Stretch Marks - Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

For some patients, stretch marks are inevitable. Any time the skin stretches, even a little, it can result in a stretch mark, especially if the skin is not properly cared. Skin is elastic, so it can only stretch so far before stretch marks begin to form.

There are both expensive and inexpensive treatments for stretch marks, which may have a varying efficacy, based on how extensive the marks are and how long the patient waits in between their occurrence and treatment. Prevention is always better than treatment, and there are a number of ways to prevent these marks from ever developing. Here, we review the causes of stretch mark, as well as how they can be prevented and treated.

Causes

Stretch marks occur because the skin has expanded to accommodate weight gain, an increase in muscle mass, or an implant. When the skin stretches naturally and slowly, it creates the collagen and elastin components it needs to easily expand. However, when the skin has to stretch quickly, it does not have the right tissues in place to make the process easy and natural. As a result, the skin is pulled too tightly, and the stretch marks appear. It is common for stretch marks to appear in patients who rapidly gain weight, such as during pregnancy. Body builders also often have stretch marks that appear on the biceps. In addition, stretch marks can develop after certain surgical procedures; they are most likely to appear after breast augmentation or other implant treatments, as the skin is often stretched in these procedures.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to ensure that stretch marks do not occur. Patients can use creams and lotions that moisturize the skin and prepare it to stretch. Any product that contains collagen and elastin, and keeps the skin properly moisturized ay be effective, thought the best lotions will include proteins, which will help to speed up skin regeneration and create the tissues that the skin will need to stretch. Skin that is moisturized will have the best chance of expanding without leaving marks. These creams can be used during pregnancy and when working out to build body mass. If the patient chooses to use a stretch mark cream prior to implant surgery, it should be used for several weeks before and after surgery.

Treatment

Lotions and creams that contain skin-building proteins are the best place to start when it comes to treatment of stretch marks. The most popular selections include cocoa butter, collagen, and elastin as ingredients, all of which will nourish the skin and help it to rebuild in the proper manner. These lotions are probably the best option for women who do not want to undergo a costly laser treatment or additional plastic surgery procedure. However, once stretch marks appear, these lotions are mostly ineffective.

For those women who are serious about removing their stretch marks, however, there are laser treatments that can encourage new skin growth and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

To schedule a consultation, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery.