What causes stretch marks?
The causes that lead to the appearance of stretch marks are many and can be divided into two main categories: conditions in which skin elasticity is reduced—such as during steroid use, hormonal disorders, or due to heredity—and conditions in which the tension applied to the skin increases suddenly and disproportionately. Such situations include rapid height increase, as often occurs during puberty; sudden weight gain, as in obesity; rapid enlargement of the abdomen or breasts, as during pregnancy; and rapid increase in muscle mass, as seen in athletes.

What symptoms do stretch marks have?
In the early stages, stretch marks appear as red or purple streaks, while in later stages, once the scar has matured, they acquire a whitish color similar to the surrounding skin. The most common areas where stretch marks appear are the abdomen, waist, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and arms, and they are usually symmetrical.

How are they treated?
Treatment of stretch marks aims at gradually improving their appearance so that the lesions become as inconspicuous as possible, rather than eliminating them, since they are scars and cannot completely disappear.

The treatments used aim to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the area of the stretch marks so that their appearance approaches that of normal skin. Therapies that can be applied alone or in combination include: Fractional Laser, Needling, and autologous mesotherapy with platelet-rich plasma (Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP). In addition, in the early stages when stretch marks are reddish-purple, Pulsed-Dye Laser may also be used to reduce discoloration.

How many sessions are needed?
The number of treatments required depends on the extent of the problem and usually ranges from 6–12 sessions every 4–6 weeks, combining the therapies mentioned above until the desired result is achieved.

Stretch marks during pregnancy
A special category includes stretch marks that appear during pregnancy. The rapid increase in tension in the abdomen and breasts, as well as the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, favor the development of stretch marks in these areas. In the early stages, pregnancy stretch marks resemble dermatitis, with redness and itching, and peeling is often observed. For prevention, special creams are used to moisturize the skin and enhance its elasticity, thereby increasing its resistance to increased tension. Proper nutrition also appears to play an important role in prevention and should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins B, C, and E.