Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on the body and are very common. Furthermore, they are very common in pregnant women. That's because the skin stretches very quickly with weight gain or with a quick gain in height. It can be of great concern to many people. That's why it's important to learn how to get rid of stretch marks.

The good news is that in most cases, they really aren't serious and the reddish or pinkish streaks will diminish and fade away. Very rarely, there are known conditions that are combined with stretch marks. Given the situation, you should talk to your doctor. But if you are feeling uneasy about them, you can rest assured that there are treatments available.

The truth is, it has everything to do with self-esteem and it is only a cosmetic issue. Treatments can be quite effective, if the right ones are chosen. In some cases, they can be completely removed!

For example, there are certain creams that work quite effectively on fresh stretch marks that are only a few weeks old. Of course, they still has to be pinkish or reddish in color for the treatment to actually work. The way in that it does work is that it helps in rebuilding collagen so that the marks look more like the rest of your skin.

Fractional photothermolysis and pulsed dye laser therapy both work in similar ways with wavelengths of light. These stimulate collagen and elastin. These are good treatments for new marks. Another laser treatment can help to stimulate melanin production. This in essence will make them appear less. Older marks can be effectively treated in this way. Microdermasion can also be effective by exposing a newer layer of skin.

Whatever your situation, it's best that you discuss it with your doctor. Some factors will play a role in the type of treatment you should choose, such as how new the stretch marks are and the cost of the treatments.