Stretch marks (striae) are a type of scar. They can appear behind the knee as well as on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips and other areas. Early marks may look red, purple or brown and can feel slightly raised or itchy; they commonly fade and become paler or indented over time.
Why stretch marks can appear
Stretch marks can appear when skin changes over time, including during growth, pregnancy, weight change or muscle gain. Their position alone does not identify a cause, and an aesthetic article cannot assess a sudden or unexplained change.
Can stretch marks be prevented?
No lotion, oil, diet or hydration routine can guarantee prevention. Moisturisers may soothe dry or itchy skin, but commonly promoted oils and butters have not reliably prevented or removed stretch marks in studies. Gradual, healthy weight management may avoid abrupt change, but many people develop stretch marks despite doing nothing wrong.
Treatment options
Stretch marks often become less noticeable without treatment. Creams and procedures may improve their appearance for some people, especially when marks are newer, but no treatment removes them completely and results vary. Some topical medicines are unsuitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so check with a pharmacist or clinician before using an active product.
Depending on the age and colour of the marks and the person’s skin, a qualified clinician may discuss topical treatment, microneedling, laser or light treatment, radiofrequency, microdermabrasion or no procedure. These options are not interchangeable. Redness, swelling, discomfort, pigment change, infection or scarring can occur, and darker skin tones may need particular care when choosing an energy-based procedure.
Choosing safely
Ask what cosmetic concern the proposed procedure addresses, what degree of change is realistic, the risk of pigment change or scarring, recovery, aftercare and alternatives. Sudden, extensive or otherwise unexplained changes should be assessed appropriately before cosmetic treatment.
Scope of this article
Dr Sknn is an independent private aesthetics and cosmetics clinic. This page is limited to cosmetic concerns and treatment considerations. Suitability, risks, recovery and current availability are confirmed during an individual consultation. New, changing or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional before cosmetic treatment.