What should you know about cicatricure stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when deeper skin layers change during periods of rapid stretching or hormonal change. They may begin as pink, red, purple, or brown lines and later become lighter, indented, or slightly shiny. Common sites include the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks, and upper arms. Their colour and texture vary with skin tone and how long they have been present.

Creams marketed for stretch marks can moisturise and reduce dryness, but they do not rebuild every altered fibre in the skin. Newer marks may respond differently from older pale marks, so an examination helps set realistic expectations.

If the marks bother you, discuss their age, colour, texture, pregnancy status, medicines, and skin tone with a qualified dermatology clinician. Possible procedures include microneedling, fractional laser treatment, RF microneedling, and carboxytherapy. Each works differently and may require a planned series of sessions with healing time between them.

Protect treated skin from excessive sun exposure and follow the aftercare instructions provided. Do not apply prescription retinoids during pregnancy unless your clinician specifically advises otherwise. A consultation should cover the possibility of temporary redness, pigment change, irritation, or worsening scarring, especially for darker skin tones.

Arrange medical review if marks appear suddenly without an obvious change in body size, are accompanied by easy bruising or other unusual symptoms, or follow use of a steroid medicine. Seek care for severe pain, warmth, swelling, discharge, or an open area rather than treating it as a simple stretch mark.

Ask: Are these definitely stretch marks? Are they new or mature? Which treatment suits their colour and texture? How many appointments might the plan involve? What pigment or scarring risks apply to my skin tone? Which products should I pause before treatment?