Stretch marks appear on the body in many different places including the abdomen, arms, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Stretch marks can afflict everyone from body builders and yo-yo dieters to teenagers on growth spurts, and the tummies of mothers-to-be.  Dermatologists estimate that up to 70 percent of pregnant women get stretch marks. Genetics seem to play no definitive role in determining which pregnant women get them.  Stretch marks appear to be tied more to the amount and speed of weight gain.

Stretch Mark Science

Stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of your skin, is stretched to a point where its elasticity begins to break down.  At this point, microscopic bleeding occurs along with tissue inflammation.  This produces the raised reddish purple look of newly formed stretch marks.  Over time, the marks fade to a silvery white color that is a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone.  Technically, the tears in the dermis are caused by a breakdown of collagen and elastin.  As the tears heal, scars form.

Traditional Options

Many people feel uncomfortable and self conscious about their stretch mark scars.  To date, doctors have had several cosmetic treatment options including stretch mark creams, chemical peels, laser surgery, and plastic surgery.  However, none of these methods is viewed as optimal at delivering lasting stretch mark repair results.

New Combination Solution

To restore stretch mark skin to its pre-stretch look and feel, dermatologist Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, M.D. uses a new treatment protocol, combining two proven and existing therapies. First, radio frequency therapy is used to smooth, contour and tighten the skin.  Then laser resurfacing is woven into the treatment protocol sequence to trigger and speed the body’s natural healing process.  This combination stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin via collagen and elastin production.

According to Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, M.D., this novel combination therapy is producing “the most impressive and lasting results I’ve seen” for this problem.

Stretch mark repair is available at Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa.  Our medical dermatology practice, Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer Institute, is conveniently located adjacent to our Spa.  Our center represents the area’s largest, most-credentialed skin care and cosmetic surgery center, addressing all medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic skin care needs.  For more information, contact us at 610.525.5029 and 610.525.5028

Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland
stretch marks