Stretch marks are one of those things most people don’t talk about openly, even though they’re incredibly common. They can show up after growth spurts, weight changes, pregnancy, or simply over time — and they don’t mean anything went wrong.
For many people, stretch marks aren’t painful or dangerous. They just don’t always match how someone wants their skin to look, and that’s a valid reason to explore options.
Dermal scarring from stretched skin
Abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks, upper arms
Smoother, more even-looking skin
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are long scars, also called striae distensae. They form when the connective tissue of the dermis stretches beyond its limits, essentially tearing and making the deeper layers of the skin visible.
This rapid change damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that help skin stay strong and flexible.
How stretch marks look: Initially, they appear somewhat wrinkly and can be red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin. Many patients report red stretch marks on the buttocks, dark stretch marks on thighs, or purple stretch marks throughout the body.
Over time, stretch marks tend to fade and become more flesh-colored, but this process can take many years. They may remain visible even after fading.
Common areas include:
Why Stretch Marks Develop
Stretch marks develop when the skin is pushed beyond its ability to adapt quickly.
Common causes include:
Pregnancy — One of the most common causes, as the abdomen expands rapidly.
Rapid weight gain or loss — Quick changes don’t give the skin time to adjust.
Growth spurts during adolescence — Teenagers often develop stretch marks during puberty.
Hormonal changes — Hormones can affect skin elasticity and collagen production.
Muscle growth — Fast growth of muscle mass, as seen in bodybuilders, can cause stretch marks on shoulders and arms.
Genetics — Some people are more prone to stretch marks than others.
Medical conditions — Unless associated with Marfan’s syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome, stretch marks have no medical consequences. However, they can be mentally stressful for some individuals.
Skincare alone cannot always prevent stretch marks.
Preventing and Minimizing Stretch Marks
While not all stretch marks can be prevented, certain steps may help reduce your risk:
Maintain a healthy weight — Gradual weight changes give skin more time to adapt.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet — Make sure your skin has the necessary nutrients to produce collagen, including vitamins A, C, E, and zinc.
During pregnancy — Try not to gain more than 25 to 35 pounds, and aim for slow, gradual weight gain rather than rapid increases.
Stay hydrated — Proper hydration supports skin elasticity.
Use supportive skincare — While no cream can guarantee prevention, keeping skin moisturized may help maintain elasticity.
How Stretch Marks Can Affect Appearance
Stretch marks don’t pose a health risk, but they can affect how people feel about their skin.
Patients often say they:
These feelings are very common, and wanting to improve the appearance of stretch marks is a personal choice.
For some, stretch marks are also connected to changes in skin texture, which may overlap with concerns related to fine lines and wrinkles or skin laxity in certain areas.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A consultation at Lazaderm is designed to be supportive and informative.
During your visit, your provider will:
You’ll have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Setting Realistic Expectations
There is no treatment that will remove 100% of stretch marks. This is important to understand before beginning any treatment plan.
Stretch mark treatments can improve appearance, but they do not erase stretch marks completely. Results vary depending on factors like:
Many times, a combination of treatments may be needed to get the best results. Your provider will help you understand what kind of improvement is realistic.
The goal is smoother, more even-looking skin — not perfection.
There is no single treatment that completely removes stretch marks, but several options can help improve their appearance. A consultation allows your provider to evaluate your skin and recommend treatments based on the age, color, and location of the stretch marks.
For early-stage or mild stretch marks, topical treatments may help improve appearance:
Vitamin A derivatives — Retinol and tretinoin (Retin-A) are the only topicals with studies showing significant improvement in stretch marks. These need to be applied daily for best results.
Hyaluronic acid — Has shown some benefits in treating stretch marks by supporting skin hydration and texture.
Hydroquinone — Can help with stretch marks that are dark in color by evening out pigmentation.
Many over-the-counter creams claim to repair stretch marks, but vitamin A derivatives have the most evidence behind them.
Microneedling treatments are showing significant promise in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Microneedling — Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and skin renewal.
Vivace RF Microneedling — One of the most advanced systems currently available. The radiofrequency delivers energy into the skin through the end of each needle, inducing collagen production. This decreases the depth and appearance of stretch marks on all areas of the body.
Multiple sessions are typically recommended for best results.
Fractional lasers can help improve stretch mark appearance by stimulating collagen and resurfacing the skin:
Fraxel Laser — Fractional resurfacing that treats stretch marks by creating microscopic treatment zones.
Profractional Laser — Ablative fractional laser that promotes collagen remodeling.
Erbium Laser — Can be used for skin resurfacing and texture improvement.
Laser treatments may require multiple sessions. Your provider will recommend the best option based on your skin type and stretch mark characteristics.
For patients with significant skin laxity associated with their stretch marks:
Renuvion (J-Plasma) — Used under the skin to tighten it for patients with significant laxity. Patients may still require additional treatments such as Vivace RF Microneedling to address the stretch marks themselves.
This option is typically recommended when loose skin accompanies stretch marks, such as after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
Surgery is the only option that can actually remove stretch marks, but it comes with significant limitations.
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) — Can remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen by excising the affected skin. You will be left with a surgical scar, and only stretch marks in certain locations can be addressed.
Important considerations:
Surgery is typically considered only when non-surgical options aren’t sufficient or when combined with other body contouring goals.
If stretch marks are something you’ve been considering treating, a consultation can help you understand your options. At Lazaderm, consultations focus on education, safety, and helping you feel comfortable with your decisions.
