Stretch marks after pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy have a pale pink or purple color and later fade. Depending on the individual characteristics of a woman's body, they can range in width from 1-2 mm to several centimeters. The affected skin loses its firmness and elasticity.

Stretch marks after childbirth are localized in various areas of the body—on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Due to their formation mechanism, striae do not disappear on their own and do not tan (therefore, they are more visible on tanned skin in the summer). They do not pose a health risk but can cause aesthetic discomfort. Therefore, the question of how to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy is relevant for many women.

How and why do stretch marks form?

In the body of an expectant mother, hormonal changes occur, which are essential for carrying the fetus. Against this background, the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which are responsible for the skin's firmness, stretching, and contraction, is disrupted. Therefore, striae appear on the body primarily due to hormonal imbalance, which is characteristic during pregnancy. However, stretch marks after pregnancy do not appear in all women, even with weight gain. Factors that can provoke stretch marks on the skin:

• heredity: stretch marks often occur in women who have a family history of such cases;
• physical inactivity: with a sedentary lifestyle, striae form more intensively due to poor circulation and insufficient oxygen in the cells;
• unbalanced diet: a woman's diet should be as balanced as possible to prevent excess weight, gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, deficiencies, and stretch marks;
• deficiency conditions that arise from ignoring the doctor's recommendations regarding the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Women who led a sedentary lifestyle, smoked, had excess weight, metabolic issues, or became pregnant at the age of 30 or older are at a higher risk of having stretch marks on their abdomen after pregnancy.

Proper body care plays an important role in preventing stretch marks. It is recommended to moisturize the skin on the abdomen and thighs with special cosmetics, and a light massage can promote collagen synthesis. Stretch marks on the breasts after pregnancy occur less frequently if you wear a properly fitted, supportive bra. After consulting with a doctor, a support band can also be used.

How to remove stretch marks after childbirth?

The issue of treating stretch marks after pregnancy concerns many women. It is recommended to address these defects as early as possible before they become old scars. However, you should consider your condition—hormonal balance—and consult a doctor.
Cosmetologists at the LeoDerm clinic will explain what will help with stretch marks after pregnancy in your specific case to achieve a good effect. Among the professional procedures that have proven effective are:

• laser resurfacing: a procedure that activates collagen synthesis, replacing damaged collagen fibers with new ones;
• fractional microneedle RF lifting: An alternative, painless procedure to surgical skin tightening that stimulates cell regeneration and the synthesis of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid;
• fractional non-ablative resurfacing with LightScan: a hardware procedure that removes the superficial layer of skin, initiating regeneration processes;
• chemical peels: the chemical removal of the superficial skin layer, promoting cell regeneration and the production of collagen and elastin.

A comprehensive approach is the best method for getting rid of stretch marks after childbirth. At the LeoDerm clinic, you will be offered a body contouring program for weight loss, professional cosmetic products for stretch marks after pregnancy, and methods to address vitamin deficiencies.

It is important to understand that after childbirth and during breastfeeding, you should not perform procedures on your own, use various products for stretch marks after pregnancy, or follow strict diets. Schedule an appointment with the specialists at the LeoDerm clinic to safely and effectively restore your body after childbirth.