Stretch marks (striae)

Stretch marks (striae) are pink, reddish or purplish indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Stretch marks are very common in pregnant women, especially during the last half of pregnancy.

You may be concerned about these bright streaks on your skin, but stretch marks are not serious and fade over time. In some cases, however, widespread stretch marks are a sign of a medical condition such as Cushing's syndrome or another adrenal gland disease. Treatments can lessen the appearance of stretch marks, but won't completely remove them

Causes

Stretch marks seem to be caused, literally, by a stretching of the skin coupled with a normal increase in cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone may weaken elastic fibers in the skin.

Stretch marks develop in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Pregnancy. Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy. The physical stretching of the skin, along with hormonal factors, likely play a role.
• Weight gain. Stretch marks sometimes occur during substantial weight gain. Weightlifters also can develop stretch marks, particularly on the arms. Adolescents may notice stretch marks during growth spurts.
• Medication use. Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills and chronic steroid use can cause stretch marks.
• Conditions or diseases. Cushing's syndrome and adrenal gland diseases can cause widespread stretch marks as can Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other hereditary (genetic) disorders.

Treatments and drugs

Although they may be a cosmetic concern, stretch marks are harmless and often fade over time. They do not require medical treatment. If you do seek treatment for stretch marks, know that treatments are only partially effective and won't remove the stretch marks completely.

RADIAGE treatment

Radio frequency energy system makes the skin firmer and treats stretch marks

Radiage treatment is one of the latest methods for maintaining a youthful appearance via non-surgical tightening of loose and sagging skin. The method uses radio frequency energy.

An electric current generates heat which passes through derma and soft tissue and the temperature generated during the treatment damages collagen and elastin fibers resulting in tissue contraction and stimulation of collagen and elastin renewal.

The effects are visible a few weeks afterwards and may sustain from 1 up to 3 years. As the results can fade gradually over time, the procedure may be repeated.