Can You Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On The Butt?

Some effective tips to deal with those stubborn streaks on your bum and upper-thigh area.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jeffrey T. S. Hsu, MD, FAAD

Dr. Jeffrey T.S. Hsu is a board-certified dermatologist with 8 years of experience. He is also an internationally recognized expert in dermatologic and cosmetic surgery. He has extensive experiences with laser and cosmetic surgeries and spe... more

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• Feb 8, 2024

Can You Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On The Butt

Image: Shutterstock

Stretch marks may affect any body part, and you may even develop stretch marks on the butt. They develop when the collagen of the skin’s elastin fibers is stretched, causing scar-like marks. Stretch marks on the butt are quite common and may be caused by a rapid increase or decrease in your weight, growth spurt, or pregnancy. These marks can sometimes lead to feelings of low self-esteem and negative body image. This article discusses everything you need to know about stretch marks on the butt, how to reduce and prevent them. Read on.

In This Article

Ways To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On The Butt

According to an analysis, 50%- 80% of people develop stretch marks at various stages of their lives (1). While you cannot get rid of these marks, you can minimize their appearance. Early stretch marks or red stretch marks are easier to treat than the white or the older ones. Hence, you must treat them while they are still fresh and red.

Trivia

Stretch marks are formed in varying lengths and thicknesses. New marks can be pink, red, bluish, purple, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone.

There are two main ways to minimize their appearance:

1. Topical Medication And Remedies

Topical creams, emollients, and tretinoin are commonly used to prevent and manage the overall appearance of stretch marks. You may try the following methods (2):

Use emollients and OTC stretch mark creams (like Trofolastin and Alphastria) and plant oils like cocoa butter and almond and olive oils.
Massage the area with silicone gels.
Use chemical peels after consulting a doctor.
Apply tretinoin cream to minimize the appearance of red stretch marks. However, it may cause irritation, redness, and skin peeling. Avoid using retinoids during pregnancy.

You may also try natural remedies to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Topical treatments give better results when used on fresh stretch marks. However, if your stretch marks are old, you may need medical procedures.

Quick Tip

Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, frankincense, etc., are also used to soothe and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

2. Medical Procedures

To minimize the appearance of white and old stretch marks on the butt, doctors may suggest:

Laser therapies like pulse dye laser and fractional lasers like erbium YAG procedures (3). They stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce swelling and inflammation to improve skin quality and the appearance of stretch marks. However, laser therapy may cause temporary erythema (redness), edema (swelling due to fluid buildup), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and persistent hypopigmentationⁱXA skin condition that occurs when light scars develop on the skin in specific areas due to the delay in melanin production. in people with deeper skin tones (3).
Broadband ultraviolet radiation therapy may repigment the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks (3). However, this is a temporary procedure, and results may fade in a few months.
Radiofrequency therapy may tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, cellulite, and the appearance of stretch marks (3).
Platelet-rich plasma injections may rebuild collagen in the body and reduce stretch mark visibility. It also works well when combined with topical tretinoin (4).
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is another medical procedure that may reduce stretch marks (5). The doctor uses a microneedling device to create tiny punctures on the skin to stimulate elastin and collagen production. It takes six sessions for six to seven months to get maximum results.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that helps minimize uneven skin tone, photoaging, melasma, and scars (like stretch marks). The doctor uses a microdermabrasion device with an abrasive tip to remove the top layer of skin. It promotes collagen and elastin production and may offer similar results for stretch marks as tretinoin cream (6), (7).
The doctor may also suggest treatments like Galvano puncture, pulsed magnetic field, laser lipolysisⁱXA non-invasive cosmetic procedure that removes small fat deposits with laser energy to enhance one’s appearance. , and ultrasound to improve the appearance of stretch marks (2), (3).

Crystal, a vlogger, discussed her experience of getting 2 sessions of an inkless needle treatment to improve the appearance of her stretch marks on her butt. She said, “My stretch marks did come back again for the second time. The one improvement that I did have is texture. You can’t feel the stretch marks anymore (i).”

These treatments may help fade stretch marks. However, there are many ways to prevent their development. Managing your diet and other factors can help improve your skin’s resilience and make it less prone to stretch marks. Here are a few tips.

Prevention Tips For Stretch Marks On The Butt

Consume A Healthy Diet: Your skin needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy. Following a balanced and healthy diet helps your skin regulate its functions. Ensure you are eating the rainbow – a diet of fruits and veggies of all colors, dairy, whole grains, poultry, and seafood. Avoid processed and junk foods. Consuming a balanced diet also helps avoid overeating and rapid weight gain – the factors responsible for stretch marks.

Image: Shutterstock

Massaging The Affected Area: Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging the skin with oil can keep the area hydrated and help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, do this at least twice a day for a few months to see any effect.

