A stretch mark, also known as striae or striae distensae is the formation of scarring on the skin. A pinkish or whitish hue will appear on the skin when it stretches or shrinks abruptly.
A protein named collagen is present under your skin which supports and provides elasticity to the skin. Stretch marks appear on the skin when it tries to heal the changes or tears in collagen.
This can occur on the arms, belly, breasts, torso, hips, thighs, back, shoulders or buttocks. These are not harmful or painful. But, few might feel awkward about this appearance. They become less noticeable after some time.
What do stretch marks look like?
Just like the outer body, shapes and sizes have many definitions of perfection. A vast range of qualities qualify as “normal labia,” including the length and look.
The nature of stretch marks looks different based on the form, cause, location, type, and color of the skin. Stretch marks can appear in the following forms,
1. Depressed, thin, parallel lines and rippled streaks on the skin.
2. The Colour will be pink, red, silver, purple, black, or blue hue.
3. It will be bright and will become lighter over time.
4. It will become whitish and have a scar-like appearance.
5. It will be a few centimeters long, from one to 10 mm wide.
6. It will have a different texture than normal skin and look wrinkled.
7. Stripes will occur on a large part of the body in the tummy, torso, thighs, hips, and breasts.
8. Newly appearing marks can be itchy.
Why do they appear?
Stretch marks can appear on anyone. It can appear due to the following reasons,
- Occurs in women.
- Due to pregnancy.
- Excessive weight gain.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Puberty.
- Hormonal treatment.
- Post-breast enhancement surgery.
- Bodybuilding.
- Family history.
This can occur due to certain conditions, like,
1. Cushing Syndrome(This disorder occurs due to a high level of the hormone cortisol).
2. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(This disorder occurs due to stretchiness than can bruise easily).
3. Marfan’s Syndrome( In this disorder, skin fibers gets weakened and cause unusual growt
Carboxy Therapy
Carboxytherapy is a cellulite treatment, for dark under-eye circles and stretch marks. The treatment is given for the eyelids, neck, buttocks, stomach, arms, and legs.
Carbon dioxide, natural gas, is infused into the body. It is an outpatient procedure done for 15-30 mins. This procedure helps in collagen repair and the destruction of fatty deposits. In addition to that, under eye-circles are treated by increasing the blood flow to the eyelid.
Patients undergoing treatment enhance their blood circulation, improve skin elasticity, and have fine lines and wrinkles.
This procedure does not have any side effects. Patients may experience bruises at the injection site and they will get clear within a week.
Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is a facial treatment to treat stretch marks using laser and skin tightening effects.
CO2 laser has the longest wavelength. Treatment is given by tropical anesthesia 1-2 hours after the procedure. Then the laser is prepared and the required parameters are set to high or moderate density with high energy. Laser touches the skin once or twice depending on the site.
It is advisable not to expose skin to the sun for 1-2 weeks post-treatment and to use broad-spectrum sunscreens.
This treatment provides good results and is also a simple procedure. This treatment is provided for all kinds of stretch marks and skin laxity.
Radiofrequency Treatment
Micro-needling with radio frequency is an advanced method of skin regeneration treatment. This stimulates collagen production in the dermis and enhances the body’s natural healing process.
Stretch marks on the skin damage collagen production. This treatment will aid to restart production. This in turn cures the damaged tissue in the dermis which is causing the stretch marks.
- This treatment penetrates deep into the skin, where stretch marks are created.
- It is an invasive treatment and is the most effective skin treatment.
Following a hydrating facial routine is recommended to experience the best result from treatment. This is a non-surgical treatment, hence patients can resume their work post-treatment. However, the epidermis layer of skin will remain open for 24 hours.