Ways to remove stretch marks

Overview

Stretch marks are just what the name suggests: marks that occur when the skin has been stretched beyond its limit. They are a type of scarring, and they show up when the body expands rapidly, such as during puberty, pregnancy or weight training. Also known as striae, stretch marks initially show up as red lines and, as they heal, turn whitish or grayish. Though the market is full of creams, lotions and other purported solutions for stretch marks, they are notoriously hard to get rid of. The fastest, most effective solution does not come in a bottle, and, unfortunately, it only works for striae on the abdomen. It is the abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck.”

Step 1

Save up enough money for a tummy tuck. Health insurance generally does not cover the procedure, because it is considered cosmetic. Cost can vary. One example of cost is the $6,450 that the Loftus Plastic Surgery Center in Cincinnati charges, including surgeon fee, operating-room fee and anesthesiology fee. Avoid spending your money on topical products or procedures such as dermabrasion. These methods only reach the topmost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Stretch marks form in the layer below, know as the dermis.

Step 2

Find an experienced, talented plastic surgeon. Though not all complications are avoidable, having the procedure done by a top doctor will help you minimize the risk of problems. Poor healing or a postoperative infection can mean you will need a second operation. Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you have friends who have had a tummy tuck, ask them who performed it and whether they are happy with the results. If you are considering a particular surgeon, ask for references from other patients. Ask to see pictures of tummy tucks the doctor has performed. Good surgeons will be happy to show off their work.

Step 3

Go under the knife. During the procedure you will be under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure involves making a long horizontal incision in the area between your navel and pubic hairline. The surgeon will repair weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. With a large section of abdominal skin removed, many of your stretch marks will be gone forever. For the first couple of weeks after the operation, until internal healing occurs, you may experience swelling and you may not be able to stand up. But in time your abdomen will be firmer and flatter.

Step 4

Take care of yourself as you recover. Your surgeon will give you instructions for changing dressings, showering and exercising. You will most likely need to take a week or two off work. You may spend the first night after surgery in the hospital and a few days after that at home on bed rest. Generally, doctors recommend that you begin light exercise about a week after surgery because activities such as walking can speed healing and help prevent blood clots. Strenuous exercise, however, is to be avoided because it may cause your wounds to reopen.

Step 5

Be realistic in your expectations. A tummy tuck cannot make your abdomen look exactly like it did when you were younger or before you had children. Abdominoplasty invariably leaves a significant scar along the bikini line, though doctors try to make it as inconspicuous as possible. And some stretch marks may remain. Additionally, tummy tucks are best suited for people who do not plan to bear any more children, because pregnancy can undo the results.

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