How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Easily

A board-certified dermatologist is setting the record straight on stretch marks and cellulite — and her honest answer may surprise anyone who has spent money on creams promising a miracle fix.

Story Snapshot

Dr. Shereene Idriss says stretch marks and cellulite can be improved through in-office procedures, but complete elimination is very difficult because stretch marks are essentially scars.
Topical creams have no hard clinical evidence for fading stretch marks after they already appear, according to Idriss and expert reporting.
Red, newer stretch marks respond significantly better to treatment than older white ones, making early action the most important factor.
Cellulite treatments like laser energy and subcision show promise but durability remains uncertain, with even the dermatologist acknowledging the lifespan of results is still to be determined.

What Dermatologists Actually Say About Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are not simply a cosmetic nuisance — they are structurally similar to scars, which explains why they resist easy treatment. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of a science-backed skincare line, has been direct in her public education: getting rid of stretch marks entirely is very difficult. The realistic goal is meaningful improvement, not erasure, and understanding that distinction saves patients both money and disappointment.

The color of a stretch mark matters enormously when choosing a treatment window. Newer red or purple stretch marks still contain active inflammation and blood vessels, making them far more responsive to procedures that stimulate collagen production. Once stretch marks fade to white or silver, the tissue becomes much harder to regenerate, and results from any treatment are more modest. Idriss has emphasized in short-form video content that patients should act early rather than wait for marks to fully mature.

In-Office Procedures That Can Make a Difference

For patients seeking clinical intervention, Idriss identifies several in-office options that target the underlying collagen deficit in stretch marks. Microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, and non-ablative Fraxel 1550 laser treatments work by stimulating fibroblasts — the cells responsible for collagen production — to rebuild structure in damaged skin. Platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, can be used alongside microneedling as an adjunct to further encourage tissue repair.

Vascular lasers like VBeam address the redness in newer stretch marks, while Fraxel is better suited for older marks that have faded to depressed, textured scars. Expert reporting in Marie Claire confirms these are among the most widely accepted in-office treatments available. Critically, Idriss stresses that treatment is a journey requiring three to five sessions spread over six to ten months, with a full year needed before judging final results.

The Truth About Cellulite Treatments

Cellulite presents a different structural challenge. The dimpled appearance results from fibrous bands beneath the skin pulling the surface downward while fat pushes upward. Idriss describes a multi-pronged approach that includes subcision to release those tethered bands, biostimulatory injectables such as Sculptra to rebuild collagen support, and microfat transfer to restore subtle volume. Laser energy can also be used to break the fibrous bands and stimulate collagen from the inside out.

However, Idriss herself has flagged a significant caveat about cellulite laser treatments: the lifespan of results is still to be determined. That honest admission reflects a broader reality in cosmetic dermatology — procedures can produce visible improvement, but durability data for many of these modalities remains limited. Patients should approach cellulite treatment as contour management rather than a permanent cure, and should ask their provider direct questions about how long results typically last before committing to a treatment plan.

What Topical Products Can and Cannot Do

Many people turn first to creams and lotions marketed for stretch marks and cellulite, but the clinical evidence for topical products is weak once marks have already formed. Idriss has stated plainly that there is no hard clinical evidence that topical creams fade stretch marks after they appear. Moisturizers can improve skin texture and hydration, and some formulations may support skin elasticity during periods of rapid growth like pregnancy, but they do not reverse existing structural damage at the depth where stretch marks live.

The practical takeaway from dermatological guidance is straightforward: prevention and early intervention offer the best outcomes. Keeping skin well-hydrated during pregnancy or periods of rapid weight change may reduce severity. For existing marks, in-office procedures give patients the best documented path to visible improvement — provided expectations are calibrated to gradual progress rather than overnight transformation. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist before spending money on any treatment, topical or procedural, remains the most sensible first step.