Rapid expansion of skin happens when women get pregnant. Skin stretching occurs on the areas of the abdomens and their breasts. It is therefore not a surprise that they should experience the formation of stretch marks in those areas as well. In fact, abdomen and breast stretch marks are the most common kind in women during their puberty stage and even more so if they are pregnant.
What Stretch Mark Is – Some people dismiss stretch marks thinking that they will just go away if they lose weight or even pack a few more pounds. But the reality is that stretch marks are a form of scarring in the dermis area of the skin. This is just beneath the surface of the skin so stretch marks cannot be easily wiped away either.
Why It Develops – Stretch marks usually occur when there is stunted growth followed by the stretching of skin. The dermis usually cannot take the pressure from the growth and therefore it tears. This tearing, of course, cannot be felt physically. However, we can see these tears if we look closely at our skin. They look like red or purplish areas where there has been active growth. The most active places include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and for women around the breasts area.
The Trouble With Stretch Marks – Although stretch marks are not an immediate medical concern, they are very unflattering. This is especially true for women who wearing skimpy clothing or swimsuits when they are swimming at the beach or in a pool. Stretch marks are just blemishes that are not inviting to look at.
The other problem is that if a stretch mark is not treated or tended to at an early time, it can actually stay there for the rest of a person’s life. This is the main reason that people would rather do away with stretch marks and with simple procedures, this is possible. When it comes to breast stretch marks, women have two options. They can get rid of the stretch marks naturally by starting a healthy exercise routine and making sure they stay religious to it.
Surgery – The other way is to get plastic surgery. Many breast augmentation techniques can be used to get rid of stretch marks around the breast area. Laser treatment surgery can also be used but may not be very comfortable because a laser actually strips away layers of a stretch mark. In its place is another more physical scar like a scratch that can be left to heal. Although effective, laser treatment is not advisable for the breast area.
Hydration – For women who are just starting to form stretch marks in the breast area, they can make sure that they have a rich liquid diet (8 to 10 glasses a day). Another option is to use harmless medicated creams, such as those found in drugstores. These creams can be massaged onto the breast on a regular basis to get rid of breast stretch marks that have just formed. Women should also inspect the stretch mark areas to see if new ones start to appear as their breasts grow in the pregnancy stage.
very informative. i just want to add that not only woman get stretch marks but also male can have it too. for sure girls will love this post. for girls who are concerns with their skin, they will thank you for sharing this information. by the way, i like all the articles you have in your blog. bookmarks already!
As a Plastic Surgeon, one of the more common questions I get is how to deal with stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure although there are ways to soften their appearance. Stretch marks on the breast are often reduced by breast augmentation simply because the lax skin is stretched making the appearance of these stretch marks less noticeable. Topicals such as Retin-A and microdermabrasion can often improve the appearance of white stretch marks while red stretch marks generally respond to laser therapy.
A very information post. Aside from surgery, laser surgery, and micro dermabrasion there are some stretch mark creams that can also be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. While they take time, they do procude visible results over time.
I would politely disagree with the last posting. Most OTC creams for stretch marks are good moisturizers, at best, and offer little in the way of improvement in the long run. Even medical skincare has not been able to completely eradicate stretch marks although we have made some advances. If you want the best results longterm, see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist and have them recommend a cost-effective therapy that will meet your needs.
I don’t know how many women would consider undergoing an augmentation procedure to simply correct their stretch marks. It really doesn’t make much sense to me. With a laser treatment, the invasiveness is almost non-existent and the cost is much cheaper. A patient who is going in to an augmentation procedure to simply correct their marks is simply swapping them with new scars left by the incisions created during an augmentation procedure.
Yeah, simply getting an augmentation to eliminate stretch marks is not the right choice. Laser treatments are a better alternative although still a bit expensive.
Great post! Very informative…True that not only women gets stretch marks, body builders are prone to it too since their skin expands rapidly when building muscles. And there are natural ways of treating stretch marks too, only that they don't really work that good sometimes. I think it depends on the condition
When treating stretch marks I think you have to begin with the correct mindset of fading stretch marks rather than thinking you can completely get rid of them. Many people can fade them so that they are almost unnoticeable and for the best results it involves lifestyle changes (healthier diet, exercise etc) as well as a good skin care regime. That way you are treating stretch marks from the inside and outside.
Marenda, I think there's a lot of misconception when it comes to the formation of stretch marks. It's true that the inner dermis layer is damaged, causing a tear in the elastin fibre network that holds the skin. That's stretch marks by the way. But it's the hormonal changes plus the physical stretching that determines if you'll get stretch marks. Not really just the physical stretching itself. Otherwise, most yoga practioners will get it isn't it? I mean, look at the way they stretch! Because of the hormones' influence, that's why people who gets stretch marks tend to be a particular group. People like pregnant ladies, teenagers undergoing puberty etc.
Otherwise, awesome article!
Stretch marks can be so embarrasing
Don't forget to drink lots of water. Many people forget the basics of skin care. If you want for your stretch marks to fade away, you need to drink water.
Prevention is key to getting these stretch marks. Once you have them, it becomes a greater ordeal to get rid of them.
I understand what it is like to get stretch marks. I have never been big – but I seem to get them no matter what. I think it is genetic in my case.
Hi,
Nice article.
I have heard that most people use a method that really isn’t proven by any type of science, but that has been used for centuries – cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is believed to correct the pigment changes in stretch marks and reduce the visible ridges that appear.
Is that true?
Thanks
Shruti
Thanks for the great read. There are also a number of other products on the market specifically for this condition which we will be talking about after we try them on our website. This has inspired me to create another post about this topic and the natural ways they can be accomplished.
Thanks,
Jackie
Great post thanks for the information
Treatments can work, but as someone said above, you should only expect fading rather than complete removal, especially for older stretch marks. If you've got the money use a good cream, if not cocoa butter is good.
I think you have to begin with the correct mindset of fading stretch marks rather than thinking you can completely get rid of them. Many people can fade them so that they are almost unnoticeable and for the best results it involves lifestyle changes (healthier diet, exercise etc) as well as a good skin care regime. That way you are treating stretch marks from the inside and outside.