Stretch Marks

What exactly is a stretch mark?

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin is forced to stretch or shrink rapidly. This abrupt change in tension causes the collagen and elastin in our skin to rupture. A noticeable stretched line appears in the skin as it heals because it has lost its structure and support.

Stretch marks are commonly caused by:

• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss
• Rapid muscle growth as a result of weight training
• Growth spurts during puberty

When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can even be itchy. In time, the color of stretch marks fades, and the narrow bands that appear white may even sink into the skin slightly, causing depression.

What treatments can improve the appearance of stretch marks?

Like other scars, a stretch mark is permanent. Even so, treatments exist that can fade the appearance of the scar and smooth the texture to the point that it is barely noticeable. No single procedure is the solution for everyone, and multiple treatment modalities may be required to achieve the best outcome.

• Sciton ProFractional™ – this deeper form of laser resurfacing ablates the skin in a grid-like pattern to intensely stimulate the growth of fresh collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin heals thicker and smoother, and stretch marks become less noticeable.

• Sciton BBL® Photorejuvenation – the goal of BBL® is to improve the coloration of a stretch mark to make it less noticeable. This light treatment can reduce the reds and purples that frequently accompany stretch marks, causing them to blend more evenly into the skin.

• SkinPen® Microneedling – like laser resurfacing, SkinPen® creates minor injuries to the skin to promote collagen and elastin production. But, unlike most laser resurfacing treatments, SkinPen® requires little to no downtime and is very comfortable.
  

• HALO™ Hybrid Fractional Laser – HALO™ is unique in that it utilizes multiple wavelengths of laser energy to treat both below and at the skin’s surface. This feature allows HALO™ to simultaneously target both the pigment and the texture of a stretch mark to improve its appearance.

• Physician-grade skincare – a comprehensive skincare regimen that incorporates retinols to stimulate collagen product, melanin suppressors to lighten pigmentation, and sun protection to prevent discoloration can do wonders in improving the appearance of stretch marks – especially when combined with one of the treatments mentioned above.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Skin Artisans Advanced Practice Esthetician to discuss which treatments above may be best for you. Stretch marks can never be removed entirely, but their appearance can be improved to the point where you feel confident showing off your skin again!