Stretch marks reveal tissue content?

When I used to lift weights, a massive amount of stretch marks became apparent. The number and depth of my marks were quite severe when compared to almost anyone else in my gym. Does this signify a higher collagen to elastic content of my tissues. Meaning, since I have more collagen relative to elastin, I got more stretch marks? If so, would this possibly be the case in all of my tissues, not just skin (i.e. penis)? Could this be why some people are slower gainers…not as much elastin? Just a thought.

I had hideous stretch marks from lifting as well - all around my outer pecs, inner delts and my upper arms (mostly inner biceps).

In terms of PE gains, ok with length, very good with girth.

Don’t know if this helps you at all.

- w a d

Based on what I’ve been reading, I don’t think elastin has much to do with it. Whether you have a lot of elastin or a little, collagen is what limits your gains.

Collagen forms tough fibers (actually, stronger pound for pound than steel). I believe these are the molecules that limit extension when stretching.

Elastin provides some resiliency, or springiness, to the tissues. But I don’t think that elastin forms strong fibers the same way collagen does.

I’ve recently learned that penile ligaments contain a much higher percentage of elastin than most other ligaments in the body.

http://media.pe arsoncmg.com/ph … ml/ch4_3_2.html

So, maybe elastin matters more than I think. But I really doubt that changes the answer. I still have a lot to learn on this subject, however, so I could be wrong.

Thanks for the relies. If elastin is not a factor, than maybe hard gainers have a higher collagen percentage. Maybe this causes an increase in stretch marks?

Here’s a very thorough description of the origin and treatment of strech marks. It’s apparently not what we’ve been thinking.

http://www.derm adoctor.com/pag … ewsletter69.asp

Here’s an excerpt:

Stretch marks are often mistakenly blamed on the rapid stretching of the skin associated with such life events as pregnancy and growth spurts, but in actuality this is untrue. Stretch marks (also referred to as striae distensae) are the result of an increased level of circulating glucocorticoids throughout the bloodstream. This hormone, secreted by the adrenal glands (they lie on top of the kidneys), becomes elevated during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, weight lifting and Cushing’s disease.

Medications such as oral steroids can also cause stretch marks to develop. Stretch marks can even form from chronic over use of low potency topical steroid creams and ointments driven more deeply into the skin when covered with such materials as plastic wrap. High potency topical steroids require no occlusion to wreak havoc upon the skin and result in striae.

A Lack Of Support

All the stretching in the world will not result in a stretch mark so long as there is support within the dermis. Stretching may determine where the stretch marks will appear and also plays a role in which direction they run. But stretching alone is not the cause of a stretch mark. Perhaps the term stretch mark is really a misnomer!

Those glucocorticoids responsible for the development of a stretch marks affect the dermis by preventing the fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers, necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. This creates a lack of supportive material, as the skin is stretched and leads to dermal tearing. The epidermal cells are also affected, so the epidermis becomes thin and flattened, allowing for more visibility of the defects below.

If you were to look at a stretch mark under the microscope, you’d see that the dermis is thinner than normal. The collagen fibers have been pulled apart from each other, and the elastic fibers are broken and lie clumped along the edges of the stretch mark. They are nowhere to be found within the heart of the tear. Remember a healthy dermis is literally a chain linked fence, preventing sagging and crepiness seen later in life with wrinkles. If tears develop, the skin will show it.