What is a stretch mark ?
Although harmless to health, stretch marks are considered unattractive and can cause physical discomfort and psychological distress. They are marks of varying length and width on the skin surface. Appearing as streaks, lines or striations, often parallel, these visible skin lesions are associated with ruptured elastin and collagen fibres.
Although they can develop anywhere, the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, breasts, calves and chest are more frequently affected. Applying oils and creams to targeted areas can sometimes help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, mainly through massage and hydration. However, this has no effect when the cause is hormonal.
Histologically, a stretch mark results from rupture of elastic and collagen fibres naturally present in the dermis. Recent stretch marks also contain an inflammatory infiltrate. Older marks show disrupted dermal collagen with new collagen formation and thickened elastic fibres. The skin is thinner here because fibroblasts, the dermal cells responsible for skin suppleness and elasticity, produce less collagen and elastin.
What causes stretch marks ?
The main factors causing stretch marks are :
• Rapid weight gain and loss, often caused by the « yo-yo » effect of repeated dieting.
• Rapid muscle gain.
• High cortisol levels associated with diseases (particularly Cushing's disease) or certain medicines (cortisone, corticosteroids).
• Pregnancy.
• Adolescence.
• Genetics.
Excessive skin stretching can cause stretch marks, particularly when rapid. Puberty and pregnancy are therefore two periods favouring stretch marks, explaining why they affect 80 % of women. During adolescence, 10 % of boys and 25 % of girls experience this concern. Later, 50 % to 70 % of pregnant women develop stretch marks because of both weight gain and hormonal changes.
How can the different types of stretch marks be recognised ?
Red, pink, purple or white stretch mark colour depends on age and clinical progression. Two stages are distinguished :
• The inflammatory stage, lasting 12 to 24 months : stretch marks are red, pink or even purple.
• The final stage : stretch marks become established white, pearly atrophic scars.
Clinical classification describes several degrees of severity.
• Stage 1 : recent, inflammatory, usually purplish stretch marks. Intervention and removal are easier at this first stage.
• Stage 2a : white, superficial stretch marks without transverse striations or a palpable depression at the skin surface.
• Stage 2b : white, superficial stretch marks without transverse striations but with a palpable depression at the skin surface.
• Stage 3a : white stretch marks with an atrophic base and transverse striations measuring less than 1 cm wide, without a deep pearly appearance.
• Stage 3b : white stretch marks with an atrophic base and transverse striations measuring more than 1 cm wide, with a deep pearly appearance.
How can stretch marks be removed ?
« Inflammatory » stretch marks (stage 1) are easier to treat and smooth out. However, aesthetic medicine offers reliable, non-invasive techniques to remove stretch marks at any stage. Results are visible and satisfactory.
The main medical methods used for stretch marks are :
• Laser.
• PRX-T33 peel.
• Carboxytherapy.
• Sculptra.
Laser and stretch marks : fractional erbium or CO2
Fractional ablative laser is considered the most effective method for treating stretch marks.
Laser destroys microcolumns of skin while delivering heat, stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis. The newly formed skin is thicker, reducing stretch mark visibility.
The laser session is virtually painless thanks to anaesthetic cream.
Fractional ablative laser is not recommended for darker or tanned skin (only phototypes I to III can be treated) or active skin infections in the treatment area.
Results become visible gradually, with improved stretch mark quality and depth. Several sessions are needed for optimal results. Generally, 4 to 5 sessions are performed at 2-month intervals.
Laser treatment has several benefits : painless and non-invasive, it requires no downtime ( because clothing can cover treated areas ) and complication risks remain rare and limited. The treated area is very red for a week, with redness fully resolving within two weeks. Healing is quick, taking 10 to 15 days.
Vascular lasers, pulsed dye or KTP laser, are used for red stretch marks.
Peels for stretch marks
The PRX-T33 peel is an innovative solution to reduce stretch marks. Unlike conventional peels, PRX-T33 combines TCA (trichloroacetic acid) with hydrogen peroxide, allowing deep penetration without significant peeling or side effects. It stimulates skin regeneration by increasing collagen and elastin production, improving stretch mark appearance and quality. Patients notice firmer skin and a gradual reduction in stretch mark colour and visibility for smoother, more even skin.
Several sessions, around ten, spaced a few weeks apart, are needed.
The PRX-T33 peel is mainly a complementary treatment to optimise laser benefits.
Carboxytherapy for stretch marks
Carboxytherapy involves injecting sterile medical carbon dioxide into body areas with stretch marks. The CO2 stimulates collagen synthesis, capillary vasodilation with increased blood circulation and higher oxygen pressure.
Carboxytherapy can reduce stretch marks, but results are generally limited and it is mainly a complementary treatment. The procedure itself is also painful.
It is well suited to darker skin. Dozens of sessions are needed for benefit.
Improving stretch marks with Sculptra
Sculptra effectively improves stretch marks, particularly on the buttocks and abdomen. This poly-L-lactic acid injectable stimulates collagen production in the skin, gradually restoring density and firmness. By increasing skin thickness, Sculptra reduces stretch mark depth and visibility for a lasting, natural effect. Treatment requires three sessions two months apart and a maintenance session every two years. However, because of nodule formation risk, Sculptra is reserved for stretch marks on the abdomen and buttocks.
Laser for stretch marks : prices
Stretch mark treatment costs depend on several factors, particularly technique, treatment area size, depth and whether marks are recent or old. In Geneva, various medical approaches are offered in the practice, with prices varying according to the protocol.
The PRX-T33 peel starts at CHF 300 per session, while carboxytherapy starts at CHF 250 per session. Fractional ablative laser, the reference treatment, starts at CHF 400 per session. Sculptra costs CHF 900 per vial.
The overall cost depends on the techniques and number of sessions needed.
During the initial consultation, Dr Romano provides a precise quotation.
Frequently asked questions about stretch marks
Why do I have stretch marks when I am not gaining weight ?
Stretch marks can develop without weight gain because of hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy), rapid growth, skin stress or excessive dryness. Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids, can also weaken skin and encourage stretch marks.
Can stretch marks disappear ?
Stretch marks do not disappear completely but can be reduced with appropriate treatments. Retinoid creams, moisturising care, peels and laser treatments can smooth skin and fade stretch marks.
Do stretch marks disappear when you lose weight ?
No, weight loss does not erase stretch marks. However, gradual weight loss combined with moisturising skincare can prevent new stretch marks. Existing marks may fade naturally over time.
Which diseases cause stretch marks ?
Certain diseases can encourage stretch marks, particularly Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol), diabetes or endocrine disorders affecting collagen. Prolonged corticosteroid use can also weaken skin.
Which sports help reduce stretch marks ?
Although exercise does not eliminate stretch marks, activities that tone skin and improve circulation, such as swimming, yoga or strength training, can improve skin appearance and limit worsening.
How can home remedies reduce stretch marks ?
Certain natural methods can improve skin suppleness : rosehip or sweet almond oil applied daily to nourish and regenerate skin ; aloe vera for its repairing properties ; a sugar and honey scrub to exfoliate and stimulate cell regeneration.
