Dermatological Procedures for Removing Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched too quickly. This often happens due to fast weight gain that can occur as a result of body building, pregnancy and puberty. There are corrective creams on the market that can help to reduce these unsightly marks; however, dermatological procedures are the only way to fully remove them. 

Surgical Options

The only surgical procedure that is used to treat stretch marks is a tummy tuck. During this procedure all of the damaged skin that contained stretch marks is removed and the healthy skin is attached to the surface of the healthy skin right above your pubic line. This procedure has come a long way and only leaves a small scar behind which is usually able to be hidden with a bathing suit.

Non-Surgical Procedures

There are many procedures used by dermatologist to treat stretch marks without surgery. Micro-Dermabrasion is a common procedure used to treat stretch marks that blasts the damaged skin with fine crystals that will then allow healthy skin to grow back in its place. It is also common to use a chemical peel to help remove the top layer of skin, which will reduce the appearance of your stretch marks.

Laser Treatments

An Excimer laser is used to treat the skin where you have your stretch marks. This type of laser is used to remove damaged layers of skin exposing the healthy skin that is found underneath. The laser breaks up the molecules of the skin and they are then reabsorbed by the body and come back healthier. The skin that grows back in its place is smooth skin that diminishes the stretch marks appearance. This treatment will need to be done numerous times for the stretch marks to be completely removed. Sometimes the stretch marks cannot be completely removed, but they can be drastically reduced by using this type of laser.