How Long Does It Take For Stretch Marks To Fade?

Everyone wants flawless skin without a hint of marks and scars. However, your desire to get flawless skin may go on standby with the appearance of stretch marks. Once we get stretch marks, we often wonder how long will it take for stretch marks to fade?

Stretch marks are common and can develop due to excessive stretching of your skin. You may witness the appearance of stretch marks after weight gain. Women are majorly affected by them during their pregnancy. The marks can occur on the belly, arms, thighs, hips, breasts, and lower back.

Let’s see what are stretch marks and how long does it take for stretch marks to fade?

Stretch marks are a result of overstretched skin. They are not dangerous for your health but may make you self-conscious. It is a significant cosmetic concern for many people. But with the increase in body positivity content, people have started embracing stretch marks. You can see a lot of content on self-love and body positivity on social media platforms. However, some people worry about their appearance and may think of how long does it take for a stretch mark to fade.

Signs and symptoms of stretch marks

The skin feels irritated and itchy and may appear pink before developing stretch marks. The marks form as wrinkly raised streaks and gradually flatten over time. They change their shade from red or brown to a silvery colour. It may take several years for a stretch mark to fade completely. Weight gain is also a reason behind the scars on your skin. You can try to control your body weight as it can help control the appearance of stretch marks on your body. It is easy to answer ‘how long does it take for stretch marks to disappear?’ by knowing your body.

Causes and risk factors

The common causes of stretch marks are:

  • Pregnancy is an underlying cause of stretch marks. The stretch mark is experienced by 50-90% of pregnant women.
  • You can experience stretch marks during your puberty. The sudden changes in your body can mark their appearance.
  • Certain medical conditions like Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome can cause stretch marks.
  • Excessive use of corticosteroid creams or lotions could be a reason behind your stretch marks. It decreases collagen production, which in turn can decrease skin elasticity.

Stretch marks are caused by the expansion or contraction of the skin. There are different stretch mark oils and lotions available in the market that claim to reduce their appearance. You may try it out and see the effects on your skin.

The risk factors of stretch marks are linked to your family history, chronic diseases, body mass index before pregnancy, and the child’s birth weight in pregnant women. In addition, your skin condition can help you know how long does it take for stretch marks to fade?

Diagnosis, the way to know how long does it take for stretch marks to fade away

Stretch mark diagnosis can be made based on your medical history. It does not cause any harm but may indicate an underlying medical condition. Skin examination by a trained cosmetic surgeon can also help you know about the appearance of stretch marks. In addition, the surgeon may ask you questions about your current medication and previous health records.

Treatment, a way to say goodbye to the ugly lines

The cost of treatment is high and does not prove fruitful for many people. The results of stretch marks treatment are effective if the scars result from an underlying medical condition. Stretch marks are considered a cosmetic complaint. You can use oil, creams, and lotions on the marks, but it may not give a long-lasting improvement. The scars can fade over time, and in pregnant women, they can become unnoticeable after 6 to 12 months of delivery.

Prevention

You can reduce stretch marks by:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Avoiding junk food.
  • Having vitamins and minerals in your diet.
  • Drinking eight glasses of water daily.
  • Aiming for slow weight gain during pregnancy.

Incorporating these things can prevent stretch marks. You can see a gradual improvement in your existing marks. To address ‘how long does it take for stretch marks to fade?’, the answer is uncertain and depends on your skin.

You can contact ALCS Clinic for skin examination and know your risk factors for stretch marks.


ALCS Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Clinic, under the leadership of the internationally recognized Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Sunil Arora, specializes in hair restoration and cosmetic procedures. With a focus on quality, ALCS Clinic offers a range of Hair Transplantation and Cosmetic Surgery Services under one roof.


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