Strecth Marks

[Mike Hentley]

I'm 18 around 230lbs and I have these red stretch marks above my chest and below my shoulders and on my biceps. Is it because I'm growing? Will they go away?

[Minah]

I got strecth marks when I was pregant and that was four years
ago. Now that I am trying to lose weight and get in shape I am
looking for ways to lighten or lose the marks.  I sun bathe in the summer and that helps at in a way but when winter comes they  are back again.  I don't want to go as far as to get surgery, I have been reading articles that say Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxyacid works I just want to know is this true?

[Gillian Williams]

I have gotten Stretch Marks on my arms over the past two or three years, the look aweful and as a result I don't wear anything that has no sleaves, I always make sure that they are covered. I was wondering if there is any make up that I can use to hide my stretch marks so I start enjoying wearing short or no sleaves clothes.

[Micheal Mo]

I also have these red stretch marks from working out, they are on both of my shoulders and a bright red and thick,  they are continuing to grow and are now growing down my arm to my biscep, I have tried laser surgery, but that has only made the marks more dark.  Is there any options for me?  I have also been reading up on a procedure called Micropigmentation also called Cosmetic Tatooing.  I was referred to some plastic surgeons through the internet as to help me.  But these plastic surgeons do not perform the procedure and do not know anyone that does.  I am hoping that you can tell me of someone who can perform the surgery for me I live in Queens N.Y. 11416.  What are my alternatives if there is no doctor around to perform this procedure, is there a take home cream to camouflauge the stretch marks (anything besides dermablend). please let me know I'm desperate!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mike:

Striae, or what people call "stretch marks," appear over areas of the body which enlarge, like pregnant bellies or bulging biceps.  But there is more to them than just stretching, because they also appear in muscular and athletic teens and young adults of both sexes, especia;;y those who play sports or, like you, pump iron.

Except for their appearance, they have no significance.  Over time the red fades to a dull off-white, but does not disappear.

If you take steroid supplements, those may aggravate the problem.  Another reason not to take them.

Best.

Dr. R