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What is a stretch mark?

What causes stretch marks?

How can I remove/get rid of them?

Why don't they heal over time?

Is weight gain the cause?

Pregnancy?

Can you prevent stretch marks?

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

	What does laser treatment cost?
	Does laser treatment hurt?
	What are the recovery times?
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Pre-treatment Questions

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

American Academy of
Dermatology

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American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery

Surgery for Stretch Marks


	Surgery not a good option
	May result in scars worse than stretch marks
	Lasers may reduce redness, improve texture

Surgery Can Create Scarring

There really is no good surgical option for stretch marks, in my opinion. The reason for this is you may replace a stretch mark with a surgical scar that has potential to be much worse.

Lasers May Help

Stretch marks can initially be red in color. This may diminish in time but it can take up to a year, and with some it may never resolve. Using a vascular specific laser may help reduce the redness, and thus the appearance of the scars. The abnormal texture may also be improved with factional resurfacing. The response to these laser treatments are variable and may take a series of treatments. There are also some risks of scarring so it is best to make sure your treating physician has experience.

To learn about choosing a doctor for treatment, see: How to Choose a Doctor for Stretch Marks

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Last Modified: December 9, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions
	What is Collagen?	Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks?
	What is Elastin?	Surgery for Stretch Marks?
	What are Stretch Marks?	Lotions and Creams
	What Causes Stretch Marks?	Diet and Stretch Marks
	How do I get rid of Stretch Marks?	What are corticosteroids?
	Why don't they heal over time?	What is hypopigmentation?
	Is Weight Gain to Blame?	What is hyperpigmentation?
	How can you prevent stretch marks?	What is CO2 Laser Treatment?
	Laser Stretch Mark Removal	What is Erbium Laser Treatment?
	Chemical Peels for Stretch Marks?

The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.

Surgery for Stretch Marks

Surgery Can Create Scarring

Lasers May Help

Frequently Asked Questions