Stretch Marks: Why Do Some Women Get Them and Others Don’t?

While anyone can get stretch marks, more women are more prone to having them than men. These long, intended marks can show up on different areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips, thighs, arms, and lower back. Stretch marks are mostly a cosmetic concern and do not pose any harm, but they can make some people self-conscious.

Pregnancy is one of the common causes of these marks. About 50 to 90% of expecting women can get them during or after giving birth. The stretching of the skin to accommodate your growing child tears the supporting layers of tissue, resulting in the appearance of stretch marks. 

Will you get stretch marks?

Most mothers can expect to have them, but there are also those who somehow manage to give birth without getting stretch marks or even a mom belly. If this isn’t the same for you, you may be wondering why this happens and if there’s anything you can do to prevent such marks from showing up. 

Genetics play a big role in whether or not you’ll have stretch marks during pregnancy. If your mother had them, it is also likely that you’ll have them in the future. If she, on the other hand, went through her pregnancies with smooth skin, you are likely to experience the same thing.

Apart from genetics, rapid weight gain during pregnancy can also make you more vulnerable to having abdominal stretch marks. The same is also true if you develop stretch marks on your breast during your adolescent years. Other risk factors include being young and having twins or large babies.

What can I do about stretch marks during pregnancy?

While these marks are mostly genetics, there are a few things you can try to reduce their appearance.   

• Manage your weight – Gaining weight is part of being pregnant, but it is ideal to pack on extra kilos gradually instead of putting them on rapidly. The amount of weight you need to gain depends on your current weight and situation, so talking to your doctor helps.
• Keep your skin moisturized – There is no cream or lotion that can magically remove stretch marks. Moisturizing can help, especially in relieving dryness and itchiness. Lots of moisture can also make your skin appear soft, supple, and healthy.
• Eat a balanced diet – Foods rich in Vitamin C helps in collagen production and keeping your skin strong and elastic. It may also be beneficial in preventing stretch marks. Other fresh fruits and vegetables are also good choices, as they are low in fat and rich in vitamins.
• Be patient – Your stretch marks may fade or become less visible over time. After the delivery, these may turn from reddish or dark brown to light pink or white. This makes the marks easier to hide or conceal.

What about aesthetic treatments?

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have nonsurgical aesthetic procedures that can help reduce or improve the appearance of your stretch marks. These include:

Acoustic Shockwave Therapy

Here at our clinic, we have two clinically devices that use acoustic shockwave therapy: BTL X Wave and Zimmer ZWave. Both feature a handheld device that delivers acoustic or radial shockwaves in the body. These cause vibrations to the connective tissues, targeting the soft tissue and stimulating collagen formation. The result is improved appearance of stretch marks with firmer and more elastic skin. 

Dermapen 4 Microneedling

This advanced mechanized device vertically punctures the skin’s top layer to facilitate faster wound healing. Dermapen 4 causes micro trauma in the skin, which encourages an immune response that triggers collagen production. The generation of collagen helps smooth acne scars and stretch marks.  It can also help reduce the appearance of lines and stretch marks. 

Check out the 5 reasons to try Dermapen Microneedling. 

Exilis Ultra 360

This US FDA-cleared device is clinically tested and proven to tighten skin. Exilis Ultra 360 uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers and improve skin appearance. It can tighten skin and address texture issues like stretch marks and sagging skin. Exilis Ultra can also be used to target fat deposits, contour the body, and reduce wrinkles.

Find out why Exilis Ultra is your all-in-one solution for head to toe rejuvenation.

If your stretch marks bother you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which procedure suits you best.