How to remove stretch marks after childbirth on the stomach and chest

From this article you will learn:

how to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth,
stretch marks on the body in teenagers – causes, photos,
how to remove stretch marks on the stomach after childbirth using a laser.

Stretch marks (medically called stretch marks) are long, narrow stripes, grooves or lines that appear on the surface of the skin. They are most often seen on women after childbirth, however, they are also not uncommon on the back of teenagers. They are not dangerous at all; Over time they usually become less noticeable.

When a stretch mark (striae) first appears, it has a red or purple color that gradually fades. And thus, over time, the stretch marks acquire a final silvery-white color. If you press on the stretch marks with your fingers, you can feel either a small depression in the skin, or less often, a small bulge (like a ridge). Sometimes stretch marks can cause temporary itching or pain.

Stretch marks during pregnancy: photo

Where do stretch marks most often occur?

They can appear on any part of the body where the skin is stretched. Their most common location is

stretch marks on the stomach,
stretch marks on the butt and thighs,
stretch marks on the chest,
on the back of teenage boys (Fig. 9-10),
stretch marks on the shoulders of bodybuilders (Fig. 11).

Stretch marks on the body: causes of appearance

Stretch marks on the body are the result of sudden stretching of the skin due to sudden growth, weight gain, or pregnancy. Our skin is made up of several layers: the superficial layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying dermal layer (dermis). The latter consists of collagen and elastin fibers, which give our skin firmness and elasticity. With strong stretching, collagen fibers may not withstand the load, and then the dermis may rupture (while the integrity of the epidermis is not compromised).

The site of the intradermal rupture is quickly filled with young granulation tissue, in which there are many, many small blood capillaries. This is why stretch marks initially appear red or purple (Fig. 7). Loose, capillary-rich granulation tissue is gradually replaced by capillary-poor dense connective tissue - as a result of which the stretch marks acquire a silvery-white color (Fig. 8).

How stretch marks on the abdomen change color during pregnancy: photo

The dermis may stretch in the following cases –

during pregnancy,
as a result of rapid weight gain,
sudden growth spurt during puberty
as a result of taking corticosteroids,
hereditary factors
diseases of the adrenal glands (Marfan syndrome, Cushing syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.), which lead to an excess of the hormone “cortisone” in the blood, which makes the skin fragile and less elastic.

Stretch marks on the body in adolescents: causes... stretch marks on the back in adolescents have exclusively physiological causes due to puberty, when the body grows and changes very quickly, often in bursts. Girls most often have stretch marks - on the hips, butt and chest. In boys, they most often occur on the back (perpendicular to the spine), and look like steps on a ladder (Fig. 9-10).

Jock bodybuilders also earn stretch marks on their bodies, usually due to a sharp increase in muscle size. With a sharp increase in weight over a short period of time, the skin may not withstand the tensile load and simply rupture (Fig. 11).

Corticosteroid medications – If corticosteroid hormones in tablets, creams or ointments (used to treat skin conditions) are used incorrectly or over a long period of time, stretch marks may also appear. Corticosteroids work the same way as the hormone cortisone, which is naturally produced by the body. However, cortisone tends to reduce the amount of collagen in the skin, that is, it makes the skin less elastic and flexible, which increases the risk of stretch marks.

Not all people are prone to developing stretch marks -

Not every person under the same conditions will have stretch marks. Our skin contains a special protein - collagen, which is responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. The more collagen in the skin, the less likely it is that stretch marks will form on the skin. However, if collagen is not produced in sufficient quantities, then when the skin is stretched, tears in its middle layers (dermis) may occur.

The moment when stretch marks are about to appear on the body can usually be noticed. The skin in this area becomes thin, pink, and begins to itch and itch. Then the stretch marks themselves gradually begin to appear - in the form of red or purple lines. At first, these lines may be slightly raised above the skin level and appear slightly wrinkled. But then they gradually flatten and turn pale, turning into narrow white or silvery grooves.

What are stretch marks and how do they form?

Skin defects harm beauty at any age

This skin defect is commonly known as stretch marks, or striae in Latin. It looks like a scar and is red, purple, violet or white depending on age.

Stretch marks occur as a result of micro-tears in the tissues of the epidermis - a 5-layer covering, the upper layers of which we are accustomed to calling skin. The body strives to quickly “patch” the rupture site. The cells are rapidly regenerated, and the hole is closed with scar tissue. However, damaged fibers within the epidermis may not heal properly.

