While stretch marks aren’t painful or harmful, they can be alarming. Stretch marks cause your skin to look worn, discolored and stretched out, which can affect your appearance and damage your self-confidence.
Removing stretch marks can seem like an impossible task, but thankfully it’s not. There are treatments available, and yes, they actually work! Laser stretch mark removal is fast, easy and significantly reduces the appearance of those embarrassing stretch marks.
What Are Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, form because of a tear in the dermis, or the middle layer of the skin. Tearing is most often the result of rapid stretching of the skin.
Common causes of stretch marks include pregnancy, obesity, and natural growth spurts during adolescence. Stretch marks typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
Stretch marks are particularly troublesome for pregnant women. About 50%-90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy.
Many people turn to stretch mark laser treatment to remove unwanted scarring.
What is Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
Unlike stretch mark removal surgery, laser stretch mark removal does not include sutures or cutting. Instead, it uses non-invasive laser therapy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The procedure is easy, fast, FDA-approved and markedly reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
A laser for stretch marks works by emitting a beam of light that removes the thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. This area then heals quickly and naturally, producing new layers of healthy skin. The result is diminished stretch marks replaced by healthy, rejuvenated skin.
There are several types of laser treatments available. The two most common are pulsed dye laser and fractional laser treatment. The kind of stretch mark treatment that is best for you depends on your specific needs.
Is the Procedure Expensive?
Now for the most common question: how much does laser stretch mark removal cost?
Stretch mark removal laser costs will vary depending on your case. The type of treatment you get, how many sessions you need, and the size of the trouble area are all factors that will affect pricing.
Laser treatment prices average around $300 to $750 per session, or $1,500 to $3,750 for fractional laser treatments, such as Fraxel.
Is Laser Removal the Best Option for You?
Laser technology can be a great tool for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of treatment. While it can be great for some people, it may not be the right choice for others.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of laser treatment to help you determine if it’s the best approach for you.
Advantages of laser stretch mark removal:
- Laser stretch mark removal is more efficient at reducing stretch marks than topical treatments.
- The procedure is non-invasive and requires very little to no downtime.
- It not only diminishes the appearance of stretch marks but it also firms, tightens and tones the skin.
- It is suitable for all skin types and works for all kinds of stretch marks.
- The results from the procedure show up relatively fast and may require only a few sessions.
Disadvantages of laser stretch mark removal:
- Insurance typically does not cover the procedure, so you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket.
- Side effects of the treatment may include temporary redness, itching, and swelling.
- Laser light beams do not permanently remove stretch marks; they can only reduce their visibility.
Alternative Options for Removal
If you’re wondering how to get rid of old stretch marks on a budget, there’s some good news for you. Topical treatments can significantly improve the visibility of stretch marks and are relatively inexpensive.
Here are some natural and cost-effective home remedies to remove stretch marks!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can be an excellent method for stretch marks removal. It’s full of vitamins and minerals and is an amazing natural moisturizer.
How to use it:
- Apply pure aloe vera gel directly onto the stretch marks.
- Rub in gently for a few minutes so it gets properly absorbed.
- Apply twice a day.
Castor Oil
Castor oil consists of 90% ricinoleic acid , which is an unsaturated fatty acid that has skin-hydrating properties. Castor oil fights skin disorders, improves skin discoloration, heals acne and reduces the visibility of stretch marks.
How to use it:
- Apply a small amount of castor oil to the affected area.
- Wrap the area with a thin cloth for 10-15 minutes to help the oil penetrate into the skin.
- You can also mix it with almond oil for added fragrance and an improved moisturizing effect.
Sugar
Sugar may not be good for your intestines, but it is great for your skin! Sugar is a natural exfoliator, so it helps to remove dead skin cells which usually occur on stretch marks. The scrubbing effect of sugar also contributes to improved blood circulation, which can speed up the healing process of stretch marks.
How to use it:
Try making this DIY Sugar Scrub:
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup oil (olive or coconut oil work well).
- Store the mixture in an airtight jar.
- When in the shower, gently scrub the affected area with about one tablespoon of the scrub.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A or retinol is an active ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, slows down aging, protects against UV damage, clears up acne, and reduces stretch marks.
How to use it: You can buy an over-the-counter cream that is vitamin A based. Alternately, you can get a prescription version from your doctor for a stronger effect.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and has been used to treat the skin for many years. When applied topically, vitamin E oil boosts the production of collagen, the major protein that makes up the connective tissues in your skin.
How to use it: Apply vitamin E oil to the affected area. Pure vitamin E oil is very thick and sticky, so you can combine it with olive oil to thin out the mixture.
