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Your Skin and Stretch Marks

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Skin doesn't always bounce back if it's been stretched by pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, or lower back.

Treatment for Stretch Marks

There are several treatment options for stretch marks although none of them are very effective. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone, and even your diet. Treatment options for stretch marks include:

Surgical methods. Dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser surgery can be used to address unwanted stretch marks.
Lotions and creams. Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments are available but are usually of little benefit. If you are pregnant, discuss your concern with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy, before stretch marks develop, so that preventive treatment can be considered.

It's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.

Insurance Coverage for Stretch Mark Treatment

Insurance may not cover stretch mark treatment because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are severe). Talk to your particular provider to see what is covered under your plan.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Norman Levine, MD on March 03, 2010