Therefore, the affected area stands out from the overall skin tone; due to internal processes, the striae looks red at the beginning, and as the fibers grow together, it changes color to white - this means that the internal damage has healed.

Of course, it is possible to get rid of stretch marks. The main thing is not to let it go and choose the right method of treatment. And to do this, you must first find out the cause of striae.

Find out which method of correcting scars and stretch marks is optimal for you!

doctor Svetlana Viktorovna Ogorodnikova.

doctor

Stretch marks during pregnancy -

According to statistics, 8 out of 10 pregnant women suffer from stretch marks. Pregnancy stretch marks most often appear late in pregnancy. Thus, in 90% of pregnant women, stretch marks appear in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy (according to the Academy of Dermatology).

Stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy appear as the baby grows and the skin on the abdomen stretches. Stretch marks also often appear on the breasts during pregnancy, which is associated with a strong increase in its volume. Lastly, stretch marks on the butt and thighs are added.

Important : but not only an increase in the size of the abdomen, breasts and butts leads to stretch marks! During pregnancy, a woman's body produces hormones that soften the ligaments in the pelvic area so that they are more elastic during childbirth. However, these same hormones also soften the collagen fibers in the skin, making it more prone to stretch marks. Therefore, it is very important to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Recipes for stretch marks at home

Mix 1 glass of sugar + 1 glass of sea salt + half a glass of oil (olive, palm, corn). Use while taking a shower. Massage the skin with this scrub until it turns red. Then wash off with cool water. Don't forget to use cream afterwards;
Mix 100 grams of ground coffee + any vegetable oil to the consistency of sour cream. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Use after shower instead of cream;
You can mix coffee grounds and sour cream in equal proportions and rub it on problem areas;
100 grams of dandelion leaves + 70 grams of any vegetable oil + a couple of crushed aloe leaves. Mix in a blender until smooth. Add oatmeal until the paste becomes cream-like in consistency. Apply for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water;
Dilute 1 g of mumiyo in a tablespoon of boiled water, then add a tube of baby cream. Apply every evening after shower;
Apply honey mixed with glycerin and salt for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water;
Beat the whites with a fork, apply to the skin, wait until completely dry. Then rinse and apply a little olive oil;
Mix sugar with almond oil and lemon juice (a few drops each) and use it as a scrub every day. This will help exfoliate dead skin;
You can mix lemon and cucumber juice in equal proportions. Apply for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water;
Grate the potatoes onto a fine grater, apply the resulting pulp to the stretch marks and keep until dry;
You can also lubricate the places where there are stretch marks with sour cream or kefir. This makes the skin firm and elastic;
Half a glass of cocoa butter + a tablespoon of vitamin E + 2 tablespoons of finely grated beeswax. Heat in a water bath until the wax melts, stirring constantly.

You can add massage as a remedy for stretch marks at home. But not just a massage, but with various oils. For example, you can mix 100 ml jojoba mass, 10 ml lemon juice, 20 drops lavender oil, 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops orange oil and 10 drops jasmine oil. Keep this mixture in a dark place for a day, then use it during a massage.

In principle, if it is not possible to find all the components, then simply do self-massage with almond, orange or tangerine oil, it is easily absorbed. Or with wheat germ oil, it has a lot of vitamin E, but it is thick and viscous and leaves greasy marks. For dry skin, it is recommended to mix 1:1 almond oil and wheat germ oil.

Chamomile wrap will also be useful. To do this you will need a glass of milk and 200 g of chamomile. We prepare a decoction, saturate natural fiber fabric with it and apply it to the places where there are stretch marks. Wrap it up and wait about 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off under a contrast shower.

Remember that completely getting rid of stretch marks, like other scars, is almost impossible. Especially if they are old. With such a problem, it is still better to contact a salon. However, you can handle fresh ones yourself. And homemade recipes for stretch marks will help make them as invisible as possible. Follow the general recommendations, drink more water, get enough sleep, eat right, and do not forget to regularly use the recipes described above. And then there will be less reason to worry.

How to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth -

Most stretch marks are not particularly noticeable and disappear over time. However, if they are large and not very aesthetically pleasing, then there are methods that will make them less noticeable. Unfortunately, today there is not a single way to get rid of stretch marks for good. All solution methods only help to reduce their manifestations or veil the color.

Below, you can find a comprehensive list of how to get rid of stretch marks on your butt or how to remove stretch marks on your chest and stomach...

