Stretch Marks Removal - Can Stretch Marks Be Treated?

Stretch marks should be treated as soon as possible, while they are still pink or purple, in other words, when they are still in the inflammatory phase. The treatment methods have less impact when they are already installed and white. Nevertheless, there is sometimes spontaneous reduction and sometimes a gradual decrease. In other cases, the stretch mark gives way to a big scar, one or two centimeters long and sometimes a few inches wide.

What is the standard treatment for stretch marks?

"The creams found on the market containing healing substances can be useful if they are used quickly. They are most effective when they penetrate the skin deep and if the concentration of active ingredient is high", says Annie Cohen. "However, we cannot now assert that there is a standard treatment and stretch marks removal method that all dermatologists would agree on", she says. "Several treatment methods are available".

What stretch marks removal techniques are used by dermatologists?

Some turn to microabrasion followed by peeling, while others use laser pulsed dye. Some doctors combine laser treatment with radiofrequency to firm the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Infrared lasers stimulate the synthesis of collagen and restore skin elasticity, also reducing the defects that characterize the scar. Whatever the method, it is clear that stretch marks are resistant. Patients must always prove combative and do not wait too long to consult a dermatologist. The dermatologist can guide you through the mitigation of these scars, but cannot make them disappear.

General things about stretch marks

The two factors leading to the appearance of stretch marks are:

1. Increased steroid hormone secretion that causes a decreased synthesis of collagen and the disruption of the extracellular aggregation of collagen fibers;
2. Distention of the skin which is due to the inclusion of weight as a result of an increased mass of the uterus and its contents (fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid).

The secretion of corticosteroids increases during pregnancy and especially after the fourth month and dermo-epidermal rupture and the rupture of elastic fibers can occur, leading to the appearance of skin stretch marks that are parallel striations, more or less wide, first red then purple and discolored, pearly white in appearance. They are irreversible, but become less visible once healed and cleared.

The body parts most susceptible to stretch marks are the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips and breasts. Stretch marks occur in approximately 75% of pregnant women, generally starting from the fourth month of pregnancy.

Women younger than 20 years old develop stretch marks more frequently, stretch marks that grow and become more numerous in subsequent pregnancies. The factors favoring the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy are the first pregnancy, multiple pregnancies (twins, triples...), excess of amniotic fluid, polyhydramnios, macrosomia (large fetus) and rapid weight gain during pregnancy or outside it...

Women with blond or red carnation are at risk of developing stretch marks during pregnancy. Apart from pregnancy, stretch marks may appear in certain circumstances like puberty, obesity women and certain diseases such as Cushing’s disease (excess secretion of corticosteroids)...

To avoid the formation of stretch marks, you must:

- avoid rapid weight gain or excessive weight gain during pregnancy;
- moisturize the skin;
- massage the skin;
- but keep in mind that the effectiveness of anti-stretch mark creams is far from proven.

However, you should also remember that the stretch marks removal is a very difficult process and if not attended with care it can leave permanent marks. Therefore you must take care of them as quickly as possible.