Will My Stretch Marks Disappear if I Lose Weight?

Rapid weight gain is a major risk factor in getting stretch marks. It stretches or pulls the skin, causing the collagen and elastin fibers to break or rupture. This then leads to tiny tears in the deep dermis, creating a type of scar (also known as striae) as the skin heals. 

If you’re dealing with them due to sudden weight gain, you may be wondering if stretch marks will go away if you lose weight. Can you avoid or get rid of them as you pursue your fitness or weight loss goals? Continue reading as we discuss what can happen to those lines and streaks as you shed pounds and what can help improve their appearance. 

Can you fully get rid of stretch marks? 

Like any other type of scar, stretch marks are permanent. And while no treatment has been shown to fully eliminate them, they can fade or become less severe as time passes. There are also in-office treatments that can improve their appearance, as well as measures you can take to minimize their color or depth. 

Stretch marks appear due to an underlying tissue expansion when the skin is stretched. This then causes an inflammatory response that causes skin color changes (red or purple) associated with stretch marks. The inflammation settles and heals with time and is replaced by scar tissue that becomes white or silvery in color and permanent. 

For further reading: 11 Questions About Stretch Marks Answered

Does weight loss improve stretch marks?

The sad news is stretch marks tend to stick around after losing weight. In fact, there are also cases where they become more visible after shedding pounds rapidly. It can increase your risk of getting stretch marks due to the stretching and tearing caused by sudden or massive weight loss.

Sometimes, stretch marks are not visible when you gain weight, but then become noticeable after weight loss. This is again due to the sudden changes in the skin. This only makes it important to lose weight slowly through a healthy diet and regular exercise. You should also keep your skin moisturized to relieve dryness and itchiness, which can make stretch marks more visible. 

Can you prevent stretch marks?

While there is no guarantee that you won’t get stretch marks, healthy lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of having them. Below are a few things that can help:

• Eat a balanced diet, filled with fruits and vegetables or nutrient-rich foods (protein, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E)
• Get regular physical activity daily or most days of the week.
• Stay hydrated and avoid or limit caffeinated beverages.
• Control your weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.
• Add vitamin C to your diet, as this is important in developing collagen.
• Get treatment when stretch marks appear. Work with your doctor to choose the right treatment or combination of treatments.

What can treat stretch marks?

Stretch marks are not harmless and don’t usually require treatment. If you, however, are bothered by its appearance, there are a few aesthetic treatments that can help fade them. At Cutis, we have acoustic shockwave therapy and professional microneedling, which both can help stimulate collagen production.

Acoustic shockwave therapy – uses acoustic or radial waves to target fatty deposits, stretch marks, and cellulite. It involves the use of a device that causes vibrations in the soft tissues. It improves blood flow in the area, transports oxygen that nourishes the tissues, and stimulates new collagen formation. 

This treatment can reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. As it helps with collagen regeneration, it can gradually firm and tighten the skin without cuts or needles. Multiple sessions are needed with results continuing to improve as you undergo more acoustic shockwave treatments. You can also combine it with fat freezing for fat reduction and body contouring.

Professional microneedling – At Cutis, we use an automated microneedling device that works by creating thousands of tiny needle punctures. It breaks up uneven scar tissues and causes micro-trauma that induces an immune response that helps stimulate collagen production. 

The microneedling device we use also has a dedicated scar setting and protocol for the revision of deep and atrophic scars. It can treat striae (both new and old stretch marks), as well as post-acne, burn, contracture, and surgical scars. It is also worth noting that microneedling activates the skin’s healing function, which helps combat ailments and creates a healthier appearance on the skin’s surface.

For further reading: 5 Reasons to Try Microneedling

Final thoughts

While losing weight may not necessarily get rid of stretch marks, it is still important to do so if you carry extra pounds. The benefits go beyond fitting into old clothes or smaller sizes; you’ll have more energy, reduced risk of diseases, and improved quality of life.  

Go ahead and shed those extra pounds. If you happen to notice stretch marks after weight loss, we can help. We also have treatments that can help with body shaping or fat reduction to treat stubborn fat bulges in different areas of the body. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to book a consultation and body assessment with our aesthetic doctor.