Stretch marks (called striae) are indented skin marks often found on the tummy, hips, breasts or buttocks. They can be bright pink, red, blue, black or purple when new, but tend to fade as they get older.
Common Causes
Stretch marks are caused by stretching of the skin. Their severity will vary depending on your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Stretch marks develop when the collagen and elastin components of skin have been irreversibly damaged.
Your level of the hormone cortisol is also a contributory factor. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that weakens elastic fibres in the skin, making them more prone to stretching.
Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, especially the last trimester. You might also get them if you grow rapidly in adolescence or gain or lose weight quickly.
Using corticosteroids for a medical condition, or bodybuilding using anabolic steroids can also cause stretch marks. Having a genetic disorder such as Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome is another potential cause of stretch marks.
What can I do about my tummy stretch marks?
Non-surgical treatments like retinol creams, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion and microneedling all help improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling in combination with radiofrequency tightening, known as Morpheus 8 Burst treatment, is particularly effective.
The surgical options of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or mini tummy tuck can be used to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. The skin removed often contains the stretch marks and the tightening of the skin also tends to improve the appearance of the remaining stretch marks.
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I’ve already been assessed for my tummy stretch marks
If you’ve already discussed your tummy stretch marks with a cosmetic surgery consultant, you may have filled in an assessment form from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. See Example.
If you have previously completed an assessment form for your condition, please do bring a copy to your initial consultation.
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Want To See The New You Before The Procedure? Now you can virtually “try on” different breast implants by using the worldwide leading 3D plastic surgery application to simulate yourself from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to save your photos to share them with our surgeon at your appointment.