Image: Shutterstock

Stay Hydrated: About 70% of the human body is water. The skin and other organ cells and tissues need water to stay healthy and hydrated. Therefore, apart from moisturizing your skin from the outside, drink plenty of water to keep the cells hydrated from within.

Image: Shutterstock

Exercise: Exercising may help manage your overall weight and reduce the chances of developing stretch marks. However, take slow and steady steps as intense workouts can increase muscle mass and increase the chances of developing stretch marks. Talk to a fitness instructor to chalk out a healthy exercise regimen.

Image: Shutterstock

Other than intense workouts, multiple other factors may increase your chances of developing stretch marks. Controlling those factors can help up to some extent. Let’s understand in detail.

What Causes Stretch Marks On The Butt?

Image: Shutterstock

Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, affecting collagen and elastin structures. Multiple factors can stretch the skin and leave behind marks. They include (3):

Rapid weight gain or loss.
Using synthetic testosterone steroids and naturally-derived testosterone steroids (for bodybuilding).
Changes in hormone levels, collagen structure, and elastic tissues, often caused due to a deficiency in fibrillin, a glycoprotein needed to form elastic tissues.
Medical conditions like Marfan syndromeⁱXAn inherited medical disorder that affects certain connective tissues of the heart and bones, leading people to be tall and thin. , anorexia, and chronic liver disease may lead to stretch marks.
Pregnancy may cause stretch marks on the abdomen and butt area.
A sudden growth spurt during puberty is another common cause of stretch marks.
Medications and treatments like chemotherapy, prolonged antibiotic therapy, contraceptives, and neuroleptics (antipsychotics) may trigger stretch marks.
Family history.
Smokers are also at risk of developing stretch marks than non-smokers.

Stretch marks can occur as different types. Understanding these can help you opt for the right treatment option. Learn more in the next section.

Types Of Stretch Marks

Striae Distensae: These are the most common kind of stretch marks that occur during periods of rapid growth like puberty, pregnancy, or significant weight gain. They appear as pink, red, or purple lines that fade to silver or white over time.
Striae Rubra: These are fresh stretch marks that appear reddish or purple. They are slightly raised and are itchy or painful.
Striae Alba: These are older stretch marks that have faded to a silvery white or translucent hue and are often slightly depressed.
Striae Atrophicans: These appear as depressed marks and are related to conditions or treatments that affect the skin’s collagen and elastin.

Not all stretch marks can be treated with home remedies. Some may also need medical attention. Learn in the next section when you must opt for it.

When To Consult A Doctor

Consult a doctor if:

Your stretch marks have turned white or silver.
You need to undergo any of the medical procedures.

The doctor may conduct a physical evaluation to determine the stage of your stretch marks and prescribe treatment accordingly.

Infographic: Top Medical Procedures To Reduce Stretch Marks On The Butt

While stretch marks cannot be completely removed, their appearance can be improved. These white lines can be reduced with a mix of OTC treatments and home remedies. However, surgical intervention can be the best option if you want results more quickly. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the best medical procedures you can avail to reduce stretch marks on the butt.

top medical procedures to reduce stretch mark (infographic)

Stretch marks develop when your skin stretches beyond its capacity, leaving red or purplish stretch marks. Multiple factors, especially during periods of significant body changes such as weight loss or gain, hormonal changes, medication, or pregnancy, result in stretch marks on your butt. While you cannot permanently get rid of stretch marks, you can use topical creams to help fade them. You can also opt for medical procedures like laser therapy, micro-needling, or microdermabrasion to improve your appearance. Consuming a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly can improve your skin health and prevent stretch marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vaseline remove stretch marks?

Yes, Vaseline can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks as it tends to seal moisture and reduce skin dryness.

Do stretch marks mean you are fat?

No, while stretch marks appear when you gain significant weight in a short period, they also may be caused by a growth spurt or during pregnancy. The marks don’t necessarily mean you are fat or overweight.

Can honey clear stretch marks?

Yes, raw honey is known to help reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes and can also help fade stretch marks.

Can tomatoes remove stretch marks?

Yes, tomatoes can be effective in lightening and clearing out stretch marks.

Can aloe vera remove stretch marks?

While there is limited scientific evidence supporting the role of aloe vera in reducing stretch marks, it is known to help heal and smoothen damaged skin. So, it would help make your skin look soft and smooth.

Can coconut oil remove stretch marks?

Yes, regular application of coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Key Takeaways

Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched or shrunk rapidly, caused by multiple factors.
Topical medications, home remedies, cosmetic treatments, or medical procedures can diminish stretch marks on the butt.
You can prevent stretch marks by eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, massaging the affected area, and exercising.

Learn how to get rid of stretch marks on your butt effectively. Check out the video below to get the simple tips you need to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. STRETCH MARK REMOVAL TREATMENT: MY RESULTS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVDG39WR6eM

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.