Vertical scars that form on the skin during periods of rapid skin stretching, including pregnancy, growth spurts, body building and weight gain
Very common, affecting 50-90% of all pregnant women
Stretch marks are the result of damage to collagen and elastin components of skin
Usually found on abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs
Initially pink to purple and then lighten to pale silvery-white
May be itchy, tender and painful and cause one to feel self-conscious
How Can I Prevent Stretch Marks?
Keep the skin well moisturized with nutrients that promote collagen and elastin production to allow the skin to stretch without scarring.
MD Wellness Solutions offers several options safe for pregnant women including Strataderm medical grade silicone scar therapy gel
How Do I Use StrataDerm?
Start using StrataDerm gel after 13 weeks of pregnancy, or at the first sign of stretch marks during a growth spurt
Continue StrataDerm for 2-3 months after pregnancy or growth spurt completed
If treating established stretch marks, treat for at least 3 months and talk to your doctor about laser treatment to augment your StrataDerm treatment
Apply a thin layer of StrataDerm once daily after bathing and drying the skin, leave on for 24 hours
Best results obtained by allowing continuous contact of StrataDerm with the skin
StrataDerm gel drys quickly and can be covered by clothing or sunscreen
How Do I Treat Existing Stretch Marks?
Laser treatment can improve the appearance of existing stretch marks by improving blood flow, collagen and elastin production in the dermal layer of the skin. Dr. Tkatch recommends a series of ICON 1540 non-ablative fractional laser treatments to improve stretch marks. If you are pregnant you will be evaluated postpartum to establish a custom treatment program.
