Stretch marks are an unwelcome reminder of how quickly our bodies can change. From growth spurts and weight gain to pregnancy and childbirth, stretch marks can be challenging to embrace. Fortunately, you don’t have to.
At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee, Susan Lacy, MD, and our team offer advanced skin rejuvenation treatments to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and restore your skin’s natural beauty.
Curious about how to smooth stretch marks without surgery? Here’s everything you need to know:
Stretch marks, or striae, reflect how your skin responds to rapid changes in your body. When the dermis — the middle layer of skin responsible for its structure and elasticity — stretches too quickly, the connective fibers like collagen and elastin can’t keep up.
This overstretching causes microscopic tears, which heal as scars, resulting in the visible streaks we call stretch marks.
Stretch marks can vary in appearance:
These are newer marks, often appearing inflamed due to the visible blood vessels underneath the skin.
Over time, blood vessels contract, and the marks fade to a lighter color. These are typically more challenging to treat but can improve with the right interventions.
Stretch marks usually happen when your body changes quickly, including during:
During pregnancy, the skin around the abdomen stretches significantly to accommodate the baby’s growth. Hormonal changes, especially increased cortisol levels, can weaken collagen in the skin, making it less elastic and more prone to tearing.
When fat stores increase quickly, the skin stretches to contain them, which can lead to tears. Losing weight can also cause stretch marks and sagging, as your skin might not have enough time to contract.
While stretch marks fade over time, they rarely go away on their own. At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health, we offer several options to effectively treat stretch marks, including:
This treatment uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and reducing red and white stretch marks over time.
This innovative technology combines radiofrequency and plasma energy to resurface the skin, targeting the color and texture of stretch marks while promoting collagen remodeling.
At-home treatments like retinol-based creams can enhance skin cell turnover, while medical-grade skincare products help support collagen production and overall skin health. Both approaches complement our professional treatments for optimal improvement.
If you’re ready to put your stretch marks in the past, contact our expert team at Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health. Call our office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment online.
