The morphological and hormonal changes associated with motherhood sometimes cause stretch marks. During the postpartum period, these red or white skin streaks appear on certain body areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and breasts. Considered unsightly, these marks often become a source of insecurity for new mothers. How can stretch marks be removed? Although completely removing stretch marks is not always possible, medical treatments can reduce them.
Why does pregnancy cause stretch marks?
Harmless to health but unsightly, stretch marks are far from uncommon. Between 70% and 80% of women are affected. Depending on skin quality and elasticity, they are more or less visible. Pregnancy particularly encourages stretch marks to appear. This is explained by the speed and amount of weight gain, considerable skin stretching and hormonal changes. Increased cortisol production, the stress hormone, during pregnancy plays a major role in stretch mark development. Physiologically, stretch marks result from the rupture of skin collagen fibres subjected to excessive tension. Hereditary factors must also be considered.
To prevent them, many pregnant women diligently apply oils and anti-stretch-mark creams. Unfortunately, caring for the skin is not enough.
The areas most affected by stretch marks
During pregnancy, stretch marks occur most often on body areas undergoing the greatest changes in volume, such as the abdomen. Stretch marks on the abdomen can form streaks or lines around the navel or along the flanks.
Every pregnancy is different, and weight gain is distributed differently in each woman. However, the thighs, hips and buttocks are preferred storage areas for fat cells. This localised weight gain and associated skin stretching cause stretch marks. Another frequently affected area is the breasts. During 9 months, the pregnant woman's body prepares to breastfeed the baby. The breasts enlarge and their thin, delicate skin undergoes considerable tension.
Red or white stretch marks: what is the difference?
Stretch marks can be red, pink or purplish, or pearly white. Both are stretch marks, simply at different stages of development. Two phases of clinical development are distinguished. Red colouring corresponds to the inflammatory stage, lasting between 12 and 24 months. After this phase, they reach their final stage and turn white.
Solutions for stretch marks
Using a specific cream or oil on affected areas does not visibly reduce stretch marks. Medical techniques can improve skin appearance by reducing imperfections without surgery. Several methods have proved effective for treating stretch marks: laser treatment (particularly fractional erbium or CO ablative laser and photorejuvenation laser, which increases skin density), and peels (superficial peels, PRX-T33 peels and body peels). Fractional CO2 laser remains the most widely used procedure for treating stretch marks.
