Stretch Marks: Causes, Treatments, and How to Fade Them

Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks that form when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. This sudden change causes the collagen and elastin in the skin to rupture, leading to visible lines that may appear red, purple, or silvery white depending on your skin tone and how long they’ve been present.

Stretch marks are a common concern affecting both men and women, especially during times of rapid growth such as puberty, pregnancy, or significant weight changes. While they’re harmless, many people seek ways to fade or remove stretch marks for smoother, more even-toned skin.

With the right skin rejuvenation treatments, laser therapies, and collagen-boosting solutions, stretch marks can be visibly reduced to improve skin texture and confidence.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks form when the skin’s supporting structures are overstretched, causing microscopic tears in the dermis. These tears heal as scars, appearing as visible streaks.

1. Rapid Growth or Weight Changes

Sudden weight gain, weight loss, or growth spurts can stretch the skin faster than it can adapt, leading to tearing and scarring.

2. Pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy are extremely common, especially on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs due to hormonal changes and expanding skin.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations

Increased levels of cortisol (stress hormones) can weaken the skin’s elastic fibers, making it more prone to stretch marks.

4. Genetics

If your parents developed stretch marks, you’re more likely to experience them too, as elasticity and collagen structure are partly hereditary.

5. Steroid Use

Long-term use of corticosteroid creams or medications can thin the skin, reducing its ability to stretch and recover.

Where Stretch Marks Commonly Appear

Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on the body but are most common in areas prone to stretching:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Hips
• Breasts
• Upper arms
• Buttocks
• Lower back

Depending on your skin tone and type, fresh stretch marks often appear red, pink, or purple and later fade to white or silvery.

Can Stretch Marks Go Away on Their Own?

Stretch marks may fade over time, but they rarely disappear completely without treatment. The sooner you treat them, the more effective you can fade them away.

Early intervention with skin rejuvenation treatments can help stimulate collagen and promote healing, reducing their visibility significantly.

Professional Treatments in Malaysia for Stretch Marks

At Dr Chong Clinic, we offer a range of medical-grade treatments designed to improve skin texture, fade stretch marks, and restore firmness.

1. Laser Treatments

Laser therapies target stretch marks by breaking down scar tissue and stimulating collagen production in deeper layers of skin.

• Pico Laser: Uses ultra-short bursts of energy to improve pigmentation and smooth texture.
  
• Skin Laser Resurfacing: Removes damaged skin layers and encourages cell renewal.
  
• Dual Yellow Laser: Reduces redness in new stretch marks while soothing inflammation.
  

Laser treatments are effective for both new and old stretch marks and deliver smoother, firmer results over time.

2. Microneedling

Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering natural collagen and elastin production. This helps improve skin texture and minimise the appearance of stretch marks. For enhanced results, microneedling can be combined with Rejuran Healer to boost skin regeneration.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, promoting new cell turnover and fading superficial stretch marks. They also improve overall texture and tone, especially when paired with other collagen-stimulating treatments.

4. Radiofrequency (RF) and HIFU Treatments

HIFU and RF-based devices use focused energy to tighten skin and stimulate deeper collagen formation. These treatments can improve laxity and firmness around areas with stretch marks, such as the abdomen or thighs.

5. Skin Rejuvenation Therapy

Skin rejuvenation treatments in Malaysia target overall texture, hydration, and tone. For patients with stretch marks, rejuvenation boosts skin healing, reduces discoloration, and strengthens the dermal structure for smoother results.

At-Home Care and Maintenance

While professional treatments deliver the best results, consistent skincare at home can complement and maintain improvements.

• Moisturise daily: Use creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and peptides to improve elasticity.
  
• Exfoliate gently: Regular exfoliation encourages skin renewal and product absorption.
  
• Protect from UV exposure: Sunlight can worsen the appearance of stretch marks, so daily sunscreen is essential.
  
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet: Vitamins C and E, zinc, and collagen supplements can support skin healing.

Preventing Stretch Marks

You can’t always prevent stretch marks, especially during pregnancy or growth spurts,  but healthy habits can help reduce your risk.

• Maintain a stable weight to prevent skin from stretching too rapidly.
  
• Use hydrating creams during pregnancy to keep skin supple.
  
• Avoid overuse of corticosteroid creams unless prescribed.
  
• Keep the skin moisturised to maintain elasticity.

How Long Do Results Take?

Visible improvement typically starts within 4 to 8 weeks after treatment, depending on the method used and the severity of the stretch marks. Combining various treatments together such as Pico Laser + Microneedling or Rejuran + Chemical Peel often delivers faster and more dramatic results.

Restore Smooth, Healthy-Looking Skin

Stretch marks don’t have to be permanent. With modern technology, collagen-stimulating injectables, and laser resurfacing, smoother and more even-toned skin is achievable.

At Dr Chong Clinic, our LCP-certified doctors customise every treatment plan based on your skin type, stretch mark depth, and desired results. From Pico Laser to Microneedling and Skin Rejuvenation, we offer solutions that restore confidence and skin harmony.

Book your consultation today and let our team help you achieve smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are stretch marks permanent?

Without treatment, stretch marks may fade but rarely disappear completely. Laser and rejuvenation treatments can greatly reduce their visibility.

2. How many sessions will I need?

Most patients require between 3 to 6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart for optimal results.

3. Do treatments hurt?

Mild discomfort may occur, but numbing cream and cooling systems minimise pain effectively.

4. Can stretch marks come back?

If the skin stretches again due to weight changes or pregnancy, new marks can form. Maintenance and hydration are key to prevention.

*All images used in this article are AI-generated.