{"id":617,"date":"2026-08-20T17:05:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/glossar\/dehnungsstreifen\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:53:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T09:53:36","slug":"stretch-marks","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/glossar\/dehnungsstreifen\/","title":{"rendered":"Stretch marks"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#was-sind-schwangerschaftsstreifen\">What are stretch marks?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-ursachen-mehr-als-nur-schwangerschaft\">The causes: More than just pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#rote-vs-weisse-schwangerschaftsstreifen-das-entscheidende-stadium-fur-den-behandlungserfolg\">Red vs. white stretch marks: The crucial stage for successful treatment<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-behandlungsmoglichkeiten-ein-realistischer-uberblick\">Treatment options: a realistic overview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#risiken-und-die-bedeutung-der-absicherung\">Risks and the importance of insurance cover<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufig-gestellte-fragen-zu-schwangerschaftsstreifen\">Frequently asked questions about stretch marks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common skin condition that by no means affects only women during pregnancy. These reddish or pearlescent lines can be a significant cosmetic concern for those affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explains, in precise and scientifically grounded terms, how stretch marks form, why their appearance (red or white) is crucial for treatment, and what modern methods are available to significantly improve their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"510\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen.jpg\" alt=\"Photo: Stretch marks on the skin\" class=\"wp-image-298 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen.jpg 510w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-40x40.jpg 40w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-160x160.jpg 160w, https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_Schwangerschaftsstreifen-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-sind-schwangerschaftsstreifen\">What are stretch marks?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are fine, scar-like changes in the dermis. They occur when the connective tissue is overstretched due to rapid or excessive stretching of the skin.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This results in damage to the collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis, whilst the overlying epidermis remains intact. These structural changes appear as visible streaks on the skin\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-ursachen-mehr-als-nur-schwangerschaft\">The causes: More than just pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although pregnancy is the best-known cause, any form of rapid skin stretching can lead to stretch marks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rapid growth<\/strong> during puberty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rapid weight gain<\/strong> or muscle building (bodybuilding)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taking medication<\/strong> (e.g. cortisone treatments)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A genetic predisposition to weaker connective tissue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rote-vs-weisse-schwangerschaftsstreifen-das-entscheidende-stadium-fur-den-behandlungserfolg\">Red vs. white stretch marks: The crucial stage for successful treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appearance of stretch marks provides crucial clues as to whether they can be treated. It is the most important factor in choosing the right treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>Red or purple stretch marks (striae rubrae)<\/th><th>White or pearlescent stretch marks (striae albae)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><td>This is the early stage. The reddish colour indicates an active inflammatory and wound-healing response in the tissue. The blood vessels are still intact and the skin is trying to repair the damage.<\/td><td>This is the late stage. The inflammation has subsided, and the body has filled the tear with unstructured scar tissue. The reddish colour gives way to a pale, often slightly shiny hue. Blood flow in this area is greatly reduced.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Properties &amp; Treatment<\/strong><\/td><td>This is the best time to treat stretch marks, as the body\u2019s regenerative processes are still active and can be optimally stimulated by treatment.<\/td><td>White stretch marks are scar-like changes in the tissue that result from the remodelling process following the healing of the acute phase. They are considered to have stabilised and are significantly more difficult to treat.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-behandlungsmoglichkeiten-ein-realistischer-uberblick\">Treatment options: a realistic overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The top priority is to manage expectations realistically: no method currently available can remove stretch marks completely and without a trace. The aim of any reputable treatment is to significantly improve the texture and colour of the skin, so that the marks become much less noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Professional medical procedures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These methods are designed to specifically stimulate the body\u2019s own collagen production in the dermis. They are most effective on red stretch marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Method<\/th><th>Mechanism of action<\/th><th>Ideal for\u2026<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Laser therapy (fractional)<\/strong><\/td><td>Targeted micro-injuries caused by laser beams stimulate the formation of new collagen and can reduce redness.<\/td><td>Red and (to a limited extent) white stretch marks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Medical microneedling<\/strong><\/td><td>Ultra-fine needles create micro-injuries, thereby stimulating wound healing and collagen production.<\/td><td>Red and (to a limited extent) white stretch marks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chemical peel (e.g. TCA peel)<\/strong><\/td><td>An acid exfoliates the upper layers of the skin and stimulates regeneration deep down.<\/td><td>Rather superficial, fresh stretch marks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The effectiveness of the treatments may vary depending on skin type, the age of the stretch marks and individual skin condition. A consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Topical treatments and prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Creams prescribed by a doctor:<\/strong> The strongest scientific evidence relates to topical retinoids (e.g. tretinoin), which may be effective for fresh, red striae. There is also evidence of a positive effect for hyaluronic acid or certain plant extracts (e.g. Centella asiatica), albeit weaker than that seen with retinoids. These are available only on prescription and must not be used during pregnancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Over-the-counter products (oils and creams):<\/strong> There is no scientific evidence to suggest that over-the-counter products can remove existing stretch marks. However, regular massages with moisturising oils can help to keep the skin supple during a high-risk period (e.g. pregnancy) and may contribute to <strong>Prevention<\/strong> contribute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2025-09_vorteil-4beauty-versicherung.svg\" alt=\"Benefits of 4beauty insurance\" class=\"wp-image-318 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiken-und-die-bedeutung-der-absicherung\">Risks and the importance of insurance cover<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professional treatments such as laser therapy and medical peels are intensive procedures. Possible risks include redness, swelling, infection or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discolouration), particularly in people with darker skin types.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As most of these procedures are purely cosmetic treatments, the costs \u2013 including the treatment of any complications \u2013 are generally not covered by statutory health insurance. A <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\"><strong>Consequential Costs Insurance<\/strong><\/a> provides financial security should medically necessary follow-up treatment be required after your treatment.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufig-gestellte-fragen-zu-schwangerschaftsstreifen\">Frequently asked questions about stretch marks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Can stretch marks disappear completely?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. As medical science currently stands, it is not possible to fully restore torn connective tissue without scarring. All treatments are aimed at achieving a significant visual improvement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">When is the best time to have treatment?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As early as possible. As long as the stretch marks are still red or purple (striae rubrae), the chances of success with any treatment are highest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Do oils and creams really help with prevention?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can help to support the skin\u2019s elasticity. However, in cases of a strong genetic predisposition or very rapid stretching, they are often unable to completely prevent the formation of stretch marks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Are the treatments painful?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laser and microneedling treatments are not painless and are usually carried out after an anaesthetic cream has been applied. They are most often described as an intense tingling or pricking sensation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stretch marks, also known as pregnancy marks, are reddish or pearlescent lines on the skin and are by no means limited to women who are pregnant.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-617","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}