Can stretch marks from pregnancy be removed?

Jul 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

After giving birth, I developed stretch marks on my body. I would like to ask the doctor if stretch marks can be removed.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Stretch marks cannot be completely removed, but they can be lightened and improved through various methods. The main approaches include: 1. **Physical therapy**: Such as laser treatment, which can stimulate the skin to regain elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 2. **Medication**: Under a doctor's guidance, topical retinoids such as tretinoin cream or adapalene gel may be used. These medications can help tighten the skin, although their effectiveness may be limited. 3. **Surgical treatment**: For severe stretch marks accompanied by abdominal wall laxity or rectus diastasis, surgical correction may be considered. However, surgery cannot completely remove stretch marks, only improve associated symptoms. 4. **Non-surgical treatments**: Such as massage and running, which can help alleviate and lighten stretch marks to some extent by enhancing skin elasticity and tightening muscles.