Conditions · Texture & Scarring

Stretch Marks

Striae are dermal tears from rapid stretch. They exist in two clinically distinct stages, and the stage determines what is worth doing.

Mechanism

What is actually happening

Rapid expansion exceeds dermal elasticity and collagen fibres tear. Striae rubrae are red or purple and inflammatory; striae albae are white, atrophic and mature.

The distinction

How it is told apart

Red stretch marks are recent and still vascular. White ones are established scars with reduced collagen and no vascular component. They do not respond to the same approach, and the red stage is the more responsive one.

Assessment

What is established first

Stage and colour, distribution, duration, cause of the stretch, and skin thickness at the site.

Approach

What is typically done

Vascular-directed treatment for the red stage; collagen stimulation for the white. Realistic aim is reduced contrast and improved texture rather than clearance.

When treatment waits

When it is deferred

Anyone promising complete removal of mature white striae is overstating what the tissue allows.

Stretch mark treatment at IN Eternity →

Frequently asked

What is stretch marks?

Striae are dermal tears from rapid stretch. They exist in two clinically distinct stages, and the stage determines what is worth doing.

How is stretch marks told apart from similar conditions?

Red stretch marks are recent and still vascular. White ones are established scars with reduced collagen and no vascular component. They do not respond to the same approach, and the red stage is the more responsive one.

What is assessed before treating stretch marks?

Stage and colour, distribution, duration, cause of the stretch, and skin thickness at the site.

When is treatment deferred?

Anyone promising complete removal of mature white striae is overstating what the tissue allows.

Have this assessed

Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.

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