Coffee Scrub
Coffee isn’t just great in your mug. It’s great on your skin too! Coffee aids in skin health by reducing inflammation, minimizing the appearance of cellulite and exfoliating dry skin.
How to use it:
Try making this DIY coffee scrub:
- Mix 1/2 cup coffee grounds, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup coconut oil.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Massage the mixture into the affected area for 5 minutes.
- Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is fabulous for the skin. It improves skin elasticity, increases cell regeneration, and is super moisturizing.
How to use it:
- Massage a small amount of coconut oil onto the stretch marks until it is completely absorbed.
- Apply the oil up to three times a day.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has many benefits when applied directly to the skin. It can diminish scars and age spots, heal acne, exfoliate, and naturally brighten the skin.
How to use it:
- Apply lemon juice directly on the stretch marks and leave overnight.
- Rinse off with water in the morning.
Egg Whites
Egg whites contain collagen, vitamin A, amino acids, and antioxidants. These nutrients help to improve elasticity, fight free radicals and regenerate the skin.
How to use it:
- Whisk together 1-2 eggs whites.
- Using fingers or a makeup brush, apply the egg mixture to your stretch marks.
- Leave it on until it completely dries (around 15 minutes).
- Rinse off with lukewarm water, pat dry, then follow up with a moisturizer such as aloe vera or coconut oil.
Potato Juice
Potato juice might not sound like something you want to drink, but it’s something you may want to try on your skin! Potato contains starch which has emollient properties, helping to soothe the skin. It also contains antioxidants and lots of vitamins and minerals which aid in skin health.
How to use it:
- Cut a potato into thick slices and gently rub over stretch marks.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat daily.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a thick fat that dissolves at body temperature. It penetrates effectively into the skin and helps stretch marks to become paler and less visible.
How to use it: Apply the cocoa butter onto the distressed part of your skin one to two times a day.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa leaves are rich in vitamin E and K, amino acids, and anti-fungal properties, all of which help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
How to use it:
- Mix a few drops of chamomile oil with alfalfa powder to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to the stretch marks.
- Repeat up to three times a day.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used for hair and skin health for centuries. Rich in vitamins E and K, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, olive oil has strong moisturizing and skin-healing powers.
How to use it:
- Warm up the olive oil (it is best to use extra virgin olive oil).
- Massage the oil onto the affected area for 5 minutes.
- Leave it on for an hour so the oil can fully absorb into the skin.
- Repeat two times daily.
Water
What you put inside your body is just as important for your skin as what you put on it. Water hydrates the skin, increases blood flow and may help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
How to use it: Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking enough water. Most health professionals recommend drinking about eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day.
If you have a hard time drinking water because you do not like the taste of it, then one of the best things that you can do is infuse your water with fresh fruits and vegetables. When you infuse your water with fruits and vegetables, you give it a refreshing pick me up flavor that will allow it to taste a little better. Of course, the longer you infuse your water the most flavorful your water will be.
In addition to infusing your water, you want to get into the habit of carrying around a water bottle with you throughout your day. When you have the ease of access to a water bottle, then you are more likely to take frequent sips of water throughout the day. These frequent sips will then become second nature and you won’t even feel the annoyance of drinking water throughout your day. Your body, however, will thank you immensely for this subtle change.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a light, easily absorbable oil that quickly penetrates into the skin, giving off soothing and protective effects. It contains fatty acids and vitamin C which stimulate collagen production, decrease discoloration and regenerate the skin.
How to use it: Unlike most other essential oils, rosehip oil does not need to be diluted. Apply the oil directly onto the areas of concern.
Prevent Stretch Marks
One of the best ways to help deal with stretch marks is by trying your best to prevent them in the first place. While stretch marks are largely due to your genetics, there are many environmental things that you can change in order to stretch marks from happening.
One of the best methods of prevention is ensuring that your skin is hydrated properly. This becomes especially important if you are pregnant and your belly is growing or shrinking due to fluctuating weight. By preventing stretch marks in the first place, you do not have to deal with them down the road. Better yet, when you prevent stretch marks from happening, you are ensuring that your skin is healthy to begin with.
Any of the remedies listed above and beyond idea options as far as preventing stretch marks from happening.
Final Thoughts on Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Stretch marks are something that will happen to everyone regardless. Whether it be due to pregnancy, surgery, or a drastic change in your weight. The good news is that you do have some options when it comes to dealing with your stretch marks.
Deciding whether or not you will get your stretch marks removed via lasers is a remedy that is not for everyone. Be sure to consider our tips and recommendations carefully so that you make the best choice for yourself.