Hi! Thanks for your query. Stretch marks are caused because the skin is stretched beyond its capacity to recoil. It is like a rubber band that is over stretched and cannot regain its original shortened length. Fresh (red) stretch marks have a better chance of being treated and lightened. Stretch marks respond very well to fractional CO2 laser combined with vitamin A creams. This laser reduces the redness of early stretch marks and also the diameter/size of stretch marks. The results extremely individualised and variable If they are late onset (ie. white papery stretch marks. It is important to realize that "treating" stretch marks is done to improve their appearance in a way that is satisfying to patients. Since a stretch mark is like a scar, with thin, attenuated abnormal skin, it cannot be erased and made to appear like normal skin. But the treatment does thicken the skin, make the shininess diminish, make the width narrower, creates a more healthy skin structure by repopulating the stretch mark with collagen and elastin fibres and so makes the stretch-mark containing skin look more normal. One should plan on at least 6-12 treatments at 3 to 4 week intervals and be patient while the changes are occurring.

Greetings. Stretch marks may not be "cured". However their appearance may be improved by application of substances like bio oil, topical retinoid creams, fractional laser therapy/ micro needling/ micro needling rf. The efficacy of procedure and amount of improvement is variable. Discuss the same with your dermatologist. Hope this helps. Caution: Make sure you see a qualified MD / DNB/ DVD dermatologist for all your skin and hair issues. Don’t be lured in by quacks. Know your treating doctor/ discourage quackery! Warm regards, Dr Govind Suresh Mittal. Bengaluru