Q: After three kids, I've got literally dozens of stretch marks. Is there anything I can do?

A: You may be in luck! There is encouraging news about two new treatments for stretch marks:

Retin-A (tretinoin cream), the same prescription cream that's used to treat acne and wrinkles, has shown promise in treating the stretch marks that typically occur with pregnancy, weight gain, and weight lifting. In a study at the University of Michigan, women who applied Retin-A to their stretch marks for two months showed a significant decrease in the length and width of the marks. The cream's side effects — dryness, scaling, and itching — are usually temporary and can be counteracted with an emollient lotion. For best results, Retin-A should be applied in the early stages of the stretch marks when the skin is still changing. And researchers don't know yet whether the cream must be used indefinitely. One caveat: Retin-A hasn't been tested on pregnant or nursing women, so the risks for fetuses and infants are unknown. Be sure to check with your doctor before using.

Some dermatologists have begun using laser surgery to treat stretch marks. In one study, researchers saw a significant long-term improvement in the size of stretch marks at four and eight weeks after the outpatient procedure. Temporary redness, itching, and discoloration were the only complications. You should keep in mind that laser surgery for reducing stretch marks is still in its infancy. It should be considered only with a dermatologic surgeon who has had extensive experience with lasers.