Camouflage –

Cosmetic camouflage (make-up) can be used on small areas of skin that have suffered from stretch marks. Some cosmetics (such as concealers) are waterproof and can remain on the skin for two to three days. The main component of mineral cosmetics for camouflaging stretch marks is titanium dioxide, which perfectly fills cavities and can be layered.

Self-tanners will also help match the color of your stretch marks with the color of your underlying skin. Keep in mind that all these camouflage products do not solve the problem of how to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth for good, but they are great at helping to visually remove stretch marks in visible places.

Examples of products for cosmetic camouflage (see video) –

"MAC face and body foundation"
"Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation" (with SPF 35),
"Dermacolor camouflage".

Creams, gels and lotions for stretch marks –

Manufacturers of various creams and gels often claim that they are almost the only ones who know the secret - how to get rid of stretch marks on the chest or how to remove stretch marks on the stomach after childbirth. All these products contain only strong skin moisturizers, and therefore they can only improve the condition of the skin, but not reduce stretch marks, much less get rid of them.

Such funds should be used only in two cases. Firstly, to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. We have already written that before their appearance, the skin becomes thin, pink, and begins to itch and itch. It is during this period that you should use these products, which will reduce the risk of stretch marks or reduce their size.

Secondly, when stretch marks appear, they are red or purple in color. When choosing a good cream for stretch marks, the latter will quickly change their color from purple to flesh-colored, which will make them much less noticeable (24stoma.ru).

Laser stretch mark removal –

Removal of stretch marks with laser - reviews confirm that the length, depth and color of stretch marks after laser treatment improve by 20-50%. This difference in results depends on the type of laser used, because... One type of laser is better at normalizing the color of a stretch mark, while another type makes it less deep. In any case, keep in mind that laser stretch mark removal cannot remove them completely, but it does reduce them, making them less noticeable.

Laser stretch mark removal: video (with results before and after treatment)

Several different types of lasers are used for these purposes. –

Pulsed Dye Laser – This type of laser is especially effective in the early stages of stretch mark formation, when they are still red or purple in color.
The light energy from this laser is absorbed by the blood capillaries, which show through the fresh stretch marks, giving them a reddish-purple color. The capillaries are destroyed under the influence of laser light, which leads to the paleness of the stretch marks, and they become barely noticeable. An analogue of this type of laser will be IPL devices, which, although not lasers, also work using high-frequency light pulses and cause exactly the same effects.

Fractional type laser (Fig. 13-18) - treatment of stretch marks with a fractional laser also allows you to improve the color of stretch marks, but most importantly, it stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the dermis, which will even out the surface of the skin and improve its appearance. Treatment with this laser will be even more effective if you combine it with the plasma lifting procedure.

Excimer laser – stimulates the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin color. Thus, you can achieve an effect where the color of stretch marks matches the surrounding skin tissue, which will visually remove them.

Thus, laser resurfacing of stretch marks can help you reduce their visibility by half. Typically, several procedures (3 to 5) are required to obtain good results.

Stretch marks after childbirth: photos before and after fractional laser treatment

Fractional mesotherapy –

This relatively new method resembles the effect of fractional lasers on the skin, but in this case controlled damage to the skin occurs mechanically - using a special attachment with microneedles that perform reciprocating movements. In response to pinpoint microdamage, the skin reacts with regeneration and collagen synthesis, which leads to a noticeable decrease in the visibility of stretch marks.

Of course, lasers will be more effective, but the Dermapen fractional mesotherapy device can be used even at home. The cost of such a device will start from 6,500 rubles. The device cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also quite effective are very budget mesoscooters for the body, which are used together with special serums (meso-cocktails).

→ Fractional mesotherapy procedures at home → Mesoscooters for face and body

Microdermabrasion technique –

Professional microdermabrasion is the process of polishing the skin with tiny crystals of abrasives, which act on the skin while in a stream of strong air flow, which is created by a special apparatus (Fig. 19). As a result, the superficial dead layer of skin peels off. The microdermabrasion technique helps to slightly improve the appearance of old stretch marks.

In general, the method cannot be considered highly effective. Studies have shown that even in the process of very aggressive treatment (5 sessions of microdermabrasion per week for 12 weeks), although the improvements were noticeable, they were quite modest. The main improvement was that the red-purple stretch marks became white and less noticeable.

Microdermabrasion, various abrasive scrubs, as well as superficial chemical peeling products are often positioned in advertising as ways to get rid of stretch marks at home. They all work on approximately the same principle: they remove exactly the surface layer of dead cells without affecting the deeper layers of the skin.

