Stretch marks or striae as they are called in plastic surgery are actually scars of the dermis of the skin. The dermis is the deeper and thicker part of the skin in the majority of the body. Preventing and treating stretch marks is a multibillion dollar business. Unfortunately, no product or non-surgical treatment has emerged as the "gold standard" because no product has been proven to eliminate or completely prevent them to date.

Several products have emerged as common preventative measures for stretch marks. Only one randomized controlled study has been published which claimed to test whether oils or creams prevent the development of stretch marks. This study found a daily application of a cream (Trofolastin) containing Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy. Another study, though lacking a placebo control, examined a cream (Verum) containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol. It was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy versus no treatment.

There are hundreds of treatments of stretch marks, but until a product or treatment (typically lasers) is perfected that can literally heal skin without scarring only small improvements can be made without surgical means.

The surgery of choice for stretch marks is the tummy tuck. This trades the scarred dermis of the lower abdomen for a well placed thin scar at the bikini line. To get and idea of what skin can be safely removed, a horizontal line can be drawn from just above the belly button (umbilicus) to the sharpest part of the hip bones laterally. A gentle arcing curve downward from each hip is drawn with the lowest part of the curve lying a few inches above the upper part of the pubic region. This constitutes the area of skin to be removed. The upper part of the abdomen is then elevated under direct vision by the plastic surgeon to allow it to drape over the lower abdomen. Before suturing the skin in place, the abdominal wall is "tightened" to create an internal corset. This provides a nice hour-glass appearance to the trunk for the skin to drape over. If this area of skin constitutes the majority of your stretch marks, then this procedure may be right for you. The remaining stretch marks can be surgically excised once the skin is allowed to stretch at a later date, or lasers can be used for gradual improvement.

The cost of a tummy tuck is usually 3000-4000 dollars. Many patients have spent several thousand dollars on various creams and treatments over the years before they resolve to get a tummy tuck. Every surgery carries with it risks and benefits and it is important to discuss these risks with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to obtaining the procedure. To get the most out of your discussion with your surgeon, it is important to have a general understanding of the procedure. This can be gained by resources available at plasticsurgery.org or through the 3D videos and online anonymous Pre-consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons exclusively available at SurgeonHouseCall.com.