Post-Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Post pregnancy stretch marks – your sister got them and you’re afraid you’ll get them, too. Or worse, you already have them, thanks to your recently delivered beautiful baby!  What should you do?   Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS of Premier Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey, in Morristown, has some suggestions.

The key to managing stretch marks is all about prevention. Indeed, genetics is a big factor, too, but there are a few things you can do to give yourself a fighting chance against those unsightly lines. 

During your pregnancy, try to gain weight gradually. This allows the skin to stretch more slowly and lessen stretch marks caused by quicker weight gain.

Eat food with a high content of vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, omega 3s, essential fatty acids, and protein. This will help your skin to produce more elasticity and aid in the production of extra healthy collagen.

Remember to drink up! Water, that is.  Staying adequately hydrated during pregnancy is thought to enhance the moisture content of the skin, which may also help with prevention of stretch mark formation.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!   Dry skin that is being stretched is more likely to damage the underlying collagen and elastin fibers. Moisturized skin will have increased elasticity. Look for creams made from aloe vera, cocoa butter, grape seed, squalene oil, vitamin E, collagen, pro-vitamin B5, germ oil, aroma oil or essential oil. All of these can help to prevent the formation of stretch marks by moisturizing and increasing the elasticity of skin. 

If you have any post-pregnancy plastic surgery needs, contact Dr. Glatt at his office at 973-889-9300, to schedule a consultation to restore your body to its pre-pregnancy shape.

  • Share: