Your Guide to Safe & Effective Stretch Mark Treatment in Thames Ditton
Stretch marks are narrow, scar-like lines that appear when the skin has been stretched quickly, often during pregnancy, growth spurts or weight changes. At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, Surrey, Dr Bravis offers advanced radio-frequency microneedling and skin-quality treatments to help soften the appearance of stretch marks and support smoother, more even-looking skin.
Common concerns with stretch marks
You may notice:
- Fine or wider lines on the tummy, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts or upper arms that start red, purple or darker and fade to paler, silvery marks over time.
- Slightly indented or different-textured skin where the marks sit compared to the surrounding area.
- Feeling self-conscious in swimwear, underwear or fitted clothing because of visible lines.
Stretch marks are extremely common in both women and men and can appear at any age from the teenage years onwards. Even though they are a normal part of skin change, many people would prefer them to be less noticeable.
What causes stretch marks?
Key contributors include:
- Rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy, puberty growth spurts or significant weight gain.
- Rapid muscle gain or bodybuilding in some areas.
- Genetics and skin type, which influence how easily the deeper skin layers tear.
- Hormonal factors such as increased cortisol, which can weaken skin fibres and make stretch marks more likely.
When the skin stretches faster than it can adapt, tiny tears form in the deeper dermis and heal as scar-like lines called striae. These lines are harmless but can vary in colour, width and depth.
Are stretch marks serious?
Stretch marks are medically harmless, but they can:
- Affect body confidence, particularly around the tummy, thighs, hips, buttocks and breasts.
- Make the skin look uneven in certain lights or photos.
- Feel at odds with the amount of care you take with your health, pregnancy recovery or fitness.
They rarely disappear completely, but non-surgical treatments can safely reduce how visible they are and improve skin texture.
When to see a specialist at Thames Dental & Skin
You may benefit from a consultation if:
- You have stretch marks after pregnancy, weight change or growth spurts and would like them to be less noticeable.
- You feel limited in what you wear because of visible marks on your tummy, thighs, buttocks or breasts.
- You want to explore non-surgical options to improve stretch mark texture and colour with minimal downtime.
You can book a skin consultation online in Thames Ditton or contact us to speak to our reception team about the most suitable appointment.
How stretch marks are assessed
At your appointment, Dr Bravis will:
- Examine the location, depth and colour of your stretch marks (for example tummy, buttocks, thighs, hips, breasts).
- Assess skin thickness, laxity and any associated loose or crepey skin in the same area.
- Review your medical history, pregnancy or weight-change history and previous treatments.
This helps determine whether Profound RF Microneedling alone or in combination with skin-quality treatments like Profhilo Body is best suited to your goals.
Stretch mark treatment options in Thames Ditton
Treatment is personalised and may include:
- Profound RF Microneedling for the body – combines radio-frequency energy with microneedling to stimulate collagen and elastin in the deeper skin.
- Helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and tightens surrounding skin on areas such as the tummy, thighs, buttocks and arms.
- Profhilo Body (for suitable cases) – a high-concentration hyaluronic acid injectable designed to improve overall skin quality and laxity.
- Can support hydration, firmness and texture in areas with stretch marks where the skin also feels crepey or loose.
- Personalised medical-grade skincare via GetHarley – for some patients, targeted body skincare, including ingredients that support collagen and barrier repair, may be recommended to complement in-clinic treatments.
Treatment plans are tailored to your skin type, area of concern and tolerance for downtime, with realistic expectations discussed at your consultation.
Looking after areas prone to stretch marks at home
Good daily care helps support your results and overall skin health:
- Keeping the skin well-hydrated with gentle, nourishing body products.
- Using SPF on exposed body areas to minimise further colour contrast and sun damage.
- Supporting stable weight, gradual training changes and healthy lifestyle habits.
You will receive tailored advice after treatment on how best to care for areas affected by stretch marks.
Why choose Thames Dental & Skin for stretch mark treatment in Thames Ditton?
Thames Dental & Skin offers advanced, non-surgical options for stretch marks, focusing on safe, natural-looking improvement in texture and visibility. Dr Bravis uses Profound RF Microneedling and, where appropriate, Profhilo Body and medical-grade skincare to create personalised plans for smoother, more confident skin.
From the clinic on Portsmouth Road in Thames Ditton (KT7 0XX), patients visit from across Surrey to address stretch marks and related body skin concerns. You can book a skin consultation online or contact us to speak to our friendly team about the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Ready to book a consultation?
Whether you are exploring treatment for fine lines, established wrinkles, or seeking expert advice on subtle facial rejuvenation, Thames Dental & Skin provides a careful, medical approach focused on natural movement and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stretch marks be completely removed?
Stretch marks cannot usually be removed completely, as they are a type of scar. However, treatments like RF microneedling can significantly reduce their appearance and improve skin texture.
What is the best treatment for stretch marks in Thames Ditton?
Advanced treatments such as Profound RF microneedling are highly effective for stimulating collagen and elastin, helping to smooth and soften stretch marks. Your treatment will be tailored during consultation.
Do stretch mark treatments hurt?
Most treatments are well tolerated. A numbing cream is typically applied before procedures like RF microneedling to keep you comfortable throughout the session.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the depth, colour and location of your stretch marks. Some patients see improvement after one session, but a course of treatments may be recommended for best results.
How long does it take to see results?
Initial improvements may be visible within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months as collagen production increases.
Are stretch mark treatments safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified professional, treatments such as RF microneedling and skin boosters are safe and clinically proven to improve skin quality.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
There may be mild redness, swelling or sensitivity for a few days after treatment, depending on the area and intensity of the procedure.
