 | Creams: $40-$100 |
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 | Laser Treatments: $1,500-$3,750 |
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 | Tummy Tuck: $3,000-$8,500 |
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| Though most plastic surgeons say that stretch marks should be considered permanent, there are a few options for fading or removal in certain cases. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Stretch mark treatment typically costs $40 to $100 per tube or bottle for creams or oils designed to fade and soften stretch marks; for example, SkinStore.com offers products in this price range. However, these treatments typically have not been proven to work and many plastic surgeons on RealSelf.com say they are ineffective.
- Stretch mark treatment typically costs at least $300 to $750 per treatment for five or six treatments, or at least $1,500 to $3,750 for fractional laser treatments, such as Fraxel, Starlux or Active FX that can fade the color and possibly lessen the depth of stretch marks.
- And stretch mark treatment typically costs $3,000 to $8,500 for a tummy tuck, which is the only method of actually removing stretch marks, since the marked skin can be cut away.
- Stretch mark treatment is considered cosmetic and typically is not covered by health insurance.
What should be included: | - Creams or oils typically are applied at home daily, following instructions on the packaging.
- Laser treatments typically are done in a clinic using topical or local anesthetic; the laser penetrates the layers of skin and stimulates new collagen growth, which can fade, but not remove stretch marks. . Plastic surgeon Dr. Brooke Seckel offers an overview of laser treatments for stretch marks.
- In a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a incisions in the skin, pulls stomach muscles tighter and stitches them in place, then removes excess skin -- which can also be a way of removing some abdominal stretch marks, especially those resulting from pregnancy -- and stitches the incisions closed. It takes two to five hours.
Discounts: | - Some clinics offer online coupons. For example, Ageless Remedies in North Carolina had a coupon for $100 off laser stretch mark treatment.
- Plastic surgeons usually offer discounts for multiple procedures.
Shopping for stretch mark removal: | - It's important to know that stretch marks are caused by tears in the dermis, or deeper layers of skin, which leads to deep scarring, so most plastic surgeons agree there are few effective ways to treat them.
- It is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your particular case and options. The American Academy of Dermatology offers a list of board-certified dermatologists by location. Or, both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offer referral services.
- Risks of stretch mark treatment vary depending on the treatment. For creams and lotions, risks include dissatisfaction with results. For laser treatments, risks include minor wounds, scarring, skin discoloration and dissatisfaction with results. For a tummy tuck, risks include infection, skin necrosis, excessive bleeding, scarring and reaction to anesthesia.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated June 2010 |
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