Main

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are lines that can develop after weight gain and loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and growth spurts. Stretch marks, as common as they are, can be a source of embarrassment for a lot of patients. Stretch marks can also take a toll on someone’s self-esteem, often leading them to avoid wearing bathing suits, shorts, or clothing that exposes their stretch marks.

Stretch Marks

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that develop on the skin. They typically differ in hue from the surrounding skin. Stretch marks are extremely common and are the result of a sudden stretching of the skin. Anyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect more women than men.

Stretch Mark Treatment Areas

In males, stretch marks most commonly appear on the shoulders and back. Females typically develop stretch marks on the hips, thighs, and breasts.

When Do Stretch Marks Appear?

Typically, stretch marks appear under any of the following circumstances:

  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty
  • Obesity
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Weightlifting
  • Numerous medical conditions

What Causes Stretch Marks?

The skin consists of three key layers: the epidermis (the outer layer), dermis (the middle layer) and subcutaneous or hypodermis (the deepest layer). Usually, as the body grows, the strong connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch. However, with rapid growth, the fibers overstretch and break. This type of skin scarring is red or purple initially due to blood vessels showing through the tears in the dermis. Eventually, they fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance.

Post-Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that develop on the skin. They typically differ in hue from the surrounding skin. Stretch marks are extremely common and are the result of a sudden stretching of the skin. Anyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect more women than men.

Stretch Mark Treatment Areas

In males, stretch marks most commonly appear on the shoulders and back. Females typically develop stretch marks on the hips, thighs, and breasts.

When Do Stretch Marks Appear?

Typically, stretch marks appear under any of the following circumstances:

  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty
  • Obesity
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Weightlifting
  • Numerous medical conditions

What Causes Stretch Marks?

The skin consists of three key layers: the epidermis (the outer layer), dermis (the middle layer) and subcutaneous or hypodermis (the deepest layer). Usually, as the body grows, the strong connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch. However, with rapid growth, the fibers overstretch and break. This type of skin scarring is red or purple initially due to blood vessels showing through the tears in the dermis. Eventually, they fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance.

Post-Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are common during the later stages of pregnancy. Their occurrence depends largely on skin type and skin elasticity.

Hormones are produced during pregnancy that softens pelvic ligaments and increases their flexibility. Hormones also soften skin fibers, giving an increased risk of stretch marks. They tend to appear on the abdomen as the baby grows and sometimes occur in the skin covering the thighs and breasts.

Stretch Marks Caused by Weight Gain

Stretch marks can also be caused by weight gain, such as when bodybuilders and athletes dramatically increase muscle mass over a short period of time. It’s also not uncommon for people to develop stretch marks with rapid weight gain and loss. Even teenagers can develop stretch marks during puberty, especially if they have a rapid growth spurt.

Stretch Mark Prevention

While preventing stretch marks may not be possible, there are things you can do to minimize their appearance and severity:

  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain the right weight. Make sure to eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables but low in sugar.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is one of the easiest ways to maintain your skin’s elasticity. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will support your skin’s health.
  • Exercise Regularly: Having a regular exercise routine can help you maintain your ideal weight. If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to pace yourself and try to lose only a pound or two each week.
  • Minimize Rapid Weight Gain: If you are pregnant or trying to gain weight, it is equally important not to gain weight too quickly. Just like losing weight, try to only gain one to two pounds a week, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
  • Use Moisturizer: Just like water, using moisturizer helps to keep your skin supple. Choose a rich moisturizer, and apply it to your hips, stomach, thighs, and breasts.
  • Apply Sunscreen: Always protect your skin when outside. Choose a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF.
  • Perform Stretching Exercises: If you are pregnant, proper stretching may help your skin adapt as you progress through your pregnancy. Be sure to consult with your doctor prior to starting a new stretching routine.

Stretch Mark Treatment in Houston TX

Creams, gels, lotions, laser, and cosmetic surgery have all been proposed as stretch mark treatments in Houston, TX. Advances in laser technologies and ongoing research mean that the future looks bright for developing effective treatments. Dr. Esta Kronberg uses the N-Lite/Regenlite Laser to treat stretch marks.

What Is the N-Lite Laser?

The N-Lite laser is a non-ablative laser that is to designed to treat stretch marks. Utilizing wavelengths of light, the N-Lite laser can target specific areas of concern, such as stretch marks.

During treatment, the laser light is absorbed by your body, which then stimulates collagen production and helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and other skin anomalies by plumping and tightening the skin.

N-Lite Laser for Stretch Mark Treatment Results

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Kronberg

For more information on the different ways to treat stretch marks and to see if you would be a good candidate for treatment, call our practice. To schedule a consultation call 713-988-8442.

We now have the RHA fillers… New smoother fillers
And Daxxify. …new longer lasting toxin…could last 6 months .