Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common, affecting 70% of adolescent girls and can occur in females between the ages of 5 and 50 years.
They usually appear in areas such as:
- abdomen and breast in pregnant women
- thighs, hips, upper arms and lower back for the obese or overweight
- buttocks and breasts in adolescents undergoing growth spurts
SUCCESS CASES
*Due to MOH guidelines in Singapore, medical clinics cannot show before & after photos on their websites. However, we would be delighted to showcase our photographs and actual results during your in-clinic consultation with us.
Our Doctors
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Dr. SK Tan
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. SK Tan
Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
- MBBS
- Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
- Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Master of Business Administration
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).
Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. Ben Yim
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Ben Yim
Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.
- M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
- Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
- MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
- MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
- MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
- GDFM (NUS) 2019
Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botulinum Toxins, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening, fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.
As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botulinum Toxins and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.
Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.
Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Liz Lum YX
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Liz Lum YX
Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.
- MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
- Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.”
For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.
Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Ian Tan
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Ian Tan
Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.
- MBBS (Singapore)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- GDFM (Singapore)
- GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
- Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Accredited Family Physician
- Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
- Certificate Course in Andrology
Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.
A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Michelle Wong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Michelle Wong
Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
- MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
- Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botulinum Toxins & fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.
Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.
In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Vivian Yong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Vivian Yong
Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.
- MBBS
- GDFM
Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.
Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Sean Lim
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Sean Lim
- MBBS (Singapore)
- Certified Personal Trainer
Dr Sean is a dedicated medical professional with a diverse background in procedural disciplines and holistic care. He graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore, earning recognition on the Dean's List for his exemplary performance in his final year Professional Examination. Fully registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), Dr Sean is also certified to perform aesthetic procedures by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG).
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Sean actively engages in community service and leadership endeavours. He has contributed his medical expertise to humanitarian missions, including Naamjai Medical Missions trips to Thailand and a collaborative effort with plastic surgeons from NUH at Yangon's Defense Services General Hospital (DSGH).
Dr Sean's commitment to excellence extends beyond the medical field. As a former Singapore national athlete in pole vaulting, he has represented Singapore in numerous international competitions, earning accolades and setting records. Dr Sean’s passion for health and fitness is evident in his certification as a personal trainer and his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.
A proud new father, Dr Sean cherishes quality time with his family outside of work commitments, demonstrating a balanced approach to life and well-being. His belief in delivering quality care with a personal touch reflects his ethos as a compassionate healthcare provider.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
What exactly is a stretch mark?
Predominantly a skin problem that women and adolescents face, stretch mark or striae as it is medically known, is a type of scar that develops when the middle layer of the skin (dermis) stretches or shrinks too quickly. When the body expands, the connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch to accommodate slow growth. With rapid growth, there is sudden stretching and this causes the dermis to tear, allowing deeper layers of skin to show through. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support the skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear as long, narrow streaks, bands, or lines that can occur on various body parts.But they eventually fade to a silvery, white, or glossy appearance, due to the pale fat beneath the skin becoming visible instead of the usual blood vessels.
Early stretch mark may feel slightly raised and can be itchy but later becomes flattened, thin and turn pink or reddish in colour. Over time, these pink or red marks will fade to a silvery white and less prominent. Stretch marks are usually several centimetres long and 1 to 10 mm wide. Those caused by corticosteroid use or Cushing Syndrome are often larger and wider and may involve other regions, including the face.
Although some stretch marks gradually become less noticeable over time, this can take years.
Do's and Don't's
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Do give yourself a massage. Massaging the skin in a circular motion with a hydrating oil, may be helpful in keeping the areas moisturized and stretching the skin’s collagen and elastin, making skin more pliant.
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Do more exercises. By exercising, it not only aids in blood circulation, it also promotes anti-oxidants which are really important for stimulating collagen production. With exercise, any bodily repair works much better.
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Don’t go for drastic weight loss program. Rapid changes in body size should be avoided if possible. Since stretch marks represent small scars, rapid growth of the body can result in tearing of the skin and more stretch marks. Slower changes in body size may allow the skin to adjust more gradually. People with better skin elasticity and less rigid collagen are less likely to develop stretch marks, but it is not possible to modify these skin characteristics at present.
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Don’t expose your marks to UV. Avoid getting a suntan especially while on a holiday. It is important to put on sunscreen or sunblock with high SPF (depending on your activity), especially when you have new stretch marks as you don’t want the marks to worsen or darken.
Treatments
Treatments
Topicals
There are many creams, gels and oils that claim to treat stretch marks. They may work for some and not others. If you want to try these topical solutions, ensure that you use the product on early stretch marks. Take time to massage the product into your stretch marks to increase efficacy. Apply the product diligently every day for weeks until you see results.
In-clinic Procedures
Medical professionals and doctors may use various procedures ranging from chemical peel, laser therapy, microneedling, to radio frequency and IPL to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. For optimum results, your medical doctor may use more than one procedure.
Facials
While microdermabrasion will not completely remove stretch marks, studies have shown that this treatment can effectively reduce the appearance of mild to moderate ones.
Microdermabrasion works by buffing the epidermis with a spray head, blasting (or exfoliating) the skin with micro crystals to sand away dead skin cells. This type of exfoliation aids in stimulating the growth of new, healthy cells. You shouldn’t feel any pain or much discomfort while the treatment is being performed. It is a relatively quick procedure (often as part of a facial), with each treatment taking 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
The results of a smoother skin texture is only temporary as it cannot remove the stretch mark completely. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity of the stretch marks.
Are your stretch marks affecting your quality of life? Consult our doctors for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and a suitable treatment plan.
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Our Clinic Locations
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Novena Specialist Center
8 Sinaran Drive, #05-09 to 10
Singapore 307470 -
International Building
360 Orchard Road
#02-02 International
Building, Singapore 238869
Types of Stretch Marks
Striae rubrae
Signs of inflammation due to overstretching are most apparent at this stage and the affected skin turns pink / red or violaceous in colour. These marks are characterized by thickened collagen fibres that become more densely packed, arranging themselves in a perpendicular or parallel pattern. The number of elastic fibres also decreases. Markings may appear flat but can sometimes be slightly raised too. Formations gradually increase in both length and width. At this stage, stretch marks can also become itchy.
Striae albae
Classified as a more chronic or mature stage of stretch mark formation, these appear more irregularly shaped, hypo-pigmented and turning more whitish in color. Some may even develop a slightly wrinkly texture. The progression from striae rubrae to striae albae is gradual and can take several months to years, and which may become prominent with aging as skin loses elasticity.
Striae gravidarum
Stretch marks which develop as a result of pregnancy, appearing mostly on the abdomen, breast and thigh areas, typically occurring around the sixth or seventh month of gestation. These stretch mark may also occur around the lower back area, upper arms, hips and buttocks. This is due largely to a reduction in or weakening of elastin fibres and fibrillin microfibrils (a glycoprotein) in the dermis, mostly attributed to the physical and hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy. Although stretch marks acquired during pregnancy do tend to fade, they do not disappear completely.
Striae nigrae
Dark grey or black stretch marks that usually develop on darker complexion skin types.
Striae caerulea
Dark blue / purplish stretch marks that also usually develop on those with darker complexions.
Striae atrophicans
Thinned skin that is associated with stretch marks that may develop in those with Cushing’s syndrome, due to the prolonged use of corticosteroids or after a surgical procedure.
