How Soon Can I Undergo Stretch Mark Treatment Post-Delivery?

During your pregnancy, around the 25-week mark, you may have noticed the appearance of stretch marks. You probably figured that they would go away after you gave birth. After you’ve given birth and your stretch marks are still very prominent, you have options. You can undergo stretch mark treatment.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks occur when your skin is suddenly stretched due to weight gain, usually during pregnancy. They appear as long narrow streaks, stripes or lines and are often red or purple at their onset before fading to a white or silvery hue. After pregnancy stretch marks are usually visible on the tummy, thighs, hips, lower back and breasts. The marks themselves are caused when the middle layer of skin tears to support the new weight. Stretch marks are harmless, but they can be unsightly and cause you to feel self-conscious about your body.

How are stretch marks treated?

There are creams and gels that can be used for minor stretch marks while microdermabrasion and laser therapy are used for major cases. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that polishes the skin’s surface, removing the top layer of skin to allow new skin to grow in its place. Laser therapy uses wavelengths to stimulate your skin’s natural production of collagen, elastin and melanin. Depending on how severe or light your stretch marks are, your doctor will recommend a treatment that is the most suitable.

How long after your delivery can you undergo stretch mark treatment?

After giving birth you need to give your body a chance to heal. You may look at your belly and see stretch marks and be disappointed but the body has a natural healing process in place and you need to wait it out. Give yourself a chance to lose the baby weight before undergoing stretch mark treatment. Your metabolism and how much time you have to devote to exercising post-pregnancy will determine how long it takes you to lose the weight. Only your physician will be able to give you a concrete answer as to how long you should wait before undergoing a treatment for stretch marks, but for most women it can be done six months to a year following pregnancy.

For more information about our stretch mark treatments, contact us. Although stretch marks are non-threatening, there’s no reason you should have to live with them.