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Pregnancy and Your Skin
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| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life.
Most women enjoy being pregnant and are happy
with the changes motherhood brings, but are not
always prepared for the effects of pregnancy on
their skin. Many of pregnancy’s stubborn
signature marks can be faded, or even erased,
thanks to advances is skin care.
Skin: Many women experience a "glow" during
pregnancy but some may develop changes in skin
pigmentation, known as melasma (or the “mask of
pregnancy”), which is common in the facial area.
Studies suggest that up to three in four women
may develop these changes which are
characterized by a blotchy brown increase in
pigment. Since sun
exposure can make these areas darker, it is
important to a wear sunscreen with a SPF of at
least 15. Surface-layer melasma sometimes fade
on its own after delivery; when it doesn’t,
treatment starts with hydroquinone, a topical
bleach, often used in conjunction with skin care
products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Stretch Marks: Up to 90 percent of women develop
stretch marks during pregnancy, and there’s not
a cream on earth that will keep them from
forming (though keeping these areas
well-moisturized keeps skin in good condition
and just feels good!). That’s because stretching
occurs not on the skin’s surface but deep down,
causing structural changes to collagen and
elastin. Most of these red marks will gradually
fade to a silvery white over time. While there
are no topical treatments that can successfully
remove stretch marks they can be surgically
excised in procedures such as a tummy tuck or
breast lift.
Spider Veins: These small, dilated blood vessels
located close to the surface of the skin are a
common imprint of pregnancy that often show up
on the face and legs. Some go away following
delivery, while others remain. Spider veins on
the face can be improved with laser treatments,
while small veins on the legs are usually
treated with sclerotherapy, which involves the
injection of a salt-like solution into the
vessel.
Your skin care needs will likely change during
pregnancy and during the postpartum period.
Hormonal changes can cause previously dry skin
to produce oil and otherwise oily skin to feel
tight and dry.
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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