Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks located on the abdominal area can be removed with a mini tummy tuck. This surgical procedure, also referred to as partial tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is commonly performed to remove loose excess skin but is also an effective way to remove stretch marks. Only downside of this procedure are the scars. But there are ways to prevent them from getting ugly and to treat them so their appearance will be as little noticeable as possible.

The tummy tuck for stretch marks can be considered a last resort. Especially when there is also loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight loss present. But also when other measures such as exercising avidly, following a strict diet, using hydrating creams, regenerating potions, firming ointments and other anti-stretch marks products all did not work. Then the tummy tuck for stretch marks is a relative invasive (compared to using a cream) measure. Big advantage however is that the outcome is not unclear. This procedure does make sure you get rid of your striae. Guaranteed.

Jessica Alba about her Stretch Marks

Self Magazine's February issue features an interview with Jessica Alba. In the interview she admits that she has learned to love her stretch marks. Her stretch marks have developed after the birth of her now 18 months old daughter Honor.

"Pregnancy was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had," Alba (28) says. "So I’ll take the stretch marks. I’ll take the sagging boobs. I’ll take the cellulite I can never get rid of." source: USMagazine.

Another star who is open about her stretch marks is British actress Sienna Miller. She states she has cellulite and stretch marks like any other woman.

Best Stretch Marks Lotions

There are plenty massage lotions for stretch marks on the market. They all claim to prevent stretch marks. Ingredients such as cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, soybean oil elastin, aloe vera, and shea butter or combinations should be the reason these products work.

But do they really work? Do they lubricate the skin in order to make it retain its natural elasticity and suppleness? The problem is that stretch marks are hard to reach because they are located inside the deeper layers of the skin.

When dermatologists or other experts are asked the range of efficient stretch marks products and treatments can be brought back to a handful. One of the options is a prescription cream with tretinoin. The brand name of this cream is Retin-A. The efficacy of this lotion is clinically proven but expectations should not be set too high. Stretch marks can be improved, mostly not removed.

Birth Control Pill and Stretch Marks

Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Stretch Marks?

It is commonly said that taking a birth control pill results in weight gain which on its turn can result in stretch marks. But this does not have to be necessarily true. Some (young) women have shown to develop stretch marks even when they did not gain in weight at all. This might support the opinion that stretch marks are caused by hormonal changes. On the other hand when someone gains weight in a relative short period of time stretch marks are usually the result because the skin is not elastic enough to bear the growth.

Facts are that the birth control pill can cause weight gain and stretch marks. Also a fact is that birth control pills contain hormones. Some say especially the Depo Provera shot and the Diane 35 (Dianette) are causing women's skin to be prone to stretch marks.

It is recommended to consult your health care provider or well-woman clinic about the birth control pill you are using and if switching might be beneficial to you. Furthermore it is always beneficial to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizers will add to your skin's elasticity which alows the skin to cope with hormonal changes and/ or expansion.

Endermologie Treatment for Stretch Marks

The French Endermologie treatment, a a FDA cleared procedure, is said to fade stretch marks. It is used for many complaints but mainly in treating cellulite, trapped fat deposits, scarring after liposuction, and as a way to fade stretch marks.

With this machine-assisted massage system rollers and gentle suctioning are applied to intensively and deeply massage affected areas. This way the problem area is exfoliated and blood flow circulation is increased. The exfoliation in conjunction with the stretching of the fibers is thought to aid with fading stretch marks.

Endermologie is a safe and non invasive therapy because no surgery is necessary and there are no risks on complications. Typically a treatment of at least 5 sessions is needed to see results.

After doing some research I didn't find any reports proving its efficacy on striae. So whether it is effective in fading stretch marks remains unclear.

Tretinoin Creams for Stretch Marks

Studies have shown topical tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) improves early stretch marks. Conclusion of this particular study:

Topical application of tretinoin significantly improves the clinical appearance of early, active stretch marks.

Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A. It is a drug commonly used to treat acne and for fading stretch marks. It is available as a cream or gel and works by increasing collagen production in the dermis.

Brand names are Renova, Aberela, Stieva-A, Avita and Retin-A which are all prescription creams.

People with sensitive skin might experience side effects such as redness, itching, and burning. Following the physician's recommendations is recommended when starting this treatment.

Prescription vs Over the Counter Retinoids

Retinoids are derived from and chemically related to vitamin A. Creams containing the retinoids retinol and retinaldehyde can be obtained over the counter at pharmacies, groceries and online.

Aquiring the aforementioned topical retinoid tretinoin requires a doctor's prescription.

Will Lotion Prevent Stretch Marks ?

Topical use of olive oil, lemon juice, barmon, cocoa butter and other lotions or creams all have been advocated as a preventive measure or working post treatment. Studies show that their effectiveness in still in debate.

Also the exact cause of striae is uncertain. Studies have shown stretch marks tend to be more extensive in heavier or obese women. Thus the conclusion that watching your weight can be beneficial might seem logical. But regulating your body weight and overall volume will not ensure you will not develop striae.

What we do know is that regular massage is beneficial to the skin. Although it might aid in prevention and improvement of stretch marks this isn't sure either.

Research has shown there are a few lotions that have shown efficacy. One of them is a cream containing Centella asiatica extract, Gotu Kola, alpha tocopherol vitamin E) and collagen-elastin hydrolysates was associated with less women developing stretch marks. Source: PubMed.gov

The brand name of this lotion is Trofolastin. The Trofolastin anti stretch mark lotion is developed and marketed in Spain by Novartis, and is recommended by many Spanish nurses and physicians.

"A daily application of Trofolastin can significantly reduce the likelihood of susceptible women developing stretchmarks during pregnancy".

The bad news is that Trofolastin is unavailable in the US or Australia.

Other research shows vitamin A (Topical Tretinoin, Retinoic Acid) improves early stretch marks. A very popular lotion containing both vitamin A and E as well as Aloe Vera and grapeseed oil is Revitol. You can find more information on this natural product here: Stretch Mark Prevention