Stretch Mark Treatments

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring. They develop when your skin stretches or shrinks within a short period of time. While skin is incredibly resilient and heals quickly, there are limits to how quickly it can adapt. 

Excess stretching creates ruptures in the collagen and elastin that give skin its tone and texture. As the skin works to heal those ruptures, thin bands of scar tissue develop. Because scar tissue is usually a different color and texture than the rest of your skin, stretch marks are easily visible. 

What are some common causes of stretch marks?

Anything that places undue strain on your skin can lead to stretch marks. Some of the most common causes include:

• Pregnancy
• Growth spurts during puberty
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Rapid muscle growth, usually as a result of weight training
• Long-term topical corticosteroid use

In the early stages, stretch marks appear as red, brown, or purple lines. They might feel itchy and slightly raised above the surface of your skin. 

Over time most stretch marks fade to a lighter color. They usually sink slightly below the surface of your skin, creating small depressions you can see and feel.

What can be done to treat stretch marks?

While there is no way to fully eliminate stretch marks, treatments can help make them less noticeable. It’s important to note that over-the-counter products that promise to improve stretch marks are not effective, nor have studies shown much promise with home remedies. 

Prescription topical medications can help fade stretch marks. The most common options are hyaluronic acid and tretinoin. It takes daily application over a period of time to see results. 

Other treatments that can improve the appearance of stretch marks include:

• Chemical peels
• Radiofrequency therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion

During your consultation, Dr. Natarajan evaluates your skin and explains which treatments are best suited for your needs. In some cases, a combination of treatments is the right approach. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to improve the appearance of stretch marks, call the office today to set up a visit. Online booking is also available, and takes just moments to complete.