What are stretch marks? What causes it? What can be done to prevent it? What stretchmark cures or medical treatments are available for stretch marks?
Stretch marks are common place in pregnancy
Answer: They are scars due to over stretching of the skin and disruption of the collagen fibres in the skin. Overstretching of the skin, disruption of the normal production of collagen, causing a scar. Usually associated with pregnancy, significant weight gain over a short period, intense physical activity, bodybuilding. There is no proven method of prevention.
There aren’t any guaranteed stretchmark cures. The following have been tried but so far there are no methods that have been proven effective:
* Laser and RF treatment may help to stimulate the production of new collagen
* Topical retinoids
* Chemical peels
Answered by
Dr Andrew Tay,
Consultant Plastic Surgeon,
Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre,
a member of Pacific Healthcare.