Stretch Marks

"Stretch marks are just moments; with tailored care, beauty is timeless."

Have you ever noticed lines on your skin that seem to have appeared after a period of quick growth or change? These lines, known as stretch marks, are a common skin condition that affects many individuals at different stages of their lives.

At NU.U Clinic, our approach to addressing stretch marks involves personalised treatment plans and tailored care, ensuring each individual’s skin receives the attention it deserves.

Stretch marks, medically referred to as striae, are a type of scarring on the skin with an off-colour hue. These scars occur when the skin is stretched rapidly due to growth spurts, weight gain, or other significant body changes. This rapid stretching leads to the tearing of the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, essential components that maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As the skin heals from these micro-injuries, stretch marks emerge as a visible reminder of the skin’s overextension.

Initially, stretch marks may present as red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown streaks across the skin, depending on one’s natural skin colour. They can feel slightly raised and might be accompanied by itchiness. Over time, however, the colour of these marks fades, and the streaks may sink below the skin’s surface, leaving a trace of the skin’s previous expansion.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can appear for several reasons, each linked to the rapid stretching of the skin. Understanding these causes is the first step towards effective management and treatment. Understanding the underlying causes of stretch marks is essential for seeking appropriate treatment and care. At NU.U Clinic, we focus on providing personalised and tailored solutions to help manage and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, enhancing the skin's natural beauty and health.

Puberty

Puberty is a time of rapid growth and physical changes, making it a common period for the development of stretch marks. During these years, the body undergoes significant growth spurts, which can stretch the skin quickly and lead to the formation of stretch marks, particularly on the thighs, buttocks, and chest.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another crucial period during which stretch marks can develop, particularly in the later stages as the belly expands to accommodate the growing baby. The skin stretches beyond its usual capacity in a short amount of time, challenging the skin's elasticity and leading to the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.

Weight Gain

Rapid weight gain, whether due to dietary changes, health conditions, or other factors, can significantly stretch the skin in a short period. This abrupt expansion puts immense pressure on the skin's support structure, leading to the rupture of collagen and elastin fibres and, consequently, stretch marks.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions and the use of specific medications can also contribute to the development of stretch marks. Conditions that affect the skin's elasticity and collagen production, such as Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can increase the likelihood of stretch marks appearing.

Types of Stretch Marks

Striae Rubrae (Red Stretch Marks)

At their onset, stretch marks manifest as Striae Rubrae, characterised by their red, purple, or pink colouring. This initial phase is the result of the skin's dermis layer tearing due to the swift expansion or contraction of the skin. The dermis is densely packed with blood vessels; when these vessels are strained, they trigger an inflammatory response, lending the marks their reddish appearance. During the body's attempt to heal these tears, new collagen and elastin fibres are generated. However, this new tissue lacks the original's organisation and elasticity, resulting in areas that look indented and are visibly different from the surrounding skin.

Striae Albae (White Stretch Marks)

As stretch marks age, they transition into Striae Albae, which are recognised by their white or silvery hue. This transformation occurs as the initial inflammation diminishes and the engorged blood vessels within the dermis contract. The area, though healed, is left with disorganised collagen and elastin fibres, causing the skin to thin and lose elasticity. Consequently, Striae Albae exhibit as indented, mature stretch marks with a wrinkled texture, reflecting the skin's natural ageing and repair process.

Striae Atrophicans

This variety is linked with skin that has become notably thinned, either as a result of prolonged application of topical corticosteroids or due to medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome that adversely affect collagen production. Striae Atrophicans are indicative of the skin's diminished capacity to rebound from stretching, leading to more pronounced and permanent indentations.

Striae Gravidarum

Particularly seen during pregnancy, Striae Gravidarum refers to stretch marks that develop due to the rapid and extensive stretching of the abdomen. As the body prepares to accommodate a growing baby, the skin stretches beyond its usual limits, resulting in these specific marks.

Striae Nigra

Predominantly appearing on individuals with darker skin tones, Striae Nigra are stretch marks that present as dark brown or black. Their unique colouration stands out against the skin, making them a distinct subset of stretch marks that reflect the varied ways in which different skin tones exhibit stretching and healing.

Striae Caerulea

Uncommon yet distinctive, Striae Caerulea are bluish-purple stretch marks more frequently observed in individuals with lighter skin tones. Their unusual colouration is a stark reminder of the skin's complex response to rapid changes in size or shape, highlighting the diversity in the appearance of stretch marks across different skin types.

Treatments for Stretch Marks

Multi Frax

Multi Frax is a compact, advanced laser treatment known for its powerful performance, using two types of light wavelengths in a unique, targeted way to improve skin health. It combines 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelength lasers, allowing it to reach different skin depths for various treatments. It's recognised for its safety and efficacy with approvals from the US FDA and Medical CE. This device is particularly effective for enhancing skin texture, treating wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation, and can also assist in delivering medications to the skin.

Ultraformer MPT

Ultraformer MPT is an aesthetic treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This technology specifically targets areas of the skin with ultrasound energy at various depths to stimulate collagen production. This process helps in achieving a lifting and rejuvenating effect on the skin without needing surgical methods. The key feature of Ultraformer MPT is its MicroPulsed Transducer (MPT) technology, which delivers highly precise, micro-pulsed ultrasound waves. This allows for treatments to be customised according to individual skin types and concerns.

Morpheus 8

Morpheus 8 is a skin treatment that uses a special device to improve and shape the skin. It combines micro-needling with radiofrequency energy, approved by the FDA, to work beneath the skin's surface. By creating tiny injuries, it triggers the skin's natural repair system. This leads to increased production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that help make the skin firmer and smoother. Morpheus 8 is effective for enhancing skin texture and tightness, offering a solution for those looking to improve their skin's appearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stretch marks are a common skin condition that many individuals face at some point in their lives due to rapid changes in body size. While they pose no health risk, their appearance can be a source of cosmetic concern. Fortunately, advancements in dermatological treatments offer effective solutions for reducing the visibility of stretch marks, enhancing the skin’s appearance and texture. Treatments like Ultraformer III HIFU and Morpheus 8 utilise the latest technology to stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes, promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

At NU.U Clinic, we understand that each individual’s skin is unique, requiring personalised care and attention. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing tailored treatments that address your specific concerns, including stretch marks. With a focus on non-invasive and innovative solutions, NU.U Clinic aims to achieve optimal results for our clients, helping them feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Whether you’re looking to diminish stretch marks or seeking overall skin rejuvenation, NU.U Clinic is here to guide you through your skincare journey with professional advice and effective treatments.