If you have had a baby or gained a lot of weight, then lost it again, you'll see an unwanted side effect on your physique: stretch marks. Stretch marks, clinically known as Striae, are scars left after the dermal and epidermal skin layers lose elasticity due to extreme stretching.

The good news is that stretch marks often fade over time. Those that don't fade can be treated with topical creams and lotions. Exercise is a good way to help prevent stretch marks.  Some people are more genetically susceptible to stretch marks than others. For some, moisturizers and abdominal crunches may not always help. However, for many people there are a variety of treatments that do help.

Topical Lotions and Creams: Many of these products work to firm and tighten the skin. This tightening may lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks by minimizing discoloration and depth. Topical Retin-A, hydroxyl creams, and products like StriVectin-SD tighten skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels: Both of these procedures have been used to minimally improve the appearance of scars, reduce discoloration, and smooth uneven skin surfaces.

Laser Scar Reduction: Lasers have recently gained popularity to reduce the colour and depth of stretch marks.

Abdominoplasty: Some plastic surgeons have noticed stretch mark improvement after an abdominoplasty procedure. Though, patients are not considered candidates for abdominoplasty for the sole purpose of improving stretch marks. Abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle from the abdomen.