Purple stretch marks
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Purple stretch marks (lat. striae rubrae or striae violaceae) are an early form of cutaneous striae – linear atrophic lesions that develop as a result of damage to collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis. At this stage they have a characteristic red, purple, or violet color, which is due to the presence of dilated blood vessels visible through the thin epidermis. Lesions most often appear during periods of intense skin stretching, such as rapid growth, pregnancy, rapid weight gain, or muscle mass development. The purple phase of stretch marks is an active stage in which inflammatory processes and skin remodeling are most pronounced, which is why there is the greatest potential for effective treatment during this period.
Purple stretch marks – location
Purple stretch marks appear in areas particularly exposed to mechanical stretching of the skin and hormonal changes affecting connective tissue metabolism. The location of the lesions depends on sex, age, body build and the cause of their occurrence.
The most common areas of occurrence of stretch marks include:
- abdomen – especially during pregnancy or with rapid weight gain
- thighs and hips – often in women during puberty or with weight changes
- buttocks – as a result of an increase in adipose tissue
- breasts – especially during puberty, pregnancy and breastfeeding
- arms and shoulders – more often in people who engage in intensive strength training
- lower back – especially in adolescents during a phase of rapid growth
The lesions usually have an elongated, linear shape and run parallel to the lines of skin tension (the so-called Langer's lines). In the initial period they may be slightly raised, tense and may be accompanied by a sensation of itching or burning, which is related to the inflammatory process occurring in the dermis.
In histological examination of fresh stretch marks, one observes:
- disruption and disorganization of type I and III collagen fibers,
- a reduced amount of elastin,
- the presence of inflammatory infiltrates,
- increased vascularity of the dermis.
Over time there is a gradual loss of color and transition to the phase of white stretch marks (striae albae), which are much more difficult to treat.
Purple stretch marks – do they disappear?
Purple stretch marks rarely disappear completely on their own. In the natural course of the condition there is primarily a change in their color and structure, rather than full regeneration of the skin.
This process occurs in stages:
- Inflammatory phase (striae rubrae) – the stretch marks are red or purple, well vascularized and may be slightly raised.
- Transitional phase – gradual reduction of vascularization and smoothing of the skin surface.
- Atrophic phase (striae albae) – the stretch marks become white, pearly, slightly depressed and have the character of a permanent atrophic scar.
Over time the lesions may be less visible, however the skin's structure remains permanently altered. This is because stretch marks are a form of scar within the dermis, in which supportive fibers have been disrupted.
Factors influencing the possibility of partial fading of stretch marks include, among others:
- the patient's age and the skin's regenerative capacity,
- the depth of damage to collagen fibers,
- the cause of the stretch marks (e.g., pregnancy, obesity, steroid therapy),
- the time elapsed since the appearance of the lesions.
The greatest therapeutic effectiveness is observed in the purple phase, when blood vessels are still present in the skin and active tissue remodeling processes are ongoing. In the later white phase therapeutic options are much more limited and require more intensive treatment methods.
Purple stretch marks – how to get rid of them
Treatment of purple stretch marks is primarily based on stimulating the regenerative processes of the dermis and rebuilding collagen and elastin fibers. The therapy aims to reduce the visibility of the lesions, improve skin texture and even out its tone.
The most commonly used therapeutic methods include:
Treatments stimulating skin remodeling
Modern aesthetic dermatology uses technologies that cause controlled micro-injuries to the skin, which stimulate the process of neocollagenesis (formation of new collagen fibers).
Most commonly used are:
- fractional laser – causes microscopic skin injuries that initiate intensive regeneration and tissue remodeling
- microneedle radiofrequency – combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin
- microneedling (micro-needle mesotherapy) – mechanical stimulation of the skin improving its structure
- Nd:YAG laser – used in the treatment of fresh, red and purple stretch marks by acting on blood vessels and stimulating the dermis.
Biostimulating treatments
Procedures aimed at delivering active substances to the dermis that support the regeneration process are also frequently used.
Such methods include, among others:
- injectable mesotherapy with preparations containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids and vitamins
- platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which provides growth factors that stimulate skin regeneration
- tissue biostimulators, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen.
Combination therapy
In clinical practice, the best results are achieved by combining several therapeutic methods, e.g.:
- laser therapy with mesotherapy,
- microneedle radiofrequency with biostimulators,
- microneedling with platelet-rich plasma.
This approach allows acting simultaneously on different layers of the skin and increases the effectiveness of the therapy.
In aesthetic medicine clinics – including at Ambasadzie Urody – the following are used, among others:
- fractional laser,
- microneedle radiofrequency,
- injectable mesotherapy,
- platelet-rich plasma,
- tissue biostimulators,
which aim to increase skin density, improve its elasticity and reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
It is worth emphasizing that the earlier the therapy is started (in the purple phase), the greater the chance of a significant improvement in the skin's appearance.
