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Questions & Answers

These answers were compiled with the cooperation of doctors.

Do stretch marks result from distension of the skin?
Not entirely. Skin distension is only one of the factors which promote the development of stretch marks.

What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are skin lesions which develop during periods of excessive hormonal activity, such as puberty, pregnancy, weight change, or during certain diseases. Hormones cause an imbalance in your fibroblasts and disrupts their ability to manufacture elastin and collagen. This causes stretch marks.

Can stretch marks be prevented?
Stretch marks can be prevented, but they usually appear suddenly and without warning, so it's important to take preventative measures before pregnancy, puberty, weight gain or loss, and during any condition of hormonal change.

When am I at the greatest risk for getting stretch marks?
The most important risk factor for stretch marks is early pregnancy. 80% to 90% of women who become pregnant between the ages of 16 to 18 will develop stretch marks. A woman who gets pregnant between 35 to 40 is less susceptible.

Which period of pregnancy is most prone to the development of stretch marks?
Most often, stretch marks appear in the fourth month of pregnancy, but the skin is most fragile during the seventh or eighth month. Stretch marks can also occur suddenly after delivery. If you are trying to prevent stretch marks, you should start early and continue treatment until normal menstruation resumes.

Is the risk the same during each pregnancy?
Yes. Even a first pregnancy without stretch marks does not guarantee that you won't develop them suring subsequent pregnancies. Preventive treatment is important during each pregnancy.

Are stretch marks hereditary or dependent on skin type?
No. There is no genetic correlation and the risk of developing stretch marks is the same for people of all skin types.

Can stretch marks be treated and eliminated permanently?
Unfortunately, stretch marks never completely disappear but proper treatment can lighten and reduce them. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the sooner you begin treatment, the better the result.

How should stretch marks be treated during puberty?
They require exactly the same care and attention as during pregnancy; the earlier they are treated, the better the result. Stretch marks should always be treated as early as possible regardless of the patient's age.

Can't I have cosmetic surgery to remove stretch marks?
There are no surgical treatments specifically for stretch marks. If a person gains an unusually high amount of weight during pregnancy, a surgeon might propose to perform surgery to re-section the resulting "abdominal apron". Doing so might eliminate some stretch--marked skin, but it can also result in considerable new scarring.

How long does it take for Phytolastil to work?
First results are usually seen between the 21st and 25th days of continuous treatment. That's why it is important that you follow the treatment plan for 6 to 8 weeks-- carefully massaging the product into affected areas.

Should I use the gel or the solution?
Phytolastil Gel should be used to prevent stretch marks. Phytolastil Ampoules are highly concentrated and should be used on existing stretch marks.

How should Phytolastil be applied?
Phytolastil Gel should be massaged into high risk areas (breasts, abdomen, hips, buttocks and upper thighs) once per day. Phytolastil Ampoules should be applied twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) with gentle massage to the affected areas.

Can men use Phytolastil products?
Yes. Phytolastil does not have a strong fragrance, is not oily, and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Men who need it, love it.

Does diet effect the development of stretch marks?
Not really. There are no specific foods which cause stretch marks to develop. However, large weight gain or weight loss can be a factor which makes stretch marks worse.

Does regular physical activity prevent the occurrence of stretch marks?
No, on the contrary, intense muscular exercise can actually cause stretch marks.

Can application of cocoa butter, almond oil or olive oil prevent the development of stretch marks?
No. Stretch marks are not caused by a lack of moisture or elasticity. They are caused by much deeper skin disturbances. Prevention requires products that are specially formulated to work on this problem.

Does sunlight make stretch marks worse?
No, but since stretch-marked skin no longer manufactures pigment, it will remain pearly white while the skin around it darkens from exposure to the sun. This makes stretch marks look worse. Fortunately, if appropriately treated for a few months, stretch-marked skin can become pigmented again.

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