What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are red, purple, pink or white indented streaks that appear when the skin undergoes rapid stretching as a result of weight gain growth spurt or pregnancy. Abrupt stretching of the skin causes inflammation within the dermis leading to scars, changes in collagen and elastin architecture, along with a thinning of the overlying skin allowing the deeper scars to be more easily visible.
What causes stretch marks?
Rapid stretching of the skin leads to thinning of its outer layers, allowing the skins deeper layers to be revealed. This may result in the formation of red stretch marks. The scientific community are still unsure why some people are prone to stretch marks, while others are spared.
What we do know is that in those who are prone, collagen fibres are overstretched creating an inflammatory response. This reaction is responsible for the red/purple hue of stretch marks. However, by targeting redness, stimulating collagen renewal and resurfacing the skins outer layers visible reductions in the appearance of stretch marks may be possible.
Are stretch marks normal?
Yes. For most people stretch marks are a normal part of life. They are thought to affect 70% of women and 40% of men at some point in their life and are most common around pregnancy, growth spurts and periods of rapid weight gain (body building/obesity).
Can you get rid of stretch marks?
You are unlikely to completely get rid of stretch marks. However, significant improvements in the tone, texture, colour and appearance of stretch marks are possible with a multi-modal approach to treatment that may involve laser resurfacing, cosmeceutical skincare and radio-frequency needling.
Your Contour Clinics practitioner will carefully assess your skin and recommend an individualised plan tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.
Are stretch marks genetic?
There is likely some genetic component to stretch marks. It is common to see multiple generations of the same family prone to stretch marks more than their non-related peers.
Are stretch marks permanent?
Stretch marks are likely to be permanent. Significant improvements in the appearance of stretch marks may be possible. These could include cosmeceutical cremes, needling, RF needling or skin resurfacing lasers.
When stretch marks are red, what does that mean?
New stretch marks are usually some shade of red/pink/purple. This is because rapid stretching of the skin causes tearing and scarring in the dermis (second layer of the skin). Tearing and scarring lead to rapid inflammation, that causes redness which can persist for years if left untreated.
It is a normal phase of the stretch mark process.
How do I decide which treatment to have?
Treatment choice will depend on your overall situation, age of stretch mark, skin type and budget. Your cosmetic doctor will discuss options as they relate to you at your complimentary consultation.
Can stretch marks be itchy?
Yes. Especially in the early stages. Inflammation and healing can cause the area to itch. This usually subsides with time.
Do stretch marks ever go away?
Without treatment, stretch marks typically fade naturally over time, eventually becoming lighter in colour. Mature stretch marks, which appear white or pale, can be more challenging to address as the scar tissue is more established, potentially requiring more intensive or repeated treatment sessions.
Stretch mark treatments aim to improve the skin’s appearance by encouraging collagen production, addressing redness and inflammation, and assisting in scar tissue remodelling, especially when performed during earlier stages.
How long does it take stretch marks to fade?
The time taken for stretch marks to fade depends on your genetic ability to heal, the treatments used to reduce your stretch marks and the severity of your stretch marks at baseline.
Can you get stretch marks from losing weight?
No. Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of skin. They are not caused by weight loss.
How can you get rid of old stretch marks?
Older stretch marks, which typically appear white or pale, can be more challenging to improve due to mature scar tissue. However, a multi-modality approach tailored to your individual skin condition may help enhance their appearance. Commonly recommended treatments include fractional laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency skin needling (such as Morpheus8), and topical cosmeceutical creams containing active ingredients like Vitamin A.
Individual outcomes vary. Your suitability and recommended treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.