Stretch marks are long scars also called striae distensae. They can look like purple, indented streaks across the skin. Stretch marks form when the connective tissue of the dermis stretches beyond its limits. Essentially, the dermis tears and then the deeper layers of the skin are visible. Stretch marks are common in pregnancy but can also happen with rapid weight gain, puberty and even fast growth of muscle mass seen in bodybuilders.
Initially, they appear somewhat wrinkly. Many of our patients have reported red stretch marks on the buttocks, dark stretch marks on thighs, or purple stretch marks throughout the body. No matter the color, stretch marks commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, flanks, shoulders, buttocks and breasts. Over time, stretch marks tend to improve and become more flesh-colored but this may take many years.
Unless they are associated with Marfan’s syndrome or Cushing’s Syndrome, stretch marks have no medical consequences. However, they can be mentally stressful for some individuals.
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a healthy diet to make sure your skin has necessary nutrients to produce collagen.
During pregnancy do not gain more than 25 to 35-pounds in excessive weight. The weight should be slow and gradual.
Creams – there are a lot of creams sold over the counter at stores that claim to repair stretch marks. The only cream that has any studies showing significant improvement in them is the vitamin A derivatives. The vitamin A derivatives include retinol and tretinoin (Retin A) to use on stretch marks. Hyaluronic acid has also shown some benefits in treating stretch marks. Both the vitamin A derivatives and hyaluronic acid need to be applied daily. Hydroquinone-containing creams can help with the striae if they are dark in color.
Microneedling – this is showing some promise in the reduction of stretch marks. At Lazaderm®, we use the collagen pen.
Microneedling with RF – One of the latest additions for purple stretch mark treatment is the use of microneedling with radiofrequency. We use the Vivace Microneedling RF system. The Vivace is one of the most advanced systems currently on the market. The radiofrequency delivers energy into the skin through the end of each needle and will induce collagen production. This will decrease the depth and appearance of stretch marks on all areas of the skin.
Renuvion – formally known as J-Plasma, is used under the skin to tighten it for patients with significant laxity associated with their stretch marks. They will still require the use of other modalities such as the Vivace Microneedling with Radiofrequency.
Fractional Lasers – there are many fractional lasers on the market. We currently use three different lasers the Fraxel, Profractional and Ultrapulse for treating stretch marks. We are relying on the lasers less now that we have the Vivace.
Surgery – this is the only option to remove stretch marks but also has significant limitations, risks and costs associated with it. There are only a few places that they can be removed such as with a tummy tuck. You will be left with a surgical scar.
There is no treatment that will remove 100% of stretch marks. Many times, a combination of the above modalities may be needed to get the best results but will still only improve the appearance of them.
Stretch marks can be a nuisance and a concern for many individuals. That’s why Lazaderm® offers safe yet effective stretch mark removal services to mitigate the appearance of purple marks on your body! Explore all the options we offer for striae distensae removal.
