Body condition
Stretch marks
Stretch marks are a common skin condition that affects many people around the world. They can appear as thin, pink or purplish lines on the skin and eventually fade to a silvery white colour. Stretch marks (Striae Distencae, SD) are visible linear scars which form in areas of dermal damage produced by stretching of the skin.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Adil Sarwar MBBS, BSc, MRCGP
At a glance
Common signs
- Thin pink or purple lines
- Fading to silvery white over time
- Slightly indented texture
Common causes
- Rapid growth or weight change
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal change
- Genetics
Treated with
Everything You Need to Know
Stretch marks are common atrophic dermal scars with significant physical and psychological effects. Although they rarely cause medical problems, stretch marks are considered a major aesthetic concern and have a negative impact on the self-esteem and quality of life of an individual. Many individuals seek treatment for stretch marks due to their appearance. We will discuss the treatment options, causes and diagnosis for stretch marks.
Treatment Options
Treatment Options At Skin Science Clinic London
Although stretch marks cannot be completely eradicated, there are numerous treatment options available to enhance their appearance. At Skin Science Clinic, we proudly offer radiofrequency microneedling using our state-of-the-art Secret Pro machine. This highly effective treatment targets stretch marks by utilising controlled micro-injuries created by tiny needles, which in turn stimulate the body’s natural healing response and encourage collagen production. Over time, this process results in improved skin texture and a noticeable reduction in the visibility of stretch marks.
Secret RF System
The Secret RF system represents a cutting-edge fractional RF microneedling platform with a distinct advantage – its ability to precisely administer RF energy at varying intensities and depths, tailored to address individual patient concerns and treatment areas.
Rf Microneedling + Co2 Laser Treatmentaffective Treatment for Stretch Marks
This innovative system employs two types of single-use disposable needle tips: non-insulated and semi-insulated. The non-insulated needles evenly distribute RF energy along the entire length of the needle, delivering a controlled thermal effect throughout all layers of the tissue, from bottom to top. On the other hand, the semi-insulated needles focus RF energy at the needle’s end, enabling targeted treatment of deeper skin concerns while safeguarding the epidermis against thermal injury.This dual approach not only ensures patient comfort but also enhances safety, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones. By precisely targeting the epidermis and dermis, the system effectively addresses specific skin concerns, providing optimal outcomes for patients.
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched rapidly over a short period of time. This can happen during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, or even from intense muscle building. Approximately 50–90% of pregnant women suffer from striae. When the skin stretches quickly, it can cause tears in the deep layers of the skin called the dermis. As the skin heals, scar tissue forms, which appear as stretch marks on the surface.
Diagnosis of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are easily identifiable by their appearance and location on the body. They often occur in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts. In some cases, we may perform a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis or rule out any underlying medical conditions.
How to Treat Stretch Marks
Based on clinical experiences, it is noteworthy that topical treatments only yield mild effects. The efficacy of creams and ointments with “specific ingredients” in providing significant and superior improvement compared to moisturisers remains questionable. Nevertheless, certain studies suggest that the severity of stretch marks can potentially be diminished through the topical application of emollients and moisturisers containing hydroxyprolisilane C, rose hip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes, and vitamin E. In a prospective randomised, open trial, microdermabrasion has demonstrated comparable effectiveness to the daily application of topical 0.05% tretinoin cream in reducing the severity of early-stage stretch marks.Scientific evidence supports the notion that controlled damage or lesions, particularly in early striae, can effectively enhance their appearance. A pilot study conducted among Korean women demonstrated the efficacy of microneedling in improving both early and late-stage stretch marks. Further validation comes from a study conducted in South Africa and Germany, which showed significant improvement with one to four microneedling treatments.
Treatments for stretch marks
Which of these suits you depends on your skin and your history. Dr Sarwar confirms the plan at consultation.
ENQUIRY FORM
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Central London Skin Clinic