Stretch Marks

Stretch marks develop due to mechanical stress on the skin. Common causes include:

• Pregnancy: Rapid stretching of the abdominal and breast skin.
• Adolescence: Growth spurts during puberty.
• Weight Changes: Rapid gain or loss of weight.
• Bodybuilding: Accelerated muscle growth can stress the dermis.
• Medications or Medical Conditions: Prolonged corticosteroid use or endocrine disorders (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome).
• Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to stretch marks due to skin type and family history.

Complete prevention isn’t always possible, but several strategies may help reduce severity:

• Healthy weight management to minimize rapid fluctuations.
• Gradual, steady exercise gains instead of rapid bulking.
• Daily moisturization to support skin barrier function.
• During pregnancy, controlled weight gain and topical care may reduce risk, though genetics remain an important factor.

Scientific evidence for topical treatments is limited, but certain ingredients have shown benefit:

• Topical Retinoids: Studies show improvement in early striae rubra through stimulation of collagen synthesis. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Hyaluronic Acid Creams: Hydrate the skin and may reduce early stretch mark development in high-risk individuals.
• Centella Asiatica Extracts: May increase collagen and elastin production; some data supports its use in prevention during pregnancy.
• Silicone Gels and Moisturizers: Help soften the appearance, but have less evidence compared to retinoids.

Topicals are most effective on new, red stretch marks, and to help keep the skin hydrated and supple during times of skin stretching (e.g. pregnancy or weight gain). Mature, white stretch marks typically require procedural treatments for visible improvement.

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) – Best for Red Stretch Marks (Striae Rubra)

• Targets the vascular component of new stretch marks.
• Reduces redness and stimulates collagen remodeling.
• Typically requires a series of 2–4 treatments.

Fractional Non-Ablative Lasers (Fraxel® Dual)

• Creates controlled microthermal zones in the dermis.
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving texture and color.
• Effective for both red and white stretch marks.
• Downtime: mild redness/peeling for a few days.

Microneedling and RF Microneedling

• Tiny needles create microchannels that trigger collagen repair.
• RF energy adds heat to stimulate deeper tightening.
• Improves skin texture and stretch mark depth.
• Safe for all skin types with minimal downtime.

Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery (LADD) with Sculptra®

• Combines fractional laser treatment with topical application of Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid).
• The laser’s microchannels enhance absorption, allowing Sculptra to stimulate collagen directly in the dermis.
• Particularly promising for long-standing white stretch marks (striae alba), where other treatments are less effective.
• Sculptra also helps firm and tighten the overlying and surrounding skin, improving overall skin texture and quality.

• Smoother skin texture
• Reduction in redness or discoloration
• Increased skin firmness and elasticity
• Enhanced confidence in clothing and swimwear
• Customized options based on stage, color, and location of stretch marks