The human skin is the largest organ in the body and can contract and stretch. However, overstretching or rapid stretching can cause injury to its supporting tissues, resulting in stretch marks. Stretch marks are neither painful nor harmful, but some people don't like how they look and want to get rid of them. However, they can be managed with dermatological treatments offered by skin experts.
This article has a guide on stretch marks to help you learn more about this skin concern. The article is drafted with the valuable information shared by dermatologist Dr. Rasya Dixit, practising at Dr Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, who provides the best Stretch marks Treatment in Bangalore. Read on for more details!
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, medically termed striae, are indented, thin stripes or streaks on the stomach, breasts, hips, buttocks, and other body areas. They can be pink, red, discoloured, blue, purple, or black streaks on the skin when they are new to develop. As they mature, they can fade to lighter colours and appear white.
Where do Stretch Marks Appear?
Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on the body because they do not make any distinctions based on where they are. Typically, they are seen on the stomach and hips. But, they can also appear in areas such as:
- Underarms
- Breasts
- Back Flanks
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Knees.
Stretch marks commonly form on areas of the body where fat accumulates easily and where the skin is thinner or more sensitive. They can also develop on body parts where muscles develop, such as the biceps.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks appear when the skin is stretched or pressed beyond its original flexibility; in other words, when there is a sudden change in how hard the skin needs to work to keep its shape.
Stretch marks are more likely in certain situations and at certain times, such as:
- Genetics- The genetic makeup of the skin significantly affects how stretch marks form and whether or not they disappear on their own. Stretch marks are more likely to appear if an individual's skin is predisposed to scarring. Those who have a personal or family history of stretch marks are at risk of stretch marks.
- Hormonal changes- High cortisol levels weaken the elastin fibres in the skin and destroy skin elasticity, thereby causing stretch marks.
- Puberty- Puberty is certainly the most common time for both men and women to develop stretch marks. Puberty-related stretch marks are frequently associated with growth spurts and the maturation of additional sexual features like the breasts.
- Pregnancy- Stretch marks are often seen in young women after pregnancy. Pregnancy can result in the appearance of stretch marks on the breasts, stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The location of the stretch marks depends on where the pregnancy weight is carried and how much weight is rapidly gained or lost. Stretch marks from pregnancy are typically more extensive than stretch marks from puberty.
- Rapid weight gain or loss- Another typical cause of stretch marks is gaining a lot of weight quickly and losing it suddenly. Weight gain is excessive fat storage in the body, particularly in the stomach, underarms, buttocks, and thighs. Stretch marks caused by weight gain may occasionally fade when the weight is reduced, although this is not usually the case.
- Medical conditions- Marfan syndrome and Cushing's syndrome are genetic disorders that can result in stretch marks.
- Having breast implant surgery- After placing the breast implants, the breasts get enlarged. This can cause them to develop stretch marks.
- Use of steroids- Long-term corticosteroids and anabolic steroids use can reduce collagen levels in the skin. Low collagen levels can exacerbate stretch marks.
How can Dermatologists Help Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Best Skin Doctor in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit, recommended these treatment options for stretch marks management:
- Laser Treatment
Laser treatment involves the use of a specialised, portable laser device that an expert dermatologist controls. The laser device is used to focus laser light on stretch marks. The light penetrates the skin's deeper layers to stimulate the body's critical regeneration properties and collagen and elastin formation in the skin's subdermal layers beneath the existing scar tissue. This laser treatment is appropriate for new and existing stretch marks.
Repeated laser treatments can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, allowing the new skin tissue to match the original skin tone and texture. Many women find that their stretch marks are virtually gone after a series of treatments, leaving skin that looks and feels as good as new.
Unless a person is treating many areas of the body simultaneously, most patients' laser treatment will last about 30 minutes. This treatment is painless and does not harm the surrounding skin tissue. Thus, it is appropriate for patients of all skin tones and types.
- Dermaroller / Microneedling
Derma roller or microneedling treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that addresses multiple skin issues with the help of microneedling. A derma roller is a specialised device equipped with microscopic needles. It is used to create micro-punctures in the skin. The body naturally responds to these micro-punctures/wounds by boosting fresh collagen formation.
Microneedling procedure break up the stiff, stringy fibres that makeup scar tissue as they glide over the skin, softly opening collagen fibres near the surface. The body additionally recognizes the minor physical changes created by the microneedles and begins the healing process. During healing, the scar tissue is replaced with new, stronger, more elastic fibres, making the skin smoother and more flexible.
This procedure offers long-lasting results. The repaired stretch marks do not return until the person is subjected to the identical situations that caused their skin to stretch in the first place.
- Growth Factor Treatment
A growth factor or PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) is an organic substance found in human bodies that promotes cellular development, proliferation, healing, and differentiation. It is released from the active blood platelets. Natural growth factors play an important role in controlling numerous cellular processes.
Platelet-rich plasma works best in treating stretch marks when applied alone to new stretch marks. The treatment involves taking the patient's blood, centrifuging it to get platelet-rich plasma, and injecting the PRP into the scarred tissue. Blood plasma contains platelets that release growth factors. These growth factors stimulate damaged areas, help with skin regeneration, and lessen the appearance of stretch marks. PRP can even be used with resurfacing lasers, microneedles, or radiofrequency microneedling. Together, they provide enhanced results.
Contact An Expert!
All these treatments are proven to be effective in stretch mark management. If you want more information on them or are dealing with this issue, contact a stretch marks treatment doctor for more details.
