Stretch Marks FAQ

 What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are scars left behind when an individual's skin is overstretched. This causes the fibers in the middle layer (dermis) to break.  The dermis is the skin's elastic layer, fortified with fibers known as collagen and elastins that allow the skin to stretch and snap back into shape. When the skin is continuously stretched over a long period of time, its elasticity breaks down, like old clothes that have lost their shape. The skin tries to reinforce itself by increasing the amount of collagen in the over stretched tissue, resulting in the scars we call stretch marks.  Fresh stretch marks appear initially as red lines and then slowly fade to a pale white color over the course of several months. While it is possible to reduce and even eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, it is much easier to prevent them.

Do Stretch Marks Go Away?

They usually dont totally disappear. Most often stretch marks just become very light, giving a silver colored appearance where they are harder to see. They may get less noticeable if you put on weight or get a spray tan, but they rarely disappear completely without radical surgery. 

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are not just limited to pregnant women, however they do occur in 75-90% of pregnancies. Pregnancy stretch marks usually develop during the third trimester, sometimes earlier. They also can develop during or after an adolescent growth spurt; after an individual experiences a weight gain or loss; during weight training and exercise programs; during or after an illness, infection or disease; during or after the use of a prescribed pharmaceutical; and in some cases for no known reason. Stretch marks effect both men, and women of all ages, sizes, ethnic background and race. They do not discriminate!

Will I Get Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are more likely to appear if you gain more weight than recommended during your pregnancy or weight is gained or lost rapidly. You are more likely to get stretch marks if your mother or sister had them. African American women are less likely to get stretch marks than Caucasian or Asian women. If you have stretch marks from a previous pregnancy, you can expect a darkening or an extension of the old marks.  Age, skin tone and diet all factor into whether or not you will get stretch marks and to what degree. 

Do All Pregnant Women Get Stretch Marks?

Approximately 75 - 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks during pregnancy. They are most common during the last stages of pregnancy but prevention should be started early for optimum effectiveness.  Every pregnant woman worries about stretch marks and the effects of pregnancy on her body. More than 75% of all women get stretchmarks during pregnancy and whether you are one of the lucky or unlucky ones will depend on a number of factors, including rapidity of weight gain, age, genetics, the condition of your skin and your general health.

Does Tanning Make Stretch Marks Go Away?

Tanning only makes your stretch marks look like they did, but once your skin lightens again, they will re-appear and look the same.   

Is There Any Way To Get Rid Of Stretchmarks?

The only real way for women with stretch marks on their stomach to totally get rid of then is a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck gets rid of extra skin and fat, making the stomach tighter and nicely shaped. In the process of this skin removal, stretch marks below your belly button are usually removed as well.

Another option is laser surgery. This type of stretch marks surgery is generally only for people whose stretch marks are still colored red or brownish. If your stretch marks have faded to more of a flesh color the laser will not be able to detect them. This surgery is effectively able to remove damaged skin and stimulate collagen growth, but may not always completely eliminate stretch marks.

Both of these methods can be extremely expensive and have inherent risks.  The method used by most stretch mark sufferers to fade their stretch marks is to use an effective stretch mark cream or lotion.  The risks are minimal and the cost is within the reach of almost everybody's budget.