Treat stretch marks with fillers

Do you suffer from stretch marks (pregnancy stripes) and are you looking for an effective treatment? Fillers can be a surprisingly good solution for reducing stretch marks. In this complete guide, we explain how this works, what the costs are, and how to find the best clinic.

What are stretch marks? (+ why pregnancy stripes occur)

Stretch marks are scar-like lines on the skin that appear when the skin stretches quickly. They are also called stretch marks or pregnancy stripes. These lines are initially red-purple in colour and later become white or silver.

Where do stretch marks appear?

• Stretch marks on the stomach: most common during pregnancy

• Stretch marks on the breasts: due to growth during puberty or pregnancy

• Stretch marks on the thighs and buttocks: especially during a growth spurt

• Stretch marks on the arms: with rapid weight gain or muscle growth

Important: Stretch marks are not a medical problem, but they can affect your self-confidence. Fortunately, effective treatments are now available.

How do stretch marks occur? The scientific explanation

Cause of stretch marks explained

Stretch marks occur due to the tearing of elastin and collagen fibres in the skin. This happens when:

• The skin stretches quickly (faster than the fibres can adapt)

• Hormonal changes weaken the skin

• Genetic predisposition makes you more sensitive to stretch marks

• Age – younger skin is more elastic

Pregnancy stretch marks: when do they occur?

When do pregnancy stretch marks appear? Most pregnant women develop stretch marks between weeks 25–35, when the belly grows the fastest.

Why stretch marks during pregnancy:

• Rapid belly growth (skin stretches 10x its normal size)

• The hormone cortisol weakens skin fibres

• Increased blood volume causes tension

• Genetic factors (did your mother have stretch marks?)

Stretch marks on the stomach without pregnancy: other causes

Stretch marks on the stomach do not only occur during pregnancy. Other causes:

Weight gain

• Rapid weight gain (> 2 kg per month)

• Yo-yo effect from dieting

• Medication that causes weight gain

Hormonal changes

• Puberty (especially stretch marks on the breasts)

• Use of corticosteroids

• Thyroid problems

• Cushing’s syndrome

Sports and muscle building

• Bodybuilding and strength training

• Rapid muscle growth due to supplements

• Extreme fitness regimes

Itching from stretch marks: why do pregnancy stripes itch?

Stretch marks often itch, especially in the beginning when they appear. This is because:

Why do stretch marks itch?

• The skin is stretched and becomes irritated

• Inflammatory reaction in the scar tissue

• Dry skin due to rapid growth

• Hormonal changes make the skin more sensitive

Reduce itching from stretch marks:

✅ Moisturising cream twice daily ✅ Cool compress for severe itching ✅ Soft clothing that does not rub ✅ Do not scratch, as it can worsen scarring ❌ Avoid hot showers (dries out the skin) ❌ No perfume on irritated skin

Fillers for stretch marks: how does this innovative treatment work?

Fillers for stretch marks are a relatively new treatment that is becoming increasingly popular. Here is how it works:

How do fillers work for stretch marks?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the stretch marks to:

• Add volume to sunken scar tissue

• Improve skin structure by stimulating collagen

• Smooth the texture between normal skin and stretch marks

• Stimulate blood circulation for skin repair

For which stretch marks do fillers work best?

Fillers are ideal for:
✅ Deep, sunken stretch marks (especially white/silver)
✅ Stretch marks on the stomach after pregnancy or weight loss
✅ Stretch marks on the breasts that have lost volume
✅ Older stretch marks that no longer respond to creams

Less suitable for:
❌ Fresh, red stretch marks (allow to heal first)
❌ Very wide stretch marks (different treatment needed)
❌ Stretch marks on moving areas (results less durable)

Advantages of fillers for stretch mark treatment:

• Immediately visible result

• Minimal downtime (1–2 days)

• Natural result (no artificial look)

• Long-lasting effect (12–18 months)

• Can be combined with other treatments

Stretch mark treatment with fillers: what to expect?

Before the treatment:

1. Intake consultation – the doctor assesses your stretch marks

2. Treatment plan – number of sessions and expectations

3. Preparation – avoid blood thinners 1 week before

During the filler treatment:

• Numbing with local anaesthetic cream

• Injection of hyaluronic acid into stretch marks

• Massage for even distribution

• Treatment time: 30–60 minutes

After the stretch mark filler treatment:

• Immediate results visible

• Slight swelling for the first 24–48 hours

• Gentle showering on the first day

• No exercise for the first 24 hours

• Final results after 2 weeks

Stretch marks after pregnancy: when to start treatment?

Timing of stretch mark treatment after childbirth:

Best time for filler treatment:

• At least 6 months after giving birth

• After stopping breastfeeding (hormones stabilised)

• Once stable weight is reached

• No new pregnancy planned within the next 2 years

Why wait before treatment:

• Skin needs time to recover

• Hormones must normalise

• Some stretch marks fade on their own

• Weight should be stable

Preventing pregnancy stretch marks:

Although not always possible, you can reduce the risk:
✅ Gradual weight gain (1–2 kg per month). ✅ Hydrate the skin with pregnancy oil. ✅ Healthy diet with vitamins C and E. ✅ Drink plenty of water (2–3 litres per day). ✅ Gentle belly massage to stimulate circulation

Stretch mark treatment: frequently asked questions

Realistic expectations for stretch mark treatment

What IS possible with fillers:

• 60–80% improvement in the visibility of stretch marks

• Smoother skin texture and less deep grooves

• More natural appearance of the treated area

• Boost in self-confidence due to improved skin appearance

What IS NOT possible:

• 100% disappearance of all stretch marks

• Prevention of new stretch marks from weight changes

• Instant results without any swelling

• Permanent results without maintenance

Tips for the best results:

• Have realistic expectations – improvement, not perfection

• Follow proper aftercare for optimal results

• Maintain stable weight after treatment

• Keep the skin hydrated for overall health