Laser stretch mark removal is becoming more popular every year, as advances in cosmetic dermatology lower the costs and risks of reducing or removing skin damage from pregnancy or rapid weight gain and loss. Surgical stretch mark removal was the most popular and effective option for many years, but with the recovery time and extremity of the procedure, many patients with small areas of skin to treat are more often opting for the lesser extreme of laser treatment.

Surgical Stretch Mark Removal - Stretch marks are treated surgically with the actual removal of the skin, like in a tummy tuck or breast lift procedure where the body is drastically reshaped. This is sometimes the only solution to stretch marks from massive weight loss, as not only the top layer of stretched skin is removed, but the excess skin as well.

Review your chosen clinic and doctor very carefully, ask for references from patients that have undergone the same procedure and research reviews of the doctor online if possible. Surgical treatments are a big investment, and you should always try to get the best doctor you can afford. Trust your gut, and read the agreements very carefully - any surgery can carry risks, and you need to be informed about the details.

Stretch mark removal can give back your self esteem and comfort, so if you’re suffering from anxiety about your body after pregnancy or weight loss, surgical treatments could be an option for you.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal - In laser skin treatment your skin is resurfaced with a laser that burns off the layers of damaged, scarred skin. The fresher the skin damage, the easier it is to repair that layer of your epidermis and regrow smooth, blemish free skin.

Laser treatment typically takes 2 to 6 treatments to completely heal and treat stretch marks, your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can give you a personal consultation and a realistic time-line to achieve your goals.

Laser beauty treatments can be uncomfortable, with the treatments feeling like someone is snapping an elastic against your skin - depending on your sensitivity this can range from annoying to moderately painful. You can ask to have the area numbed topically at some clinics, so do your research if you have very sensitive skin.

Other Stretch Mark Treatments - Lotions, potions, oils and stretch mark creams can help heal the scarred areas. Bio Oil is often mentioned as one of the best preventative stretch mark products, with a mix of vitamins and nourishing oils to help heal scarring and strengthen the elasticity of stretched skin.

Many pregnant women use products daily to prevent stretch marks throughout pregnancy. Other, expensive department store or specialty creams can fade and heal superficial stretch marks, but can run into the hundreds of dollars for treatment.

The Money Back Guarantee - In the case of expensive stretch mark creams, this is one area where you can protect your investment. Take before and after pictures when trying expensive treatments, and if you aren’t seeing results, make the effort to take the company up on their money back policy.

Only a very small percentage of customers follow up on products that don't work, and the companies are usually very happy to accommodate complaints if they are justified. So, if you’re looking for an at home solution, look for products that back their claims with a guarantee - that way, testing out a few of the high end, (usually tiny) bottles of product won’t seem so scary.

Choose the best treatment you can afford - money can often buy you the one thing you want with your newly beautified body - time! Get a doctor's advice for the fastest route to freedom from stretch marks.