What should you know about excessive stretch marks?

Stretch marks may appear during pregnancy, puberty, substantial body-size change or muscle growth, and some people are more prone to them. Early marks can look pink, red, purple or darker than nearby skin; older marks often become lighter and slightly indented. Common areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks and upper arms. They are not caused by poor hygiene. A sudden widespread change, unusual bruising or long-term steroid use should be discussed with a clinician.

Moisturiser can reduce dryness and itch, but it does not rebuild altered deeper skin tissue. Avoid rapid weight-change plans and protect exposed skin from sun, which can increase contrast between marks and surrounding skin. If appearance remains distressing, a dermatology consultation can compare Carboxytherapy, Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment and RF Microneedling. These procedures work through controlled skin injury or energy and usually require a series of appointments, with selection based on colour, texture, body area and skin type.

Seek a clinical assessment if marks appear suddenly without a clear stretching event, spread widely, or occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness, facial rounding or other new body changes. Ask for advice before an aesthetic procedure if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to raised scars, using medicines that affect healing, or have active infection or irritation in the treatment area. Redness, warmth, increasing pain or drainage after treatment needs prompt review.

Are these typical Stretch Marks or could another skin change be involved? Which treatment fits their age, colour, texture and location? What preparation, downtime, side effects and number of sessions should I expect for Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment or RF Microneedling?