Medium chemical peeling technique –

Chemical peels, such as those based on 20% trichloroacetic acid, improve the overall appearance of stretch marks. The medium chemical peeling technique allows not only to peel off the superficial dead layer of skin, but also to act on the upper layers of the dermis, thereby promoting the production of new collagen and elastin (Fig. 19). It is important to note that even average chemical peels do not completely remove stretch marks, but the treatment results in smoother, more even skin.

Unlike superficial peeling, medium-depth peeling can only be done by a professional cosmetologist or dermatologist. Attempts on your own may result in burns if you incorrectly calculate the application time and the concentration of acid in the product.

Cosmetic surgery –

Cosmetic surgery is the most radical and expensive way to remove stretch marks on the stomach or other parts of the body. This operation is called abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and is performed when the patient has large stretch marks on the abdomen. It is important to understand that there are risks associated with this surgery and may result in significant scarring after surgery.

How to remove stretch marks

In theory, stretch marks can be overcome at home. True, this only applies to so-called fresh stretch marks. You can recognize them by their color - pink, purple, sometimes red-violet. These shades are responsible for the blood vessels that penetrate only the formed scar tissue.

But gradually the vessels become empty, the scars lighten and eventually, usually after 6–12 months, turn into old stretch marks.

Old stretch marks do not produce the pigment melanin, so they do not change their whitish color even when tanning.

No homemade lotions work on old stretch marks. The scar tissue has finally formed, and now it can only be removed by professional methods. Let's look at all the available methods in more detail.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy -

How to prevent, how to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy... Unfortunately, there is not a single remedy that would 100% help prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Manufacturers who claim that their “remedies for pregnancy stretch marks” are guaranteed to prevent them are not true.

However, knowing a few general recommendations on how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence...

Skin moisturizers -

Be sure to moisturize your skin with various creams and any cosmetics that will constantly keep your skin hydrated. This will help reduce itching and also increase the elasticity of the skin on your belly as your belly grows. Remember that all creams for stretch marks are effective only for preventing their appearance, but not for treating them.

If you feel that the skin in some areas has become thin, reddened, and itching and scabies have also appeared, these are the first signs that stretch marks (striae) are about to appear. This means that the skin in these areas urgently needs to be moisturized, and preferably with creams with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, because They are the ones who best moisturize the dermis, which is subject to rupture during stretch marks.

When the dermis is saturated with moisture, the collagen fibers become more elastic (due to an increase in their hydration), which means they can withstand a greater tensile load. Most skin moisturizing products, including products with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, only moisturize the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin), and therefore these products do not protect the dermis from stretch marks.

Weight gain control –

The most important thing in preventing stretch marks in both pregnant and non-pregnant women is a normal weight and a healthy diet. Rapid weight gain over a short period of time is one of the most common causes of stretch marks. Constant diets that lead to weight fluctuations - either a sharp decrease or a sharp weight gain - will inevitably lead to a person developing stretch marks.

Hormonal changes that occur in the body affect the condition of the skin and are very often the reason when stretch marks appear during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman steadily gains weight - this is normal. However, the old myth that “you need to eat for two” leads to the fact that a woman gains excess weight, which neither she nor her child needs at all. It is the excess weight gained during pregnancy that, more than other reasons, leads to stretch marks.

To avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, you need to ensure that weight gain is smooth, slow and gradual. This also requires eating a balanced, varied diet rich in whole carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Experts say that a normal, healthy weight gain during pregnancy should be 11-16 kilograms, and gained smoothly, evenly, without jumps.

Advice from cosmetologists on how to improve the results of procedures

When figuring out how to remove stretch marks on the body, do not forget that in addition to salon procedures, you will still have to take some steps on your own. Professionals advise not to rely entirely on cosmetology, but to take independent steps to significantly improve the result.

Maintain proper drinking regime. Lack of moisture can negatively affect skin elasticity.
It is also better to adjust your diet, add more vitamins A and E, omega fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid.
To avoid capillary fragility, which directly affects the color of stretch marks, turning them brown, consume more foods rich in zinc and ascorbic acid.
Do homemade masks and massages regularly to enhance the effect of hardware cosmetology.
A good mood and relief of any symptoms of stress will help the body devote all its resources to fighting stretch marks.

Moderate physical activity helps you stay in shape. By regularly performing any set of exercises, you also train your skin, it becomes more elastic and stretches better. Therapeutic gymnastics has a good effect on the body and the condition of the epidermis. However, you need to choose such an activity for yourself individually, preferably with the participation of your doctor and sports coach.

