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What is a stretch mark?

What causes stretch marks?

How can I remove/get rid of them?

Why don't they heal over time?

Is weight gain the cause?

Pregnancy?

Can you prevent stretch marks?

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

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What are Stretch Marks?


	Stretch Marks feel like skin is significantly damaged, almost 'missing'
	In fact very little has changed in the skin to cause the stretch mark
	Elastin, a protein, is damaged in stretch marks

To understand stretch marks, we need to explain what skin is made of and how it works. Normal skin is 80% collagen and 4% elastin fiber mesh network. Elastin is the protein in the skin which gives it its flexibility and allows it to stretch. The elastin form a fishnet-like network in the skin which allows our skin to stretch and recoil back to its original position.

Stretch Marks are Damaged Elastin

These elastin fibers are damaged in stretch marks, causing the 'scar' of a stretch mark. What's so remarkable about stretch marks is how prominent they look, but under a microscope you see almost no difference from normal, healthy skin. If you touch a stretch mark, it feels empty, almost like there is no skin there. Visually and textually the skin is so very different, yet so little has actually changed in the skin.

To learn about options for removing stretch marks, visit: Laser Stretch Mark Removal, How do I get rid of Stretch Marks?, How to Choose a Doctor for Stretch Marks

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Last Modified: October 23, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions
	What is Collagen?	Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks?
	What is Elastin?	Surgery for Stretch Marks?
	What are Stretch Marks?	Lotions and Creams
	What Causes Stretch Marks?	Diet and Stretch Marks
	How do I get rid of Stretch Marks?	What are corticosteroids?
	Why don't they heal over time?	What is hypopigmentation?
	Is Weight Gain to Blame?	What is hyperpigmentation?
	How can you prevent stretch marks?	What is CO2 Laser Treatment?
	Laser Stretch Mark Removal	What is Erbium Laser Treatment?
	Chemical Peels for Stretch Marks?

The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch Marks are Damaged Elastin

Frequently Asked Questions