can remove stretch marks. However, it'sunlikely they can prevent stretch marks occurring, or make them fade any more than they will over time.
These products are essentially skin moisturisers and are available from pharmacies, supermarkets, and health and beauty shops. They should usually be applied when your stretch marks are still red or purple.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can't completely remove stretch marks, but it may helpfade them and make them less noticeable.
Several different types of laser therapy are used to treat stretch marks.
Pulsed dye laser treatment is one type of laser treatment available. It's painless and can be usedat an early stage, while your stretch marks are stillred or purple.
The energy from the laser is absorbed by the blood vessels underneath yourstretch marks. The blood vessels collapse and the red or purple colour either disappears completely or turns white.
Laser therapy for stretch marksisn't available on the NHS and it's usuallyexpensive. You'll probably need a few treatments to obtain visible results. The exact number will depend on your skin colour and type.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery for stretch marks is expensive and rarely recommended.
If you have stretch marks on your abdomen and a large amount of loose skin, it may be possible to have an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) .
This is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat and skin from your abdomen, andalso gets rid of stretch marks below your belly button.
As this surgery is carried out forcosmetic reasons (to improve appearance), it isn'tavailable on the NHS. Italso carries a number of associated risks and can cause considerable scarring .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about stretch marks, including where, when and how they occur, what causes them and how they can be treated and prevented.
Where stretch marks occur
Stretch marks can occur anywhere where the skin has been stretched, but they usuallyaffect areas where fat is stored, such as the: tummy (abdomen) breasts upper arms buttocks thighs shoulders (
When stretch marks occur
Stretch marks often occur: during pregnancy after rapid weight gain during puberty if you have a family history of stretch marks if you have an underlying health condition or a syndrome, such
Howstretch marks develop
Before stretch marks appear, the affected skin will become thin, flattened and pink, and may feel itchy. The stretch marks themselves appearas red or purple streaks or lines, but can be pink, reddish
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth or weight gain. The stretching causes themiddle layer of skin (dermis) to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers t
Treating stretch marks
Most stretch marks aren't particularly noticeable and will fade over time. If you have unsightly stretch marks, or if they affect a large areaof your body, there are a few treatment options available
Preventing stretch marks
Stretch marks can't always be prevented for example, they often occur during pregnancy. However, there are some things you can do to help lower your chances of getting stretch marks. Weight and diet
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