"Stretch Marks Misconceptions ...

Stretch marks are something that a lot of people live with, and almost everyone who’s had them has a story about how they got rid of them, or how they prevent them. Mixed in with what works are a lot of misconceptions about stretch marks. Below, we’ll run through a few of the most enduring ones, and include the actual truth.

• Men cannot get stretch marks.
  Again, another common misconception. Men who lift heavy weights and build muscle fast are especially susceptible, as well as men who gain weight rapidly for other reasons.

• Stretch marks fade when the weight does.
  Although some do fade away after you’ve lost the weight that you gained, most don’t completely. Skin that has been stretched and thinned by weight gain doesn’t bounce back easily.

• Stretch marks cannot be prevented.
  There are ways to decrease your chances of getting stretch marks, and the best way is through proper diet and exercise. Healthy living will keep weight gain to a minimum, in turn reducing the occurrence of stretch marks.

• Once you get stretch marks, you’re stuck!
  You can cover them, remove them, or treat them. Science and technology have given us a lot of choices for dealing with stretch marks.

• Treating stretch marks is expensive.
  Yes, plastic surgery is pricey, but there are other, cheaper ways to reduce your stretch marks. There are a lot of topical creams and lotions that minimize their appearance.

• It isn’t worthwhile to treat stretch marks if they won’t disappear completely.
  Definitely not accurate! Even a small improvement in the appearance of stretch marks means that the treatment is a success. It takes consistency and discipline, but treatments definitely have their merits.

• Stretch marks only affect pregnant women.
  Although ninety percent of expectant mothers get stretch marks, but anyone can get them, from a bodybuilder to a child going through puberty. If you gain weight rapidly, you have a good chance of getting stretch marks.

• The only sure way to get rid of stretch marks is through surgery.
  There are other options besides a visit to a plastic surgeon. Laser or light therapy and chemical peels are the most popular choices.

• Insurance covers the cost of stretch mark treatments.
  Sadly, most insurance companies consider stretch mark removal a cosmetic procedure and do not cover the cost of treatment.

• Teenagers and kids don’t get stretch marks.
  Actually, it’s quite common to get a few stretch marks during growth spurts. Children go through periods of rapid growth, and this can cause those stretch marks. Luckily, children’s skin heals quickly, meaning that their stretch marks fade much faster over time.

Hopefully, this article has cleared up some of the myths and misconceptions behind stretch marks and their treatments. Whatever treatment you choose, educate yourself, and discuss your treatment options with your doctor or dermatologist.