Stretch marks vs scars: What is the difference?

How do stretch marks differ from surgical scars?

Ultrasound imaging of an abdominal stretch mark and an appendectomy scar in one adult man found different tissue patterns. Both involved the dermis, the deeper skin layer, and the hypodermis, the tissue beneath it. Stretch marks are not simply surface discoloration, which makes the word "mark" sound suspiciously modest.4

Are stretch marks scars?

Yes, stretch marks are a form of scarring, but the family name is not a treatment plan. Mature stretch marks resemble scar tissue under a microscope: the outer skin becomes thinner, and collagen bundles become densely packed. That does not make a stretch mark structurally identical to a surgical scar, which is why the scar category could use subfolders.245

What do stretch marks look like as they age?

New stretch marks can be pink, red, purple, brown or black. Early marks can feel slightly raised and itchy. Older marks become lighter, often white, silver or close to the surrounding skin color, and can feel slightly depressed. Common locations include the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and back.156

Stretch marks generally take six to twelve months to fade. They can remain visible, even after their color softens. Marks from adolescent growth often become less noticeable without treatment. During pregnancy, marks develop as the belly or breasts enlarge and usually become less noticeable after delivery.2567

What can make stretch marks less noticeable?

Treatment is optional for ordinary stretch marks. New marks respond better than older, deeper ones. Hyaluronic acid and prescription tretinoin can help reduce the appearance of early marks. Retinol is another option, but noticeable results can take at least six months. Retinoids can cause dryness, irritation, color changes and sensitivity to light.12

If you choose a topical stretch mark treatment:

1. 1Check with your doctor before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use retinoid creams during pregnancy.
2. 2Target early marks and gently massage the product into the skin.
3. 3Apply the product daily and allow weeks for visible improvement, rather than changing products after a few applications.

Lotions and oils can feel and smell good without preventing pregnancy stretch marks. Cocoa butter, olive oil and almond oil have not effectively treated or prevented stretch marks. Self tanner can camouflage both new and older marks; tanning makes them more noticeable because stretch marks do not tan.127

A dermatologist can assess whether laser treatment, microneedling or another procedure suits your marks. These treatments aim to improve appearance, not erase the marks, which is a less marketable promise than a disappearing act. Microneedling commonly requires three to six treatments, with full results taking four to six months or longer. Procedure risks include swelling, irritation and skin color changes.26

When should you get stretch marks checked?

Contact a clinician if stretch marks appear without an obvious cause, such as pregnancy, growth or rapid weight change. Mention medicines you take and any cortisone creams you use. Large stretch marks alongside a rounded, puffy face, extra fat around the chest or abdomen with slim limbs, or fat around the neck and shoulders need assessment for possible Cushing's syndrome, a condition involving excess cortisol.36