A Brazilian tattoo artist has been getting a lot of attention lately for his work in diminishing the appearance of his client’s stretch marks. Rodolpho Torres uses a blending effect when tattooing away stretch marks to make skin appear to be more evenly toned. While tattoos won’t eliminate the uneven feel of stretch-marked skin, its power to diminish the appearance of stretch marks is evident from the images Torres posts to his Instagram account.

Unfortunately, if you’re not currently living in Brazil or planning a visit there anytime soon, this doesn’t do you much good. But if the process continues to garner attention, you may see more tattoo artists attempt to reproduce the process around the world.

If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of your stretch marks but aren’t interested in tattooing them away or don’t know a talented tattoo artist like Torres, there are other ways to diminish their appearance.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for stretch marks is the process of using lasers to damage the skin over and around stretch marks in order to stimulate skin regrowth in those areas. Laser treatments can be performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists and is one of the more effective treatment options for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. However, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary before results are visible, and the process can be very expensive—as much as $10,000.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is less expensive than laser treatment, but it is also less effective. Microdermabrasion is the process of exfoliating skin to improve its appearance. Because microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and encourages skin regeneration, it can have some effect of reducing the visibility of stretch marks. However, microdermabrasion is incapable of affecting the middle layer of skin where stretch marks form, so the process is not effective for getting rid of stretch marks completely.

Chemical Peels

A deep chemical peel is the process of applying a chemical solvent to skin in order to damage skin and promote skin regeneration over areas with stretch marks. Deep chemical peels can have an effect on the middle layer of skin, making it more effective for reducing the appearance of stretch marks than microdermabrasion. However, a deep chemical peel will leave skin raw, red, and sore for several weeks—or longer—after treatment, and costs for the procedure can be as much as $6,000.

Stretch Mark Cream

A cost-effective approach to reducing the appearance of stretch marks is using a stretch mark removal cream. Stretch mark removal creams do not require you to seek medical treatment or visit a tattoo artist for results; it’s possible to improve the appearance and evenness of skin simply by applying a removal cream once or twice a day.

If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your stretch marks but not ready to go all-in for tattoos or high-costs treatments, using a stretch mark removal cream may be a good initial approach to getting rid of your stretch marks for good. Explore our catalog of stretch marks prevention and removal products.

Stretch marks can be destructive to your self-image. No matter how much weight you lose or how much muscle you gain, you feel bad about your appearance because of your stretch marks. You may have hoped initially that your stretch marks would go away over time, but they didn’t.

Fortunately, you can improve your self-esteem and get your body the way you want by having your stretch marks treated. The following treatments can help fade stretch marks so they’re less visible.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a special tool to thoroughly exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and damaged skin and encouraging skin regrowth and regeneration.

• Benefits: Microdermabrasion costs less than some of the other stretch mark treatments.
• Disadvantages: Microdermabrasion only impacts the topmost layer of skin, not the middle layer of skin where stretch marks form. By improving the look of the outer layer of skin, microdermabrasion can make stretch marks less visible, but it will not get rid of stretch marks entirely.

Deep Chemical Peel

A deep chemical peel is a process where a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon applies a chemical treatment to areas affected by stretch marks in order to burn away damaged skin and encourage skin regrowth.

• Benefits: Deep chemical peels are capable of impacting the middle layer of skin where stretch marks form, so it has a better chance of significantly improving the appearance of stretch marks.
• Disadvantages: It takes a long time for skin to heal after a deep chemical peel, and while you’re recovering from the treatment, your treated areas will be unsightly and will eventually scab before healing fully. Deep chemical peels are also expensive, costing as much as $6,000.

Microneedling

Microneedling uses a special tool covered in fine needles to damage skin and encourage regrowth and regeneration. The process has effects similar to microdermabrasion, but because needles can penetrate deeper than surface exfoliation, microneedling can be more effective in fading stretch marks.

• Benefits: Microneedling can penetrate skin down to the dermis where stretch marks form, so it has a decent chance of encouraging skin regeneration in damaged areas and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
• Disadvantages: For microneedling to be effective, several treatments are needed. To improve the appearance of stretch marks, five or more treatments will likely be required, resulting in 4-6 months of treatments and potentially more than $3,000 in costs.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses a focused laser to damage skin affected with stretch marks and encourage skin regrowth and regeneration.

• Benefits: Laser treatment can be effective in fading or removing stretch marks, and it requires less recovery time than a deep chemical peel.
• Disadvantages: For laser treatment to be effective, months of recurring treatments will be required, and costs incurred can run between $5,000 and $10,000.

Stretch Mark Creams

Stretch mark creams increase your production of collagen and other natural skin-regenerating elements, causing skin to regenerate and heal without damaging skin.

• Benefits: Stretch mark creams are the least expensive treatment option for effectively fading stretch marks and can be purchased over the counter—no doctor trips are required.
• Disadvantages: Stretch mark creams must be applied frequently and regularly in order to achieve maximum fading effects.