Can Stretch Marks Be Removed?

Key Takeaways

• Stretch marks are common and develop when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly.

• Common causes of stretch marks are pregnancy, puberty, weight changes, muscle growth, hormones, and genetics.

• New stretch marks are often red or purple, and older stretch marks usually fade to white or silver.

• Laser treatments and microneedling can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

• The right treatment depends on your skin type, stretch marks, and aesthetic goals.

Stretch marks are one of the most common skin concerns. They appear when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly, which damages the collagen and elastin fibers that help keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient. They can develop during pregnancy, growth spurts, rapid weight changes, and muscle growth from intense strength training. 

Stretch marks might not disappear completely, but the right treatments can make them less noticeable. Learn more about causes of stretch marks, signs of stretch marks, and recommended treatments.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, known medically as striae distensae, are a type of dermal scar. When skin is stretched too far too fast, the collagen and elastin fibers break. As the skin repairs itself, the affected tissue may turn red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin. There are two stages of stretch marks, and the stage determines which treatments may work best. The stages of stretch marks are:

Early Stretch Marks

New stretch marks often appear red, pink, purple, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. They may feel slightly raised or itchy as they develop, and because they’re in the early stage, they usually respond better to treatment than older stretch marks.

Mature Stretch Marks

As stretch marks mature, they usually fade to white or silvery lines and can be slightly indented, or shiny, or have a creased texture. These stretch marks can be more challenging to treat because the skin’s ability to heal and rebuild itself has slowed down.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Stretch Marks?

Here are the most common causes of stretch marks:

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks, with “almost 90% of pregnant women experiencing stretch marks.” These usually appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs.

Rapid Weight Gain or Loss

Significant fluctuations in body weight can stretch or alter the skin, which increases the likelihood of stretch marks.

Puberty and Growth Spurts

Growth during adolescence can stretch the skin faster than it can adapt, especially around the thighs, hips, breasts, and back.

Muscle Growth

Bodybuilders and athletes often get stretch marks on their shoulders, chest, upper arms, and thighs because rapid muscle growth stretches the skin and disrupts collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can affect the skin’s strength and flexibility, making stretch marks more likely to develop.

Stretch Marks and Genetics

Some people may be more prone to stretch marks if there’s a family history of them.

What Are the Most Effective Stretch Mark Removal Treatments?

Stretch mark treatments can make them look less noticeable by improving skin texture and stimulating collagen production. The best treatment depends on your skin type, the stage of stretch marks, and how many treatment sessions are needed.

Laser Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatments work best on new stretch marks because they target blood vessels to reduce redness and inflammation. 

Fractional lasers can also help improve the appearance of stretch marks by creating tiny, controlled injuries in the skin that stimulate collagen production and support the skin's natural healing process. There may be some redness and swelling after treatment. Best results are seen with 3-5 sessions.

Pico lasers can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating the skin’s natural healing response and encouraging collagen production to smooth uneven skin texture.

Microneedling

SkinPen microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling treatments use fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin, which can help improve the texture and appearance of both newer stretch marks and older stretch marks. Results from microneedling vary depending on the stretch marks and the number of treatments. 

Stretch Mark Treatment at NM Aesthetics in the DMV Area

If new stretch marks are appearing, or you would like to treat old stretch marks, we offer customized treatment options designed to smooth skin texture and reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Schedule a consultation at our DMV area med spa so we can discuss the best treatment for your skin concerns and aesthetic goals by calling us at (571) 310-3223 or filling out our online form.

FAQs

What stage of pregnancy do stretch marks appear?

Stretch marks usually appear during the second or third trimester as your belly grows. However, if or when they appear depends on your genetics and skin elasticity.

Can laser treatment get rid of stretch marks?

Laser treatments can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen and elastin production and improving skin texture. 

How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?

Depending on your skin type, genetics, and treatment, stretch marks can become lighter and less noticeable over several months to years. However, they may not go away completely.

Do you get stretch marks from losing weight?

Stretch marks can appear after weight loss, especially if you lose a significant amount. They’re more commonly associated with skin stretching during weight gain.