Stretch marks are scars that form due to overstretching of the skin. Like the dermis, the epidermis also overstretches, making it thin and translucent. A continuous stretching of the skin can cause collagen to rupture and blood vessels to dilate resulting in red stretch marks and scars.

Skin stretches in this manner and causes stretch marks for a number of reasons including pregnancy, weight gain, or growth spurts. Stretch marks can also be the response to certain medications such as steroids or hormones. The marks form when skin expands rapidly and creates small tears in the dermis which show as reddish linear marks.

These stretch mark lines can have a shiny, depressed appearance and take on a scar like texture. Fortunately, the appearance of these can fade over time. The color of the mark can lighten and the texture might smooth out.

In adolescence, about 70 percent of females and 40 percent of males become victims to stretch marks. The abdominal area, thighs, upper arms, breasts, hips and lower back are the most common areas of the body where stretch marks can appear.

Stretch Marks Due to Pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a beautiful time in a woman's life, however, it comes with many ugly side effects. Many of these appear on the skin due to changes in the body and altering levels of hormones.

The most commonly experienced consequence is stretch marks. High hormone levels during pregnancy can disrupt the equilibrium of the skin causing it to become thin. This leaves almost 90 percent of pregnant women with stretch marks. These marks could be unattractive, but luckily there are options available in stretch mark removal.

Stretch Mark Removal by Surgery

A popular way to get rid of stretch marks is by surgery. Abdominoplasties, also known as tummy tucks, remove skin that lies beneath the belly button. The majority of stretch marks are formed in the region during pregnancy. Removal of this area eliminates stretch marks entirely.

No matter where you experience stretch marks the surgery can be done as long as there is an excess of skin. Surgeries always come with the risk of scarring as well. However, these will be low enough to cover up with clothing. And, with appropriate care they can be gone within the first year after the surgery.

Seek Natural Alternatives

Regrettably, insurance companies don't often cover aesthetic procedures such as stretch mark removal surgery. The cost will depend on the hospital or clinic in which the procedure is done. An estimated price could range from 4000 to 7500 dollars. Therefore, the smartest option is to try to avoid stretch marks in the first place which can be done with certain natural products.