How-to · Flanks · Stretch marks
Stretch marks on the sides of your stomach: how to hide them
The sides of the waist, sometimes called the flanks or love handles, are one of the most common places for stretch marks, in all genders. They show in low-rise jeans, crop tops, bikinis and every time you raise your arms or twist. Here is what you can do.
Why the sides of the stomach get stretch marks
The flanks stretch during growth spurts, weight gain, muscle gain and pregnancy. Marks here often run horizontally or at a slight diagonal, following the skin’s tension lines. Teenagers often get them during puberty; adults often notice them after weight changes. New ones are red or purple; older ones fade to white or silver.
Clothing and makeup tricks
High-waisted bottoms and side-panel swimsuits cover the area well. For a crop top or bikini, a waterproof body foundation applied thinly and set with spray holds up better than concealer, because the area bends constantly. Self-tanner can make pale marks less obvious on lighter skin for a few days, but may look stripy if applied unevenly.
Real results and real moments
What creams and treatments can do
Moisturisers can soften the feel of the skin but do not erase stretch marks. Newer red or purple marks may respond to treatments a dermatologist offers. For mature pale marks, see creams vs camouflage for an honest comparison.
When colour matching may help
Mature white or silver marks on the flanks can be a good area for stretch mark camouflage, which blends their colour toward your natural tone. The skin here moves a lot, so healing takes care, and you may need more than one session. Camouflage doesn’t remove marks or change texture; results vary. Marks that are still red or purple should be left to mature first.
How it works at SKINEAV
- Photo or callSend a photo or book a free phone consult. Honest first answer.
- Assessment & colour testIn clinic, Evelyn checks your skin and tests a custom formula.
- TreatmentPigment placed precisely, only where it is needed, one-on-one.
- Heal & reviewThe colour settles over weeks; follow-ups are planned if needed.
What to expect at your appointment
Evelyn looks at the marks while you stand, sit and twist, since flank marks look different in each position. She tests a colour first, then places pigment only into the pale lines. Expect some redness for a day or two and avoid tight waistbands rubbing on the area while it heals.
Your next step
Ready to talk? Call 437-475-2757 for a free phone consult with Evelyn, or send a photo for a free assessment. Visits are by appointment at the clinic in Vaughan (36 Bessemer Ct, Unit 1).
Frequently asked questions
Are stretch marks on the sides normal?
Very. The flanks are one of the most common places for stretch marks in people of every body type.
Can men get camouflage on flank stretch marks?
Yes. Men often get flank marks from growth or muscle gain. The same rules about mature, pale marks apply.
Will working out make them worse?
Rapid muscle or weight gain can create new marks. Camouflaged marks can change if the skin stretches again.
How do I find out if my stretch marks are suitable?
Call 437-475-2757 for a free phone consult with Evelyn, or send clear daylight photos through the free assessment page. She will tell you honestly whether your marks are mature enough and whether colour matching is likely to help.