Why Stretch Marks Occur

Stretch marks are small tears in the dermis that result when the fat or muscle beneath the skin is growing at a faster rate than the skin itself. As the tissue under the skin is “stretched out,” normal collagen production is interrupted, and stretch marks begin to surface. Stretch marks can cause problems in terms of skin texture because the tissue has collagen that is laid down in layers, in one direction as a scar. As a result, the skin is atrophic or thin, and the light reflected makes them appear white.

Keeping the skin moisturized during periods of “stretching,” such as pregnancy, may help prevent them from forming. If your weight is fairly steady, you may be less likely to develop stretch marks, but there’s no guarantee that they won’t form. Unsightly stretch marks may be an inevitable fact of life, since there is a genetic component to them. Stretch marks also correlate to an influx of the hormone glucocorticoid, which becomes elevated during puberty, pregnancy, excessive weight training and obesity, and prevents collagen and elastin from properly forming.

We haven’t found a method that 100-percent prevents or eliminates them, there are some technologies that may help to lighten up the redness associated with some stretch marks, making them less apparent.

The Kopelson Clinic offers a myriad of advanced dermatological treatments and procedures, Dr. Kopelson and his staff provide personalized clinical suggestions and cosmetic dermatology services to customize each patient’s specific medical and cosmetic concerns.

Click here or contact The Kopelson Clinic to schedule an appointment today.