SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS
Understanding, Causes & Treatments
Your questions, our answers.
Everything you need to know about
the conditions.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Scars and stretch marks are skin changes that occur as a result of trauma or excessive stretching of the skin. Scars form during the healing process of a wound, while stretch marks are visible streaks that appear when the skin stretches too quickly.
While they usually don’t affect overall health, both can be considered an aesthetic concern for many people.
CAUSES
1. Scars:
- Skin trauma: Injury, surgery, or cuts can cause scarring when the skin heals. Healing depends on several factors including wound location, depth, and the skin’s repair ability.
- Acne and skin conditions: Severe acne, infections, or inflammation may lead to scarring, particularly acne scars.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars due to genetics.
2. Stretch Marks:
- Rapid skin growth: Stretch marks form when skin stretches quickly, such as during pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight gain, or muscle growth.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, adolescence, or certain hormonal treatments (like corticosteroids) can weaken skin tissue and increase the likelihood of stretch marks.
- Genetic predisposition: Like scars, some individuals are genetically more likely to develop stretch marks, even with minor body changes.
HOW TO TREAT THEM?
Scars
- Scar creams: Creams containing silicone, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of scars and improve texture.
- Fractional laser (FRAX 1500): Stimulates collagen production and renews skin texture to reduce the appearance of scars.
- Microneedling (Dermapen DP4): Creates micro-perforations in scar tissue to trigger regeneration and boost collagen production.
- Radiofrequency (SylfirmX RF): Non-ablative radiofrequency helps tighten skin and smooth out scars by stimulating collagen production.
Stretch Marks
- Fractional laser (FRAX 1500): Improves skin texture and reduces stretch marks by stimulating collagen production.
- Microneedling (Dermapen DP4): Effective in treating stretch marks by boosting collagen deep within the skin.
- Radiofrequency (SylfirmX RF): Non-ablative RF treatments tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen renewal.