stretch marks or stretch marks Stretch marks or striae are skin lesions that appear in the form of lines in the thighs, hips, abdomen and breasts due to thinning of the skin and indentation of the skin. **The cause of skin stretch marks** is the sudden stretching of the skin during pregnancy or obesity and thinness, and sometimes it is seen in some diseases. At first, these cracks are red to purple, but over time, they turn white. During puberty, pregnancy, or extreme weight changes can cause these cracks. How many months does pregnancy stretch marks start? These cracks usually appear after the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. The cause of stretch marks In some people, these stretch marks are caused by genetics, but in most cases, they are caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or severe weight changes. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can cause striae or stretch marks. Which areas are more prone to stretch marks or stretch marks? 1. Stomach 2. Breasts 3. Hip 4. Thigh 5. Side 6. Buttocks Signs and symptoms of stretch marks Before the appearance of stretch marks, the skin becomes thin and red, which is accompanied by itching and sensitivity. The stretch marks first appear as wrinkles and are red in color, and then gradually become lighter and whiter over time. Treatment of stretch marks or stretch marks Using anti-crack creams, these creams are mostly preventive and are not effective in treating cracks. Treatment of stretch marks with laser Laser can be used in the treatment of stretch marks. 5-6 laser sessions at an interval of one month can cause collagen production of the skin, causing stretch marks to fade and sometimes disappear. The use of PRP is the same as cell therapy In this method, by taking the person's own blood, centrifuging and separating the platelets and growth factors and injecting them inside the striae (skin cracks), it causes regeneration and collagen formation in the areas of the striae and eventually causes the striae to disappear. Using embedding or threading In this method, by placing a special small thread in the tissue of the stretch marks, it stimulates collagen production and causes the skin of the stretch mark area to regenerate, and the stretch marks gradually disappear. In general, for the treatment of stretch marks, according to the lines created on the skin, one or more of the mentioned methods can be used at the same time to cause more and better effects. It is worth mentioning that embedding can be used for local weight loss, body shaping and fitness, especially for tightening and loosening of skin and muscles. Consultation with Dr. Shiva Madani Hosseini Send your question to Dr. Shiva Madani Hosseini, gynecological cosmetic surgeon, gynecology and obstetrics and infertility surgeon. Questions and answers