Although they have no health consequences, stretch marks are considered unsightly and can be a source of physical discomfort and psychological suffering. Stretch marks are marks of varying length and width that appear on the surface of the skin. In the form of welts, lines or striae, often parallel, these visible physical manifestations are skin lesions linked to the rupture of elastic and collagen fibres.
Stretch marks can appear on any area of the body, but are most frequently found on the thighs, stomach, buttocks, breasts, calves and chest. Applying oil and cream to the targeted areas can sometimes help prevent stretch marks from appearing during pregnancy, mainly through massage and moisturising. However, this action will have no impact if the cause of stretch marks is hormonal.
Histologically, a stretch mark is the result of a break in the elastic and collagen fibres naturally present in the dermis. In recent stretch marks, there is an inflammatory infiltrate. In older stretch marks, a break in the dermal collagen is observed, with neocollagenesis and thickening of the elastic fibres. At this level, the skin is less thick due to a reduction in the production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts, the cells present in the dermis and responsible for the skin's suppleness and elasticity.
Stretch marks are a common aesthetic concern affecting both women and men.
They are red or white marks streaking the surface of the skin. Very common, these skin lesions, a kind of fissure similar to scars, are caused by excessive distension of the skin.
Stretch marks can affect any part of the body and can be
appear following pregnancy, puberty or major weight gain or loss. Whatever their origin, a number of medical techniques can be used to treat them. make stretch marks disappear or mitigate them. How can I get rid of stretch marks? Lasers, peels, Sculptra or carboxytherapy are the main procedures that can be performed on the skin. treatment for stretch marks.
The main factors in the appearance of stretch marks are :
- Rapid weight gain and loss, often caused by the "yo-yo" effect of repeated dieting
- Rapid muscle mass gain
- High cortisol levels, linked to pathologies (Cushing's disease in particular) or to the use of certain medications (cortisone, corticoids).
- Pregnancy.
- Adolescence.
- Genetics.
Excessive stretching of the skin is likely to cause stretch marks, especially when it occurs rapidly. Puberty and pregnancy are two periods when stretch marks are most likely to appear, which explains why this phenomenon affects 80 % of women. During adolescence, 10 % of boys and 25 % of girls are confronted with this problem. Later, 50 % to 70 % of pregnant women are prone to stretch marks, due to both weight gain and hormonal changes.
Red, pink, purple or white, the colour of stretch marks depends on how long they have been there and the stage of their clinical development.
There are two stages of development:
- The inflammatory stage lasts from 12 to 24 months: stretch marks are red, pink or even purple in colour.
- The definitive stage: stretch marks have set in and become white, pearly atrophic scars.
The clinical classification describes several stages of severity*.
- Stage 1: recent, inflammatory stretch marks, usually purplish. It is easier to intervene and make stretch marks disappear in this first stage.
- Stage 2a: white, superficial stretch marks with no transverse striae and no palpable depression on the surface of the skin.
- Stage 2b: white, superficial stretch marks without transverse striae, but with a palpable depression on the surface of the skin.
- Stage 3a: white stretch marks with an atrophic background and transverse striae less than 1 cm wide, with no pearly appearance in depth.
- Stage 3b: white stretch marks, with an atrophic background and transverse striations measuring more than 1 cm wide, with a pearly appearance in depth.
Inflammatory" stretch marks (stage 1) are easier to treat, particularly with a pulsed dye laser. So if the stretch marks are still red or purplish, it will be easier to erase them. However, medicine has developed reliable, non-invasive techniques for removing stretch marks, whatever their stage of development, with visible and satisfactory results.
The main medical methods used to treat stretch marks are :
- The laser.
- The PRX-T33 peel.
- Carboxytherapy.
- The Sculptra.
Le ablative laser fractionated is considered to be the most effective method for treating stretch marks.
The laser destroys micro-columns of skin while simultaneously delivering heat, which stimulates the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis. The new skin synthesised is thicker, which reduces the visibility of stretch marks.
The laser session is virtually painless thanks to the application of an anaesthetic cream.
Fractional ablative laser treatment is not recommended for patients with dark or tanned skin (only phototypes I to III can be treated) or with active skin infections in the area to be treated.
Results are visible gradually, with an improvement in the texture and depth of stretch marks. Several sessions are required for optimum results. In general, 4 to 5 sessions are carried out 2 months apart.
Laser treatment has a number of advantages: it is painless and non-invasive, there is no need to avoid social life (as the treated areas can be covered by clothing) and the risk of complications is rare and limited. The treated area is very red for a week, but the redness disappears completely within two weeks. Healing is rapid, taking 10 to 15 days.
Vascular lasers, pulsed dye lasers or KTP lasers, are used for red stretch marks.
Le PRX-T33 peel is an innovative solution for reducing stretch marks. Unlike conventional peels, PRX-T33 combines TCA (trichloroacetic acid) with hydrogen peroxide, enabling deep penetration without causing significant peeling or side effects. This treatment stimulates skin regeneration by boosting the production of collagen and elastin, thereby improving the appearance and texture of stretch marks. Patients notice a firming effect and a gradual reduction in the colour and visibility of stretch marks, leaving their skin smoother and more even.
Several sessions, around ten, spaced a few weeks apart are required.
The PRX-T33 peel is more of an adjunct treatment that optimises the benefits of laser treatment.
La carboxytherapy involves injections of sterile medical carbon dioxide into areas of the body with stretch marks. The CO2 administered in this way stimulates collagen synthesis, capillary vasodilatation, intensifying blood circulation and increasing oxygen pressure.
Carboxytherapy can help to reduce stretch marks, but the results are limited overall and it is more of an adjunct treatment. What's more, the medical procedure itself is painful. On the other hand, this procedure is perfectly suited to darker skins. About ten sessions are needed to make stretch marks disappear with this procedure.
Le Sculptra is an effective treatment for improving the appearance of stretch marks, particularly those located on the buttocks and abdomen. This poly-L-lactic acid-based injectable works by stimulating collagen production in the skin, gradually restoring density and firmness to the areas concerned. By increasing the thickness of the skin, Sculptra reduces the depth and visibility of stretch marks, for a lasting, natural effect. The treatment requires three sessions spaced two months apart and a maintenance session every two years. However, because of the risk of nodule formation, Sculptra is reserved for stretch marks on the abdomen and buttocks.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
Prx-T33 peel |
From CHF 350 per session |
Fractional ablative laser |
From CHF 400 per session |
Carboxytherapy |
From CHF 250 per session |
Sculptra |
CHF 900 per bottle |
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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