Doctor's Notes on Stretch Marks
Stretch marks (striae distensae) appear as linear, thinned skin commonly found on the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs. Stretch marks may appear due to the rapid hormonal changes and growth associated with puberty, during pregnancy, or with certain diseases, such as Cushing syndrome and they are permanent once they are formed. Under the microscope, they appear similar to scar tissue. There is no cure for stretch marks but moisturizers, massage, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing may improve their appearance.
Stretch marks don’t usually produce any symptoms but they have a characteristic visual appearance no matter when they appear or what the cause.
- Stretch marks may first appear as raised pink to purple lines longitudinally arranged over the abdomen, lateral upper thighs, inner arms, or upper breasts.
- Over time, the purplish-pink color lightens and they appear as silvery lines on the skin, similar to a scar. In darker-skinned people, stretch marks appear as dark-brown lines.
What is the treatment for stretch marks?
Although stretch marks are permanent, treatments may reduce their appearance in some individuals. In general, researchers agree that home remedies do not work. However, hyaluronic acid or tretinoin may make some stretch marks less visible. In addition, dermatologists may use the following to make stretch marks less noticeable:
- Chemical peel
- Laser treatments
- Microdermabrasion
- Ultrasound
- Radiofrequency
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Can I Permanently Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
The only way to get rid of stretch marks permanently is through surgery that removes the skin in the area of the stretch marks, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift, or thigh lift. Without treatment, stretch marks usually don’t go away, but they may fade over time and their appearance may be reduced with treatment. Treatment to improve their appearance depends on the type of stretch mark, which can include topical retinoids, pulsed dye laser therapy, microneedling, fractional laser therapy, chemical peels, superficial dermabrasion, phototherapy. -
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of corticosteroids. Causes include prolonged use of steroid medications, adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors, and other tumors. Symptoms include weight gain, skin changes, muscle weakness, and psychological problems. Treatment involves surgery, radiation, or medication. -
Do Stretch Marks Ever Really Go Away?
Stretch marks never really go away, but they may fade over time and their appearance may be reduced with treatment. Stretch marks (striae) are a common form of skin scarring that appear on the skin as red, purple, or light-colored lines. Stretch marks are harmless but can be upsetting for patients who are unhappy with their appearance. -
Obesity
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and physical activity is optional. The safest way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. Treatment may also include medications, surgery, and behavior modification. -
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
There is no treatment that can get rid of stretch marks immediately. Using self-tanners is one way to camouflage stretch marks quickly and temporarily, but do not actually get rid of them. Other stretch mark treatments include laser therapy, topical retinoids (tretinoin, retinol), hyaluronic acid, microneedling, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, phototherapy, intense pulsed light (IPL), and others.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.