Stretch marks are known as Striae in medical term. They are basically scar which develops due to shrinking or stretching on skin. Stretch marks are of different categories namely : Striae gravidarum which is mostly pregnancy related where the skin expands very fast in few months, Striae rubrae marks are red in colour, Straie Albae are silvery white in colour, Striae atrophicans caused by skin thinning, Striae caerulea is a dark blue mark and Striae nigrae possess a deep dark black colour. Striae are also classified into physiological and pathological striae. Physiological striae aren’t associated with any underlying disease and conditions but pathological striae are associated.

To understand this it is important to know the 3 layers of your skin namely :Epidermis (Outer visible layer), Dermis (below your epidermis or middle layer) and Hypodermis (Deepest layer of your skin). Now then the other important bodies within your skin are collagen and elastin which are proteins that are building blocks or you can say backbone of your skin. These are situated in the dermis layer of your skin which provides elasticity and flexibility to your skin. Now when your body grows faster than its normal rate , also faster than skin then it becomes a task for your collagen and elastin to keep up and it gets overstretched. The connective fibers are forced thereby to extend beyond their elastic capability and they tear. Then in the process of self repairing and trying to come back in its original form stretch marks develop in the dermis layer of your skin and appears as patches on the skin’s surface. The internal tearing causes the blood vessels to be uncovered leading to development of purple, pink or brownish color marks. At the onset later the dark color diminishes into silvery white marks. The scarring can become less prominent over time but the stretch mark will not fade away completely.

There are no sure shot ways that can assist to get you completely off from developing stretch marks but yes it may help to minimize it’s occurrence to certain extent. Drinking plenty of fluids and intake of citrus fruits helps to keep your body hydrated. A well hydrated skin is more supple and elastic and less susceptible to tear due to body gain. Another way is to maintain proper body weight. Especially pregnant women needs to keep their weight within the healthy range and can plan a proper healthy diet and exercise plan under their doctors guidance. Also for those who gym needs to design their exercise routine that involves progressive muscle growth. The problem is that your skin experiences difficulty in coping with stretching especially the bulkiness, therefore it is advisable to go easy into training programs thereby giving less stress to skin.

Laser uses light therapy that penetrates into the dermis and stimulates collagen production. During the process your collagen is getting produced, damaged blood vessels are closed, skin fibers are improvised to get smooth texture to the skin and improve its elasticity. Benefits of lasers are : It can be used for all skin type, USA FDA approved, gives faster results, permanent treatment, less need of medication post treatment, improved healing, improved blood circulation in treated area, reduced inflammation.

Prime focus of laser therapy is to allow the skin to heal itself at its pace, they are very safe and only minimally invasive procedure.

Soon after the treatment you will observe the treated skin looking red and tender but you have to take it as a good sign that your upper layer of skin has been successfully removed and thereby giving way to regrowth of new skin beneath. In some patient blisters may form but there is no need to worry. The skin will heal in few days. The stretch marks will most often look more prominent after each treatment before they heal.

Try to avoid scratching and use good moisturisers or other topical corticosteroids but with a dermatologist prescription only to save your skin from developing any side effects.

Dermapen uses fine bunch of needles to help stimulate cells in skin known as fibroblasts which are in charge of producing collagen and elastin.So when collagen and elastin are formed the visibility of the stretch marks becomes very less. Very effective for treating recent stretch marks.Although we use it in combination treatment ,rather than monotherapy.

Temporary pain, swelling, discoloration, bleeding and scarring.

Yes, it can be permanently improved to upto 90% in newer stretch marks and upto 60% in old stretch marks.

No it doesn’t hurt as the treatment would be done under topical anaesthesia.

Laser therapy coupled with few sessions of microneedling ,plasma therapy and chemical peels in combination would work best.

We know your skin best. We are a team of qualified professionals handling various segments of skin treatments including stretch marks and we use Co2 fractional laser which is one of the best laser for the reduction of stretch marks.