Stretch Marks

Reducing Wrinkles Slideshow

• How can I get rid of stretch marks?
• Surgical methods
• Lotions and creams
• Diet and exercise
• Does insurance cover surgery to remove stretch marks?

Skin does not bounce back if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, or lower back.

What can I do about stretch marks?

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. Treatment options include:

Surgical methods

Dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser surgery can be used to address unwanted stretch marks.

Lotions and creams

Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments are available. Ask your doctor to recommend one. And, if you are pregnant, discuss your concern with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy, before stretch marks develop, so that preventive treatment can be started.

Diet and exercise

Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much—or more—water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin health: foods rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish; foods high in vitamins A and C, such as carrots and citrus fruits and milk; protein-rich foods, such as eggs.

It's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.

Does insurance cover surgery to remove stretch marks?

Insurance may not cover stretch mark removal because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are severe). Talk to your particular provider to see what is covered under your plan.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology.

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, April 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005.

Stretch Marks - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your stretch marks?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
Be the first to submit a comment

Submit Your Comment

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Chemical Peel - Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Dermabrasion - Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Plastic Surgery (Cosmetic Surgery) - Plastic surgery is becoming more popular for people of all ages. Plastic or cosmetic surgery may give you a sense of well-being and self-confidence. Source:Government Read 26 more Stretch Marks related articles ... Health Tip: Stretch Marks Health Tip: Pregnancy Affects the Skin