Stretch marks are those zebra-like scars we get on the skin. They are formed when the dermis (middle skin layer) is unable to maintain its shape and elasticity. We are affected by this during rapid weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy or puberty. When the skin is overstretched, the connective fibers break, disrupting the proliferation of collagen.

Anyone that has been affected by stretch marks is a candidate for stretch mark removal. Treatment will depend upon your spending budget and the time you are willing to spend on getting rid of your marks. It's good to keep in mind that most treatments for stretchmarks are invasive and require plenty of downtime.

Scar Removal Options

Surgery is the best way to get rid of stretch marks. It involves getting rid of areas where you've been affected by stretch marks. Most people that opt for surgery are dealing with severe stretch marks on their belly and they see surgery as their last resort. Surgical stretch mark removal is very expensive, invasive and requires plenty of downtime. This is why most people seek for alternative treatments.

Laser treatment is another surgical procedure that is effective. It involves using a laser to get rid of the areas where you've been affected by stretch marks. This triggers new and healthier skin to grow and replace the old damaged skin. For laser treatment to be effective, several sessions are needed. Laser treatment is quite safe and has mild to moderate side effects. Some of the most common side effects are stinging, redness and peeling.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that has proven to be effective to treat and get rid of stretch marks. This treatment can be performed by professionals at a beauty spa or by you in the comfort of your home with a microdermabrasion cream. The procedure uses microcrystals to abrade and eliminate the very top layer of the skin. This technique stimulates healthier skin to replace the old. It also stimulates collagen and elastin to make your skin much stronger and resilient. After a few weeks of using microdermabrasion, you'll start seeing remarkable improvements in your skin. The best about microdermabrasion is that you won't have side effects, it's painless and inexpensive.

Natural products are also used to effectively treat stretch marks. This treatment takes longer to see results, but results are permanent. These creams use a special ingredient: snail secretion. Snail serum in topical ointments trigger the proliferation of collagen and elastin to make your skin stronger. It also has the ability to dissolve scar tissue to improve texture and appearance of you skin.