Stretch Marks Can Be Treated

By Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD

Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center

. http://www.visagederm.com/

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Stretch Marks Can Be Treated

One cannot talk about health and weight loss without discussing stretch marks. Stretch marks are common on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, and buttocks in women while they are most common on the shoulders, backs, and inner thighs of men. They are due to stretching of the skin due to rapid weight gain or mechanical stress. This stretching causes a loss of collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the skin.

Long-term use of topical corticosteroids on the skin or excessive hormone production may also cause stretch marks.

Regardless of what may have caused stretch marks, they are of significant cosmetic concern, and cause distress. An individual may become self-conscious and avoid wearing a bathing suit or shorts.

There are no effective over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. Effective therapeutic options for stretch marks include prescription strength topical retinoids and alpha hydroxyl acids. Topical regimens may work when used alone, but when used in conjunction with laser or microneedling procedures they produce optimal results.

Nonablative fractional laser therapy creates tiny holes in the deeper layers of skin while the upper layer of skin is left intact. This creates a wound healing response in the punctured areas while leaving normal tissue around the holes. As a result, there is collagen production, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

This procedure is associated with some discomfort (managed with pain medications) and can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). When treating patients with skin of color, it is best to pre-treat the skin to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling involves the mechanical creation of minute holes in the skin using a drum roller or an automated pen with extremely fine needles. The mechanism of collagen production is essentially the same as the aforementioned laser procedures. Microneedling is a short procedure with minimal downtime and the automated pen is associated with less discomfort.

There is no one-time cure for stretch marks. A patient may require 4-6 laser treatments, and 3-4 microneedling sessions. Most fractional lasers leave the skin appearing red and slightly swollen for up to two days after treatment. Microneedling results in redness for up to 24 hours without swelling. An individual may return to work or resume social activities immediately after the procedure. Microneedling has not been directly associated with hyperpigmentation and pain can be managed with topical numbing creams.

Discuss the best treatment option for you with your dermatologist.