Will stretch marks from weight loss disappear?
Disease description:
I have always been relatively overweight, and stretch marks from obesity have appeared on my body. However, I have recently started losing weight. I wonder if becoming thinner will make these stretch marks disappear. Can stretch marks caused by obesity fade after losing weight?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Stretch marks from weight gain, also known as obesity striae, are linear or wavy scars formed when the skin rapidly stretches over a short period, causing the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis to rupture. These marks may not completely disappear even after weight loss.
After weight reduction, the skin may gradually contract, which can help repair the damaged fibers to some extent, making the stretch marks less visible. However, for deeper stretch marks, even with weight returning to normal levels, the skin may not fully recover to its original condition, so the stretch marks may not completely fade away. Additionally, individual physical factors can influence how well the stretch marks fade. If the skin's healing ability is strong, the stretch marks may gradually fade or nearly disappear after losing weight; however, for some people, limited skin elasticity may make it difficult for the stretch marks to be completely eliminated.
Improper weight loss methods during the process of dieting, such as excessive food restriction or rapid weight reduction, may lead to loose skin and worsened stretch marks. Therefore, it is important to choose a scientifically sound weight loss approach that allows for gradual weight reduction.
