Stretch Marks: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment
Stretch marks are a common skin phenomenon affecting many people. While they pose no health risk, they can significantly impact self-esteem. This article will explore stretch marks, their causes, and the prevention and treatment options.
What is a stretch mark?
Stretch marks are visible linear lesions on the skin resulting from a rupture of collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis. They appear as wavy streaks, with colours varying based on age: red or purple for recent marks and white or pearly for older ones.
The unique Clinique M approach
With over 20 years of experience, Clinique M combines medical expertise and cutting-edge technology under the supervision of Dr. Nyan Narine.
Each treatment protocol is personalized to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration and deliver results that are long-lasting, natural, and harmonious.
Commonly Affected Areas
Stretch marks usually appear in body areas prone to significant volume changes. The most commonly affected areas include:
- The abdomen
- Breasts
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Arms
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur when the skin is subjected to rapid, excessive stretching. Several factors can contribute to this:
Free consultation
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks. The rapid expansion of the abdomen, combined with hormonal changes, makes the skin particularly vulnerable.
Rapid weight gain or loss
Significant weight fluctuations, whether gain or loss, can lead to sudden stretching or loosening of the skin, encouraging stretch mark formation.
Rapid Growth During Adolescence
The growth spurt during adolescence can cause rapid stretching of the skin, especially on boys’ backs and girls’ hips and breasts.
Hormonal factors
Hormones play a crucial role in stretch mark development. Cortisol, in particular, can affect collagen and elastin production, making the skin more susceptible.
Genetic predisposition
Genetics influence skin quality and elasticity, and some people are naturally more prone to stretch marks due to their genetic makeup.
Prolonged Use of Corticosteroids
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, whether topical or oral, can increase the risk by weakening the skin’s support structures.
Types of stretch marks
Recent Stretch Marks (Red or Purple):
Recent stretch marks, such as striae rubrae, are red or purple. They indicate an active lesion and are usually more responsive to treatments.
Older Stretch Marks (White or Pearly)
Over time, stretch marks evolve to a white or pearly colour (striae alba) due to the healing process, making them harder to treat.
Preventing Stretch Marks
While complete prevention of stretch marks cannot be guaranteed, specific measures can help reduce their appearance. Here are some lifestyle tips:
- Maintain a Stable Weight : Avoid significant and rapid weight fluctuations.
- Eat a Balanced Diet : A diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and proteins can promote skin health.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity : Exercise helps maintain skin elasticity and control weight.
- Stay Hydrated : Proper hydration contributes to skin suppleness.
Recommended Skincare
- Daily Moisturizing : Use creams or oils rich in moisturizing agents to improve skin elasticity.
- Massaging the Skin : Massaging can stimulate blood circulation and promote collagen production.
- Use Specific Products : Certain creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or Centella Asiatica may help prevent stretch marks.
Stretch Mark Treatments
While stretch marks do not disappear completely, several treatment options can improve their appearance:
Free consultation
Topical solutions
- Specialized Creams and Oils :Products containing retinol, vitamin C, or peptides can help improve the appearance of recent stretch marks.
- Exfoliants : These can promote cell renewal and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Use specific products : Some creams containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica can help prevent stretch marks.
Serums/Exfoliants
Enriched with 15% vitamin C, vitamin E, and a combination of 5 exclusive peptides known to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and strengthen the skin barrier.
An all-in-one lotion with peptides and antioxidants that firm, tone, and hydrate for smooth, silky skin.
A revitalizing face and body exfoliator that gently removes impurities, enriched with vitamin C to soothe and brighten, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Sun protection
A silky-matte sunscreen with SPF 45 for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a mattifying effect.
A 100% mineral sunscreen with SPF 30, providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB while giving a fresh and radiant complexion.
Advanced Medical Treatments
Potenza Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that uses small needles to create micro-perforations with radiofrequency (RF) energy to penetrate the upper layer of the skin, triggering the natural healing process and regenerating collagen and elastin.
Fractional lasers, whether ablative or non-ablative, can significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating skin regeneration. This advanced technology targets affected areas, promoting new collagen production and enhancing the skin’s texture and overall appearance.
MRockland prioritizes these two treatments!
Other Technologies and Treatments
- Venus Viva : This technology uses nano-fractional techniques to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Ultherapy : This method uses focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, which can help enhance the appearance of stretch marks.
- Carboxytherapy : This technique injects carbon dioxide under the skin to improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) : This method uses the patient’s plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to encourage tissue regeneration.
- Plastic Surgery : In extreme cases, surgical interventions like abdominoplasty can be considered for treating stretch marks, especially on the abdomen.
It is important to note that qualified professionals should perform some more invasive treatments, which may require a recovery period. The treatment choice will depend on the severity of the stretch marks, the affected area, and the patient’s preferences. An in-depth consultation with a specialist is essential to determine the best approach.
The Importance of a Personalized Approach
Several aesthetic treatments are available to reduce stretch marks, such as:
Consultation and Diagnosis
Each case of stretch marks is unique. An in-depth consultation with a specialist helps evaluate the type of stretch marks, their age, and the skin’s overall condition to determine the most suitable treatment.
Customized Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan, potentially combining various approaches, offers the best chance of achieving satisfactory results.
Our Expertise and Cutting-Edge Technologies
Our clinic has a team of experts and a suite of advanced technologies for treating stretch marks. We offer various treatments, including microneedling, fractional lasers, and the latest skincare innovations.
Psychological Aspects of Stretch Marks
Impact on Self-Esteem
Stretch marks can significantly impact body image and self-esteem. It is essential to recognize this impact and, if necessary, discuss it openly with a professional.
Towards Greater Body Acceptance
While treatments can improve the appearance of stretch marks, it’s also essential to work on self-acceptance. Stretch marks are a natural sign of our bodies’ changes over time and through life experiences.
Although stretch marks are a common aesthetic concern, many options are available today to prevent and treat them. A holistic approach combining preventive care, targeted treatments, and self-acceptance offers the best prospects for managing stretch marks and maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.
Your transformation starts here
Do not hesitate to contact us for a personalized consultation and to begin your transformation.
* Results may vary from person to person. We present, to the best of our knowledge, an average of the results obtained. No guarantee is offered. Our goal is to properly evaluate your profile so that you can make an informed decision.
Get a free consultation*
Consultation without obligation
Thousands of satisfied clients have trusted our medical-aesthetic clinic for over 15 years.
Thousands of satisfied customers
A trusted medical-aesthetic clinic for over 15 years.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4.9/5 on Google
Our commitment
Response within 24 hours
Personalized treatment
Contact Us
Phone
(438) 601-4718
Our Address
233 Av. Dunbar, Mont-Royal, QC H3P 2H4, Canada