Stretch Marks: Why They Appear and How to Reduce Them

Stretch marks (striae) are lines that appear when the skin stretches quickly. They are most common on the belly, thighs, buttocks, breasts and upper arms. They are not a health risk, but for many people they are a noticeable cosmetic concern. They cannot be erased completely, but modern treatments can make them much less visible.

Why do stretch marks appear?

When skin stretches fast, the collagen and elastin fibres in its deep layer tear. Causes include:

• pregnancy — especially the last months;
• adolescence — growth spurts;
• rapid weight gain or loss;
• fast muscle growth — in athletes;
• hormones — long-term hormonal medicines, prolonged use of steroid creams;
• genetics — the risk is higher if relatives have many stretch marks.

New and old stretch marks

• New (red, purple) stretch marks — recent and still inflamed; they respond best to treatment.
• Old (white, silvery) stretch marks — years old, with thinned skin; they can be improved too, but need more sessions.

So the earlier you seek treatment, the better the result.

How are stretch marks treated at the clinic?

The dermatologist-cosmetologist chooses the method by the age and colour of the marks and the skin type. A course of several sessions is usually needed:

• Fractional CO₂ laser — creates microscopic points in the skin and triggers new collagen; the texture and width of the marks decrease. Device: DEKA CO₂ laser; more: the CO₂ laser article.
• RF microneedling — delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the skin and firms it. More: Morpheus8.
• Topical products — for new marks, creams your doctor recommends may help; some cannot be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Realistic expectations: a stretch mark will not disappear completely, but after a course its colour moves closer to your skin tone and its depth and width shrink — in most patients the marks become much less noticeable.

Preventing stretch marks in pregnancy

• Gain weight gradually, within the range your doctor advises.
• Care for the skin of your belly, thighs and breasts daily with a moisturiser or oil — it keeps the skin supple and eases itching.
• Wear supportive maternity garments.
• Laser and other procedures are done after birth and breastfeeding.

When to see an endocrinologist

If stretch marks are wide and dark purple and come with rapid weight gain, a rounder face, high blood pressure or muscle weakness, they may signal a hormonal condition. In that case an endocrinologist's assessment comes first.

Stretch mark treatment in Fergana and Kokand

At Radeski Skin Clinic a dermatologist-cosmetologist assesses the marks, chooses a course of aesthetic device treatments suited to their age and your skin type, and tracks the result step by step.

• Cosmetologist in Fergana and in Kokand.

The newer the stretch marks, the easier they are to improve: do not wait for red marks to turn white.