10 Myths about Stretch Marks Debunked
August 8, 2018 by Dr. Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS
Stretch marks are formed from dermal tears of the deepest layer of the dermis and its subsequent healing . They represent dermal scars and can develop essentially anywhere the volume covered by the skin must expand. They are unfortunately a difficult problem to treat, and many “myths” exist as to methods to improve their appearance. Dr. Zuckerman lists 10 misconceptions regarding stretch marks and explains the proper answers.
- Myth: There are topical solutions (coconut/cocoa butter, etc) that can treat stretch marks.
- Truth: Unfortunately, there are no known effective topical solutions.
- Partial Myth: Laser resurfacing can treat stretch marks.
- Truth: While these dermal scars won’t disappear under laser treatment, their appearance can be somewhat improved, but it varies by individual. Laser resurfacing can also be used to treat other kinds of scarring such as acne scars as well. The same is true with microneedling.
- Myth: Specific types of exercise can help address stretch marks.
- Truth: This is untrue: shaping or tightening the abdominal area via weight loss or exercise won’t have an effect on the appearance of stretch marks.
- Myth: Everyone is at the same risk of developing stretch marks.
- Truth: People have different skin elasticities, the ability of the skin itself to stretch, and this affects the likelihood of developing stretch marks. In addition, as below, two common times that women develop stretch marks are during puberty with breast development and during pregnancy. Depending on the size of the breasts and the weight gain during pregnancy, stretch marks may or may not develop.
- Myth: Only women develop stretch marks.
- Truth: While less common in men, they can certainly develop stretch marks. Areas such as the abdomen, lower back, arms, or shoulders are most common in men. Stretch marks can develop due to weight gain or due to muscle mass increase forcing the skin to stretch.
- Myth: Stretch marks only develop in abdomen and breasts.
- Truth: Stretch marks can unfortunately develop essentially anywhere on the body. I have even seen them on the shoulder. Any area in which the dermis is forced to stretch is at risk for development of these dermal tears.
- Myth: Stretch marks will improve in appearance if weight gained is subsequently lost.
- Truth: Unfortunately, after weight is lost after pregnancy for example, any stretch marks developed will remain. However, stretch marks can change in appearance over time somewhat.
- Myth: Stretch marks formation is random, and there is no way to predict who may develop them.
- Truth: There is a genetic factor in the development of stretch marks. If your mother has stretch marks, you are more likely to develop during weight gain.
- Myth: Stretch marks aren’t sensitive to sun exposure.
- Truth: As scars, stretch marks do have a different composition than normal dermis, but tanning can still make the appearance of stretch marks worse.
- Partial Myth: Staying hydrated can help prevent stretch marks.
- Truth: Hydration does increase the elasticity of the skin somewhat but to a minor degree. Unfortunately, the major force at work is whatever is placing tension on the skin in the first place (i.e. weight gain or muscle gain). Staying hydrated may mitigate the formation to a small degree.
Surprisingly, one way to partially or fully eliminate stretch marks in the abdomen is to undergo a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). In this operation, Dr. Zuckerman actually cuts away much of the excess skin and tissue upon which the stretch marks reside. However, this surgery then trades stretch marks for the incision of the tummy tuck, which is significant but well hidden under most underwear and bathing suits. Liposuction, on the other hand, does not address stretch marks, a common misconception of prospective patients.
