Many patients have been asking lately about creams they’ve heard about that are used to treat stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is no magic treatment for stretch marks.

Stretch marks occur when the skin is expanded more rapidly then it can stretch out. This occurs most commonly during pregnancy or rapid weight gain. Stretch marks represent tearing or scarring of the deep layers of the skin (or dermis). This scarring is permanent and cannot be removed by any type of cream or lotion. Lasers cannot get rid of stretch marks either. So save your money for something that really does work.

It is possible to lighten stretch marks that have a reddish discoloration in an attempt to make them more uniform with the color of the surrounding normal skin.

The only way to get rid of stretch marks is to surgically cut them out. Obviously, this leaves a scar such as in the case of a tummytuck. However, many people find that a well hidden scar is preferable to visible stretch marks or loose excess skin.