There are many treatments available for stretch marks, but the most effective ones will depend on the individual case. Some of the most popular treatments include:

1. Topical creams and lotions: These products can help to moisturize the skin, making it more elastic and less likely to develop stretch marks. Some creams and lotions also contain ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, such as retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica. Retinoids, a form of vitamin A, can help to increase collagen production and improve the texture and color of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can help to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity. Centella asiatica is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help heal wounds and improve skin health.
2. Microdermabrasion: This is a procedure that involves using a device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microdermabrasion can help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin. It can also help to increase blood flow and collagen production, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
3. Laser therapy: There are several laser treatments available that can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The most popular ones include fractional laser therapy, pulsed dye laser therapy, CO2, and non-ablative laser therapy. These treatments work by heating the skin (or causing a photoacoustic effect) and stimulating collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Fractional laser therapy uses laser beams to target specific areas of the skin, creating micro-wounds that stimulate collagen production. Pulsed dye laser therapy uses a specific type of laser to target the blood vessels that cause the red or purple color of stretch marks. Non-ablative laser therapy uses a different type of laser that targets the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface.  Given how this treatment has a low success rate, and given how expensive it can add up to, it is recommended to try other methods first.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove stretch marks. This can include tummy tucks, breast lifts, and other procedures that involve removing excess skin. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases of stretch marks that cannot be improved with other treatments.  This really would be the last resort and this is likely to lead to unsightly surgical scarring also.
5. Microneedling: This is a procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in a dermatology clinic. It involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.  However, using a dermapen will only initiate a mild skin response and it may take many sessions (perhaps 8-12) to see an improvement.
6. MCA inkless needling: This is often confused with microneedling, but it is most certainly not the same thing, particyularly when we compare results.  The concept is the same as microneedling – we use tiny needles to create tiny punctures in the skin.  However, with MCA inkless needling, a fine tattoo needle on a tattoo machine is used to focus solely on the stretch marks without damaging the surrounding skin.  The fine needles more easily penetrate the skin, initiating the desired skin response, leading to quicker and better results compared to microneedling.  Historically this was known as “dry tattooing / dry needling” but due to legislation changes in the UK, this is now performed with a serum product.  The serum used with this treatment will also benefit the skin further.  Although MCA needling works wonders in all skin types, it is especially successful in treating darker skin types, due to the melanin stimulation in response to the controlled skin trauma.  There are risks associated with those prone to hyperpigmentation which should be discussed with the practitioner.
7. Stretch mark tattoo camouflage: This treatment has been gaining more and more popularity since 2018, with many permanent makeup artists, tattoo artists, beauticians, and aesthetic practitioners adding this to their treatment list.  This treatment involves custom blending a client’s skin tone colour, to add some ink colour to lighter stretch marks to make them less visible.  Beware though, stretch mark tattoo camouflage isn’t an easy treatment to master, and any practitioner should be knowledgable in colour theory with extensive experience on how skin tone ink heals in different skin types.  There are risks involved and, if not done with all the knowledge required, can look very unnatural.  If a practitioner picks a colour out a bottle without examining the clients overtone and undertone, and without mixing colours and diluting especially for that client, then they should be concerned.   Inking suually isn’t suitable for very pae skin types, or darker skin types prone to hyperpigmentation.  Adding ink in to stretch marks is usually only performed after trying MCA inkless needling first, since it is possible to stimulate natural melanin production in many skin types without the need for ink.  Stretch marks should also only be tattooed with ink if they are at least 2 years’ old, fairly smooth to touch (not wrinkly), and lighter than the surrounding skin.  Generally it is not suitable for tattooing over darker stretch marks in those prone to hyperpigmentation.  However, it is possible to make red stretch marks less noticeable by colour neutralisation methods.  Colour tests should always be performed on a small area first to determine if someone is suitable.  This treatment, when performed correctly by a skilled artist, can give amazing results.