Much like battle scars on a warrior princess, many new moms find their abdomen (and often their thighs, breasts, and buttocks) adorned with blazing reminders of the previous nine months: stretch marks. Some may say they should be worn with pride; after all you got them from creating and carrying a living, breathing human being. Sure that’s a nice sentiment, but when it comes down to it, you’d like to don a swimsuit or wear shorts again someday. What’s a warrior princess to do?

Stretch Marks: What and Why

First, let’s establish why some women get them and others don’t, and what causes stretch marks anyway. It might have something to do with how much and how fast you gained your weight or how well you tended to your skin (belly butter anyone?). Then again, it could just be that you’re genetically predisposed to them. The reality is that the middle layer of your skin, called the dermis, stretched rapidly and actually tore. Those lovely hormones play a role in it too, which is why stretch marks are more common in puberty and pregnancy. The end result: you look like you had a recent run-in with a tiger. And the tiger won.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

So you’ve got stretch marks. All that cocoa butter you put on did little more than leave you smelling like a chocolate covered Buddha. Even though plenty of women swear by it, studies tend to disagree on whether or not such products can really prevent stretch marks. However, I say slathering on that butter, cream, or oil does do something. Skin that is rich with moisture is healthier and more resilient, therefore leaving fewer marks, or at least marks that aren’t quite as dark or deep. If nothing else, it just feels good.

What is proven to work then? For one thing, all treatments appear to be more successful when the marks are fresh, that is while they are still red and before they have faded to a silvery white. Consider using over the counter scar treatment products like Mederma, which has even created a line specifically for the treatment of stretch marks. 

If you have the time or can afford to see a dermatologist, prescription options like Biafine and Retin-A will certainly help reduce the color and appearance of those pesky stretch marks. Micro-dermabrasion digs a bit deeper and helps in the formation of collagen and elastin, key ingredients to minimizing your stretch marks. Laser treatments can get pricey, but with recent advancements in laser resurfacing tools and techniques, results can be promising. 

A 'Mom Job'?

Last, and certainly the most invasive of all options, is to resect the offensive area. This procedure literally removes the skin and underlying tissue. This is commonly done as a tummy tuck, but other areas of the body can undergo this type of contouring as well. Throw in a breast lift and a little liposuction and you have what’s affectionately referred to as getting a “mom job” in the world of plastic surgery.

Whether you choose to wear stretch marks as badges of honor or run to your nearest cosmetic surgery center for the latest and greatest technique, know that you are not alone. Stretch marks happen to the best of us.

*The above is in no way intended to replace medical recommendations. Discuss treatment options with your doctor first. Be aware that some treatments are not intended for use by women who are pregnant, intend on becoming pregnant, or that are currently breastfeeding..

Tia O'Neill is a freelance writer in Virginia with her husband and newborn son, Justice.