Stretch marks are incredibly common during pregnancy. Nearly 90% of women will get them at some point, usually in the third trimester. Still, if you’re pregnant or planning to be, you may want to know if there’s anything you can do to avoid them.
You may not be able to prevent stretch marks entirely, but there are ways to help reduce how noticeable they become and how to treat them afterward.
With his background in family and aesthetic medicine, Jack Bertolino, MD, knows how to guide women through the physical changes that come with pregnancy. At Smooth Solutions in Williamsville, New York, his goal is to help everyone he sees feel comfortable in their skin.
Why Do Stretch Marks Happen?
Stretch marks show up when your skin stretches faster than it can keep up. Rapid growth, hormonal shifts, and genetics all play a role.
When the dermis (the deeper layer of your skin) gets pulled too far, tiny tears form. These tears are what become stretch marks. They often start out red or purple, then fade to a lighter, silvery tone over time.
What Can Help?
You can’t completely control whether you get stretch marks, but you can support your skin while it’s changing. A few simple habits may make a difference:
- Moisturize regularly with pregnancy-safe lotions or oils to keep skin soft and reduce itchiness
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats to support skin elasticity
- Stay hydrated to help your skin stay flexible and less prone to tearing
- Gain weight gradually, following your doctor’s guidance to avoid sudden stretching
- Use gentle exfoliants or creams, with your provider’s approval, to encourage healthy skin turnover
Our team at Smooth Solutions can recommend effective medical-grade skincare products.
What to Do if You Still Get Them
If stretch marks do appear, Smooth Solutions has treatments that can help improve their appearance and feel. Your options could include:
- Ultrasonic Dermawave
- IPL
- Microneedling
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
These treatments stimulate collagen production in the dermis to firm your skin’s texture.
From Prevention to Treatment, We’re Here to Help
Stretch marks are part of the process for many, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’d like to talk about what your skin might need now or later, call Smooth Solutions in Williamsville at 716-226-3555 to book a consultation.
