STRETCH MARKS

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also known medically as striae, are lines or scars that develop on the skin, often as a result of skin stretching. Initially, they appear as long parallel lines in red or purple hues, gradually fading to white or silvery-white over time.

Why are stretch marks caused?

The primary cause of stretch marks is rapid skin stretching, often observed during rapid weight gain, pregnancy, excessive exercise, or hormonal fluctuations. Stretch marks can develop anywhere on the body but are commonly found in areas where the body stores fat, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and lower back. When the skin stretches rapidly, it disrupts the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, leading to the formation of stretch marks.

How to prevent formation of stretch marks?

While there is no guaranteed method to prevent the formation of stretch marks, the following measures may help:

• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid rapid weight gain.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Moisturize your skin regularly with hydrating creams or oils.
• Exercise regularly to improve skin elasticity.
• Avoid sudden or excessive stretching of the skin.
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
• Consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations or treatments.

What treatment options are available for stretch marks?

• Laser resurfacingThis treatment is considered the gold standard for treating stretch marks. Laser light penetrates the dermis and triggers collagen remodeling. At our clinic, we use the FDA-approved ALMA CO2 PIXEL LASER, which is well-suited for Indian skin. The Pixel CO2 laser fractionates or pixelates the laser beam into thousands of tiny shafts of light, penetrating the deeper layers of the skin. These tiny shafts of light stimulate our natural wound healing mechanism, replacing damaged skin tissues and renewing the stretch marks. The thermal effect on the surrounding area also leads to collagen shrinking, resulting in a skin tightening effect.
• Collagen induction therapy (CIT)Collagen induction therapy, also known as microneedling or derma roller therapy, is a highly effective method for improving the appearance of stretch marks. At our clinic, we utilize the Dermapen®, the world's leading microneedling instrument. It has been proven to deliver uniform and noticeable results starting from the first session. Microneedling involves creating thousands of small injuries on the skin using microneedles. As the skin repairs these injuries, it also repairs old and worn-out tissues, thereby enhancing the appearance of stretch marks.
• PRP therapyPRP, or platelet-rich plasma, involves drawing blood and extracting PRP from it. PRP is abundant in growth factors and possesses impressive regenerative capabilities. When injected into the area of stretch marks, PRP stimulates cell regeneration and rejuvenation, leading to improved stretch mark appearance. It is often combined with collagen induction therapy (CIT) to amplify treatment outcomes.
• MesotherapyThis treatment entails injecting vitamins, amino acids, and growth factors directly into the stretch marks. It stimulates cells and tissues to produce collagen and elastin, repairing and rejuvenating connective tissues and smoothing the stretch marks. Mesotherapy is often combined with collagen induction therapy (CIT) for enhanced clinical results.