Stretch marks are a reminder to shed weight. It causes no harm to the individual experiencing it however in the process of losing weight many are left behind with visible marks. These stretch marks after weight loss may make one less confident. Stretch marks are a consequence of physical changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime. Therefore, that is why almost everyone has at least a few marks. Stretch marks do not disappear completely, and there are always ways to treat and prevent the skin condition from occurring.
To provide readers with a detailed understanding of stretch marks and their effective treatment options, which will help them feel confident with their toned bodies, we have created this post. To make this an apt post for our readers we have gathered insights from Dr. Rasya Dixit, considered the best dermatologist in Bangalore and the founder of Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. Let us delve into what stretch marks are.
Stretch Marks: An Overview
Stretch marks are narrow lines that appear on the skin in different body areas, such as the hips, arms, stomach, breasts, etc. They appear as coloured stripes, such as red, blue, pink, or purple. Pregnancy, the development of breasts, excess weight gain, and weight loss are some of the reasons that cause stretch marks. The appearance of stretch marks can vary, i.e., they can appear shiny, dark, and lifted. Also, women tend to get stretch marks more on their breasts, whereas men see most of them on their lower back.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
- Most stretch marks occur during the first period of weight gain. The skin stretches and tears when one puts on weight. Consequently, the skin’s collagen and connective tissues become damaged, which gives rise to the formation of stretch marks.
- Stretch marks are scars that occur from internal tears caused by overstretching of the skin, even though the skin is flexible.
- Pregnancy, weight gain, and pubertal growth are the main causes of it. The skin is also prone to stretch marks when one is pregnant because the hormones soften the fibres of the skin. While the baby grows, the skin stretches in the tummy region. Furthermore, one might develop those on their breasts as well as their thighs.
Are you experiencing stretch marks and desire to get rid of them? Seek help from an expert skin specialist. To do this, one can consider consulting Dr. Rasya Dixit, a popular dermatologist who offers the best stretch marks treatment in Bangalore at the Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
Stretch Marks After Losing Weight: How Are They Connected?
- The stretch marks from weight loss usually appear in areas where one has lost fat. For instance, the arms, thighs, and shoulders are common areas for weight loss, including stretch marks.
- To be more precise, excessive leftover skin after rapid weight loss is often the main cause of stretch marks. However, the skin stretches when one gains weight, but those marks are often not visible. One starts to observe those hidden stretch marks when they shed some weight.
- Women who are pregnant experience significant changes in their bodies to quickly regain their pre-pregnancy weight. Unfortunately, following dramatic weight changes, the leftover loose skin frequently persists.
- It thus raises the possibility of stretch marks or other unavoidable scars. Stretch marks result from weight loss during pregnancy in 90% of women; however, 10% of them avoid this usual occurrence because of hereditary factors.
Can I Treat Stretch Marks Caused Due to Weight Loss?
There are several dermatological procedures available that can help treat stretch marks. These include:
1. Microneedling With Growth Factor Treatment: Percutaneous collagen induction with the help of derma pens and derma rollers allows for a controlled injury to the collagen fibres. The fibroblast activity induced helps improve the skin’s texture and produces new collagen too. The addition of growth factors gives an additional boost to the growth factor complex in the multiplying fibroblasts. This helps with a quick recovery.
2. TIXEL Treatment: This technology helps to deliver controlled levels of heat to the fibroblasts. This helps to lessen the appearance of stretch marks after one single session of TIXEL.
3. Fractional CO2 Laser and Fractional Microneedle RF Treatments: These treatments can be used in combination with growth factor treatments, which help in treating severe stretch marks.
How Can I Prevent Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks can be prevented by following the given tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Compared to dry skin, which increases the risk of developing stretch marks, soft skin does not often have them. Maintaining hydrated and silky skin throughout the day may be achieved by consuming adequate water. One may have a higher chance of developing stretch marks if they drink too much coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: One of the best things one can do for their skin is to eat a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Consequently, one must ensure that the diet contains foods high in zinc, vitamin C, protein, vitamin D, and vitamin E, as these nutrients can enhance the condition of the skin and increase the production of collagen.
- Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight is one of the simplest ways to avoid stretch marks. If the skin stretches, it disturbs collagen synthesis, leading to stretch marks. Therefore, maintaining a steady and healthy weight by exercising and eating a well-balanced diet is an effective way to prevent stretch marks.
Can I Make the Stretch Marks Less Visible?
Stretch marks have now become common for people of all age groups. If this skin condition troubles you, there are several ways you can conceal it or minimize its appearance. These include:
1. Using Self Tanners
Individuals can fill in the colour of their stretch marks and make them similar to the rest of their skin by using sunless self-tanners. Nevertheless, frequent tanning is ineffective as it harms the skin’s health.
2. Apply Makeup
If one needs to cover up some stretch marks for short periods, they can use foundation makeup that fits their skin tone to help conceal the stretch marks.
3. Use of Topical Creams
Several creams help make the stretch marks appear better in appearance. However, one must research what suits best for their skin type.
4. Wear Clothes With More Coverage
Wear long sleeves or lengthy pants that can conceal areas that have stretch marks. However, these marks should not lower one’s self-esteem, and one must wear what they feel most comfortable with.
Note: It is important to note that these tips are useful but they don’t provide a long-term solution to the stretch marks. Thus, those who want to get rid of them permanently should consult a skin specialist to get useful and effective stretch mark removal treatments.
Final Takeaway
Stretch marks are a common condition caused by a rapid increase or decrease in weight, pregnancy, or certain health conditions. The stretch marks that are left after losing weight can make one feel self-conscious. However, there are several treatments, such as microneedling with growth factor treatments, TIXEL, etc., that can help improve the stretch mark appearance by plumping the skin. Also, one must maintain a healthy weight, remain hydrated, and eat a well-balanced diet to prevent stretch marks from appearing. Moreover, to conceal these stretch marks, one can use a self-tanner or makeup foundation to make them less observable.
If these options do not work, consult a dermatologist to discuss which procedure would help you get rid of stretch marks. For this, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Rasya Dixit, a prominent skin doctor in Bangalore, at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
The expert doctor will create a personalized treatment plan according to the skin type, location, and severity of stretch marks. For more details on stretch mark treatment, visit the Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic now!