What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a product of rapid skin expansion. They’re often caused by events like pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight gain where the skin stretches and tears in the deeper layers, resulting in visible white or reddish streaks on the surface of the skin – often in areas like the arms, hips, or stomach. They can be very difficult to get rid of through conventional at-home treatment.
Stretch marks are not exclusive to overweight people. Some people can be more likely to get stretch marks because of genetics or the degree of stress on the skin. Cortisol (a stress hormone) is thought to play a role in the severity of stretch marks since it weakens the elastic fibers in the skin.
Can Stretch Marks Be Treated at Home?
Stretch marks are permanent, but they can be faded when you treat them promptly. There are many different products available that may achieve results, including hyaluronic acid and retinoids. In order to get best results, make sure to be consistent and use the product early on in stretch mark formation – the more mature the stretch mark, the less likely you’ll be to get results. Your board-certified dermatologist can recommend the right products for stretch marks.
What Happens During Professional Stretch Mark Treatment?
There are a few different medical-grade stretch mark treatments available with your board-certified dermatologist. These can include:
- Chemical peels
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Microneedling
All of these options work best on new stretch marks and may not be effective on stretch marks that are mature (faded to white or silver). During an appointment with our skincare team, you’ll develop a treatment plan based on your skin goals and existing stretch marks. It can be best to combine different treatment options (including professional and at-home methods) for more transformative results.

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Stretch Mark Treatment Recovery and Results
It’s important to know that stretch marks can’t be completely removed, but rather faded so they become less noticeable. For best results, you’ll likely need to undergo multiple treatments over time. Throughout, your board-certified dermatologist can help you achieve clear skin using the most effective approaches available.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re self-conscious about stretch marks, our team can help. To schedule an appointment and learn more about your options, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online contact form.
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