Anyone try this for those damn stretch marks?

Hi, new here. I'm at my goal weight, with a new goal of changing body composition via strength. I grew up at an average weight; gained 45 lbs (to 199 lbs) in my 20s (antidepressants); have yoyo'd since then, peaking most recently at 175. Now am at a BMI of 21 (135 lbs), at age 35. (No kids.) I smoke (hopefully not for long).

I'm having trouble accepting my body. I'm pretty much only happy with my arms. Boobs (already small) are goners. Thighs/hips/bum/abs - flabby. I actually did some strength - Jillian Michaels - along with my running, but apparently not enough!

The worst are the old white (thick, weirdly textured) stretch marks down the whole front of my thighs. They have congregated into a snaky family, very obvious. I'm thinking of saving for fraxal laser... even if there's only a 50% improvement in their appearance, it'd be enough to make me feel less conspicuous in a bathing suit (or, possibly naked, if I wind up in a relationship again).

I have never heard of Fraxal laser,but I would be interested to hear what others have to say as well. Is it very expensive?

I'm going to try this too when I start making more money. I think I'm going to start on my hips and see how much of an improvement I see. My thighs (inside, top, front..lol) would come later.

Like you say, even if they improve at all, it will be worth it. To me, anyway.

Some advice I would give you is to find a practitioner that believes in what they're doing. I went for an initial consultation a few years ago and when I went in a second time to have the procedure done, it was a different woman and she sent me home and said I'd be wasting my money.

I mean I appreciate the concern but I did want to give it a try at the time. I was a little taken aback and surprised so I didn't force it. Fraxel has been talked about as being the best way to improve SM's so I think it's worth a shot.

At the very least, you could go in for a consultation and see what they say and have some questions to ask. Let us know what you decide and good luck!

Thanks! And good luck to you too!

Thanks too for your advice. I think PS' etc have a funny idea they need to cure everything. Only looking for modest improvements, really, just to take the 'edge' off those marks...

It's not something I can afford just now, but is on the agenda... if I don't get a thigh lift or boob job.

I really hate that there are penalties for this whole process.