What Are Stretch Marks?

Striae, commonly known as Stretch Marks, are visible bands of parallel lines on your skin owing to rapid and sudden stretching or shrinking of the skin. When you touch Stretch marks, you may feel the bands on the skin to have an uneven texture – as if it is slightly raised as compared to the normal skin. The appearance of stretchmarks can change their colour and intensity over time.

It is a very common skin condition, and very generally it is mostly associated with Puberty and when there is a rapid change in body structure and hormones of any individual.

Who Can Get Stretch Marks?

Both males and females of any age group:

Young individuals (age group 12-21) can get puberty stretchmarks as the body grows quite rapidly during this time period and there is a lot of hormonal activity happening.
Pregnant women may get stretch marks as there is a rapid surge of hormones and body weight in pregnancy.
Anybody who was overweight and lost weight rapidly.

What are the Different Types of Stretch Marks (Striae)?

Mainly, Striae are of the following two types:

Striae Rubrae: These can be categorized at Pink/Red color stretch marks and represent an acute phase of Striae. The formations of this category of stretch marks can be flat or slightly raised. Once they form to appear at a body part, the formations can gradually grow in length and width with time.
Striae Albae: These can be categorized as White in color and considered to be a mature stage of stretch marks. The formations of this type may appear scar-like, irregular and hypopigmented.

There are other commonly known striae types:

Striae Gravidarum: These are also known as pregnancy stretch marks.
Striae Nigrae: These are dark grey or dark-brown stretch mark formations that usually occur on dark complexion skin.
Striae Caerulea: These are dark blue or purplish stretch mark formations that usually occur on dark complexion skin.
Striae atrophicans: This type of stretch marks may develop as a result of prolonged use of corticosteroids (for example: in the case of Cushing’s syndrome) or after a surgical procedure.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Hormonal changes and sudden growth spurt during Puberty
Quick weight gain or loss
Pregnancy
Breast implant surgery
Prolonged use of steroids
Bodybuilding workout that increases muscle size
Side effects from any medication
Genetic disorders (for example: Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS))

Who is at risk for developing stretch marks?

Pregnancy
Being overweight
Being on corticosteroid medications
Experiencing rapid weight gain/loss
Family history for stretch mark formations
Having a breast implant surgery
Having a genetic disorder (Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome)

What are the Signs & Symptoms Of Striae?

Before striae appear to form, the skin may show some symptoms, such as the appearance of wrinkly, raised streaks (in pink, red, blue or brownish-black color) on abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, or any other body part.

In Which all Body Parts Can Striae Appear?

The striae can appear on any body part; however, they are most common at body parts such as upper arms and shoulders, buttocks, thighs, stomach, knees, under arms, biceps, neck etc.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks ?

In some cases, stretch marks may fade gradually with time. But there is no treatment that can fully remove the appearance of stretch marks.

Stretch Marks Removal Treatments

If you are someone wishing to get rid of your stretch marks with an aesthetic treatment, any of the following treatments can be advised to you by LCP certified aesthetic doctor:

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

In order to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, your doctor may advise you a few sessions of laser therapy. This method works on the principle of using heat from laser to stimulate the growth of collagen in the skin. This method can correct or reduce stretch marks by up to 60 percent. There are various kinds of laser technologies available today, such as Pulsed dye laser, Fractional CO2 laser, Excimer laser etc.

Microneedling

This is a cosmetic procedure that is performed using a hand-held device having many tiny needles that gently invade the top layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production and thereby reducing visible striae.

Microdermabrasion

This is a non-invasive medical treatment that is performed with a handheld device that sprays tiny crystal particles. These particles are gently sprayed and rubbed on the skin to remove uneven texture and pigmentation. The Microdermabrasion treatment works well to remove (or rather reduce) striae.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a mix of chemical compounds. It is applied on to the skin directly. This method helps to peel off the irregular-toned or uneven-textured skin, revealing a smoother and clearer skin.

Radiofrequency Treatment

This treatment uses radio wave energy to gently heat up the affected skin and trigger it to make new collagen. The treatment can work well to reduce stretch marks significantly.

How To Prevent Stretch Marks?

Eat a healthy and nutrient-rich diet
Control your weight in a specific range (avoid sudden weight gain or loss)
Drink water and healthy fluids to stay hydrated
Wear sun screen and avoid prolonged sun exposure
Avoid smoking
Maintain healthy weight in Pregnancy

FAQs On Stretch Marks (Striae)

Do striae go away?

Once Striae appear, they do not go away. The appearance of striae can gradually fade over years or can be reduced or corrected by a medical treatment.

Are striae permanent?

Yes, they are permanent. However, the intensity of striae can be reduced with the help of a medical treatment.

Are striae bad?

Absolutely not. They are one of the most common skin conditions and approx. 50-55 percent of the population may have it.

From Concerns to Confidence

Ready to transform your concerns into newfound confidence? Don’t let stretch marks hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards smoother, more radiant skin today!

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How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks with Laser Stretch Mark Removal