How to get rid of stretch marks on the body

Modern cosmetology offers a wide range of procedures that help reduce stretch marks without surgery or pain. The golden rule is that the sooner a patient consults a doctor after noticing stretch marks on the body, the faster and more effective the treatment will be.

Why do stretch marks appear

Stretch marks are elements of skin atrophy associated with a loss of elasticity. They occur in patients of different ages. In particular, in teenagers, stretch marks appear due to sudden weight changes caused by hormonal changes; in adult women and men, they develop after rapid weight gain or loss. Stretch marks on the breasts and abdomen in women may also appear after pregnancy.

Can there be a predisposition to developing stretch marks?

A predisposition to the formation of stretch marks is not determined by genetics alone, although family history does play a role. If a mother, father, or other close relatives frequently had stretch marks, this tendency may be partially inherited. However, in women, the appearance of stretch marks is often triggered by pregnancy.

Where do stretch marks most commonly appear?

Stretch marks most commonly form on the inner and outer thighs, the lower abdomen, and the breasts. At first, a patient may notice a deterioration in skin quality, while the stretch marks themselves usually become visible after two to three months.

In teenagers aged 14–15, stretch marks may appear on the buttocks, back, arms, and other areas due to hormonal changes and rapid growth, when the skin cannot keep up with body development. Initially, striae are bright red, then they may take on a bruised appearance. This can affect self-esteem.

Can stretch marks disappear on their own?

In ideal conditions—if a patient regularly undergoes hydromassage, swims, attends аппаратні procedures, maintains a proper diet, and exercises—stretch marks may theoretically fade on their own. However, in real life, not everyone is able to put in such effort. Therefore, with the help of a doctor, it is much easier to reduce stretch marks.

Can stretch marks be prevented?

Many cosmetic brands produce special gels and creams for stretch marks that contain collagen and plant-based ingredients. They are recommended, in particular, for pregnant women, and such products can be purchased without a visit to a doctor.

How to get rid of stretch marks without surgery

The treatment method depends on how quickly the patient seeks to remove stretch marks after they appear. For example, if a woman who has recently given birth has minimal stretch marks on the thighs and lower abdomen, her issue may be resolved with two to three sessions of PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy). However, if she has had stretch marks for several years, a multi-stage approach with a structured treatment plan is required.

This may include laser cosmetology, mesotherapy, injections of the patient’s own plasma, and in some cases filling of defects with microfillers. Surgical abdominal plastic surgery (abdominoplasty) is only needed when there is a significant excess of skin that must be removed. In such cases, stretch marks are also removed along with the excess skin.

Stretch mark surgery (stretch mark correction)

In summary, stretch mark correction can be non-surgical (in most cases) or surgical (when stretch marks are not the only concern and the patient requires plastic surgery).

Non-surgical treatments for stretch marks include:

• PRP injections — administration of the patient’s own blood plasma to activate regenerative processes, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood circulation and tissue nourishment;
• fractional laser procedures;
• filling of defects with dermal fillers or autologous fat tissue;
• mesotherapy.

If necessary, these procedures are combined with surgical methods, such as aesthetic breast correction or thigh lift and contouring surgery.

Removal of stretch marks after childbirth

Removal of stretch marks after childbirth can be part of a Mommy Makeover program, which includes a comprehensive approach to addressing concerns of new mothers. A Mommy Makeover includes correction of the effects of such body changes as:

• abdominal plastic surgery after childbirth, during which stretch marks on the abdomen are removed. At the same time, abdominoplasty allows for the removal of a cesarean section scar, and the incision from the abdominoplasty is hidden low beneath the underwear line;
• breast lift (mastopexy), which can be combined with restoration of breast shape and volume using implants.

If necessary, the program is supplemented with gynecological procedures for tightening and aesthetic correction of the intimate area. For faster recovery and improved results, cosmetology procedures are recommended.