Truth and myths about stretch marks on the body

There are several common misconceptions that still prevent us from effectively dealing with this problem. Therefore, it is better not to listen to idle conversations in the kitchen and advice from those who do not understand anything about the issue, but to turn to medical knowledge.

Stretch marks – a visual and superficial defect

This is the most common myth. In fact, this effect is far from just visual; the epidermis is actually seriously injured and torn. This happens when a malfunction occurs in the functioning of fibroblasts, where collagen and elastin are produced.

In this case, the fibers begin to tear deep inside the skin. Only over time does the stretch mark appear. Therefore, stretch marks cannot be called superficial.

Pregnancy is the only cause of stretch marks

This misconception is not even worth discussing separately. Anyone interested can return to the subsection about the causes of defects, as well as their most common locations.

Healthy lifestyle is a guarantee against the occurrence of stretch marks

Many people think that maintaining an optimal weight, healthy eating, and constant physical activity can somehow protect you from unsightly skin blemishes. However, this is not entirely true. Of course, the risk of their occurrence is noticeably reduced, but there are no guarantees that they may occur in the future. It is worth noting that stretch marks occur not only in overweight people, but also in thin people, which fully proves our conclusions.

Light stretch marks are good, and dark stretch marks are evil.

In fact, it doesn’t matter at all what color the stretch marks haunt you. Usually their color depends on the degree of oldness of the scar, as well as the activity of the blood supply to the problem area. Since the mechanism of their occurrence is absolutely the same in all cases, without exception, the fight against them will be absolutely identical.

There is no way to completely get rid of stretch marks at home.

As sad as it may be, this is the true truth. No homemade or purchased products, water or other procedures, proper food and exercises can completely rid you of stretch marks, although they will noticeably soften their appearance. You can make them almost invisible, but they will still remain with us, as a silent reminder of the not-so-good skin condition. Injured tissues lie very deep and cannot completely “dissolve.”

It is extremely important to accept and love your stretch marks, along with your entire imperfect body, so that life does not turn into a continuous struggle with stretch marks. The most desperate ones turn to plastic surgeons who can help, but for most, such pleasure is not available. And for medical reasons, not everyone can undergo such operations. Therefore, you need to realize that there is a problem and stop delving too deeply into it. Your body is unique, so it doesn't hurt to love it the way it is.

Basics of preventing stretch marks

Having finally figured out what stretch marks are and why fighting them may be ineffective, it’s worth thinking about another question. It is important to understand what to do before you have this problem. Prevention does not provide a 100% guarantee that you will not have any skin damage, but it significantly increases the elasticity of the skin, which reduces the risk of stretch marks to a minimum. There are three main postulates that will have to be followed.

Watch your diet . This is a very important rule of prevention, since by organizing the right regimen and choosing healthy foods, you can easily avoid sudden weight gain or loss, which will prevent skin damage. Lean fish and meat, more vegetables and fruits, less baked goods and sweets will help maintain not only the beauty of the body, but also health for many years.
Practice contrast showers . If you take it as a habit, you will see that it is quite capable of preventing the occurrence of stretch marks, and in addition, even making existing ones less noticeable and pale. The correct alternation of cold and hot water significantly stimulates metabolic processes in the skin, and the jets from the shower also perform massage functions.
Play sports . Of course, we are talking about regular, feasible loads, and not about exhausting training “for wear and tear”. Moderate body culture has never harmed anyone. You don’t have to chase fashion or ignore someone’s advice, but choose classes that suit you: cycling, fitness, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, kettlebell lifting, swimming, bungee and much more. This will not only reduce the appearance of unsightly stripes on the body, but will also improve your general condition and improve your health.

Based on all of the above, it can be argued that only persistent, daily work on yourself will help you get rid of stretch marks on the skin, if you do not take into account surgical intervention. But even if prevention is unsuccessful, and stretch marks appear on the body, then you can really find many methods that will help, if not completely remove them, then make them invisible, barely visible.

Removing stretch marks using cosmetic procedures

Cosmetic treatments can help relieve and reduce shallow stretch marks. They can be combined with each other for better results. Such procedures include: shower, massage, wraps, use of oils. The most common cosmetic procedures:

Use of masks and creams. Such creams contain collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, but when using creams alone, results are difficult to achieve, since they are not able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin.
Algae wraps. Seaweed contains amino acids that help make stretch marks less noticeable. To obtain results, sessions are required a large number of times.

Cosmetic procedures are only an aid against stretch marks, so they should be carried out in combination with other procedures.