Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a common aesthetic problem, and while they may not present a serious health issue, their appearance can affect your self-image and lower your confidence. Using some of the latest and most effective technologies,  Absolute Healthcare, with locations in Spring Hill, Port Richey, and Tampa, Florida, can help reduce the visibility of your stretch marks and other skin blemishes to rejuvenate your look. Call the nearest office or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online today to learn more about your treatment options for stretch marks.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are thin ripples in your skin that look like red or purple streaks when they first form. Over time, they fade to a silvery color. They most frequently appear on your:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Breasts
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Upper arms

Stretch marks are a sign that your body has gone through a spell of growth that’s made your skin stretch because it can’t grow quickly enough to keep up with the tissue expansion underneath. 

Skin that contains inadequate amounts of collagen is particularly vulnerable to developing stretch marks, as collagen gives skin its elasticity.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks may arise because of:

• Rapid weight gain
• Growth spurts in childhood
• Being pregnant
• Having breast implant surgery
• Bodybuilding
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Weakened skin fibers caused by Marfan syndrome

You’re more likely to get stretch marks if other members of your family have them, and women develop them more often than men.

Are stretch marks something I should worry about?

Stretch marks aren’t a cause for concern in themselves, and when you visit Absolute Healthcare, they can tell by examining your skin whether you have stretch marks. They review your medical history and lifestyle and check whether you’ve been using any kind of medication because high levels of cortisol could contribute to the development of stretch marks.

The main problem with stretch marks is that they can affect your self-confidence if you’re sensitive about having them.

Are there treatments for stretch marks?

There’s no instant cure for stretch marks, but there are ways to reduce their appearance. Many topical creams and oils are available over-the-counter to improve stretch marks with regular application. Some may improve the feel of your skin, and massaging can improve your tone, but these products won’t make your stretch marks disappear.

There are other medical aesthetic options for helping stretch marks to fade, including:

• Laser therapy 
• Radiofrequency treatment
• Microdermabrasion 
• Chemical peels
• Retinoid cream

Medical aesthetics can remove the top layer of skin or boost the body’s production of collagen, which can help diminish stretch marks. 

If you’d like to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, call the nearest Absolute Healthcare office or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online today.