Stretch marks are simple marks on our body that represent a beautiful journey of pregnancy, or sometimes due to other reasons too, but somehow they can be a reason for insecurity. So what is the modern solution to get rid of stretch marks permanently?
In this blog post, we will learn about how stretch marks occur. Which are the different types of stretch marks? What causes them to appear, and how can they be eliminated? Do stretch marks fade over time? Let’s look for the answers in this article, which describes the various kinds of stretch marks on the body, their causes, and their non-surgical treatments.
Body Stretch Marks: What exactly are they?
A stretch mark is a kind of scar that appears when the skin suddenly and rapidly stretches or contracts. This alteration causes the collagen and elastin to break, leaving a scar behind as the skin heals. Stretch marks are more likely to occur in areas where fat is stored than on the face, hands, or feet.
What is the real cause of stretch marks?
- Teenage stretch marks are frequently caused by growth spurts during puberty.
- Stretch marks on the stomach are often caused by pregnancy. While some women take their stretch mark pictures after pregnancy and even treasure them, others find these marks on the skin unsightly and embarrassing.
- Rapid weight gain or loss can cause the skin in that area to stretch or shrink, resulting in stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, and other areas where fat has been gained or lost. The back is frequently affected by stretch marks caused by rapid weight gain.
- Stretch marks arise from rapid increases in muscle size brought on by weight training or bodybuilding. The outcome might be stretch marks on the thighs and shoulders. a result.
- Long-term use of corticosteroids on the skin is one of the other causes of stretch marks.
- Stretch marks may result from the adrenal gland’s release of cortisol, which weakens the skin’s elastic fibers.
- Stretch marks can be inherited or develop spontaneously. Stretch marks on the body are more likely to run in families where there is a history of them.
- Any procedure that causes the skin to suddenly stretch or shrink, such as breast augmentation surgery, results in stretch marks in the affected skin area.
- Stretch marks can also result from the use of anabolic steroids.
How do stretch marks appear, or what are the common symptoms?
- When skin is stretching acutely, stretch marks appear as red lines. For example, red stretch marks on the stomach develop during pregnancy as a result of the skin rapidly stretching to accommodate the underlying growth.
- Stretch marks can be red, pink, purple, or brown when they first show up. Their color varies according to the skin tone of the individual.
- Stretch marks cause itching and give the skin a raised appearance.
- A mature stretch mark has a small depression in the skin and a lighter appearance.
- Stretch marks that are white indicate the chronic phase.
So, what are the right treatments to get rid of stretch marks permanently?
There are some safe and non-surgical treatments that can help remove stretch marks permanently that are listed below
Radiofrequency Treatment:
Similar to all forms of energy, radiofrequency is also capable of producing heat. The deeper skin layers are heated during the procedure. Consequently, this promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. For best results, dermatologists advise multiple sessions for a few months to achieve a complete result. The deeper layers of skin can be safely penetrated by radiofrequency treatment waves, which improve without causing harm to the outer layer, maintaining its general tone and structure.
Though radiofrequency treatment is FDA-approved and non-surgical, certain side effects are included, like tingling, pain, redness, and swelling.
Microdermabrasion:
Stretch mark removal with microdermabrasion is a painless treatment that helps make white stretch marks look less noticeable. It helps the skin tighten the collagen and elastin fibers by acting on the epidermis.
Secret PRO Treatment:
Stretch marks can be eliminated with Secret PRO Refine, a procedure that uses microneedling to rejuvenate the skin and cause its collagen to regenerate. Through the use of microneedles, radiofrequency light is used in this treatment to deeply penetrate the skin. It facilitates the easy reduction of stretch marks.
MNRF Machine for Radiofrequency Treatment, Microdermabrasion, and Secret PRO Treatment
Laser Therapy
Another effective method for getting rid of these scars is laser treatment to remove stretch marks. Stretch marks can be removed with laser therapy by creating microscopic wounds with CO2 fractional resurfacing lasers that break the tissue beneath the skin. Moreover, it speeds up the formation of new skin by encouraging the production of collagen and cell renewal. With laser resurfacing, the skin’s outer layer is removed and its structure is restored.
Fraxis Duo Machine for Laser Therapy
Chemical Peeling:
Chemical peels can also be beneficial to remove stretch marks as they remove the outer layer of skin, revealing fresh skin beneath, by using acids, primarily glycolic and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid promotes faster healing by dissolving dead skin cells. Stretch marks appear less noticeable when excess connective tissue is broken down.
Can stretch mark removal treatment ensure a permanent result?
The results are expected to be visible and permanent after 5–6 sessions of the treatment as prescribed by the dermatologist.
Is removing stretch marks with a laser painful?
If you’re thinking about having stretch marks removed with a laser, you should be aware of what to expect from the process. The medical professional creating the treatment plan will examine your condition and any stretch marks you may have during the initial consultation.
The skin specialist will apply topical numbing cream and clean the treatment area before beginning the actual procedure. The stretch marks will then be the focus of their laser application. The tissues beneath the stretch marks will heat up and change as a result of the light pulses.
However, the FDA has approved laser stretch mark removal as a non-invasive procedure. The side effects of the treatment are typically minimal. Most people who are exposed to the concentrated light rays report experiencing a slight warming sensation. Therefore, it concludes that laser stretch mark removal includes minimal pain during the procedure.
Is stretch mark removal treatment safe and suitable for every individual?
Even though laser stretch mark removal is a safe procedure, some people cannot get the treatment, and it is not recommended if you have any of the following issues or conditions:
- You can still use this laser if your complexion is a little darker, but you may experience some hyperpigmentation.
- It is not recommended that women who are nursing or pregnant undergo this laser treatment.
- Stretch mark removal treatment can affect skin conditions; people with acne problems should avoid using it.
What common risks are involved after stretch mark treatment?
- With laser stretch mark removal treatment, one can enjoy smoother, more attractive skin and reduce the visibility of stretch marks, which is a safe and efficient method. Nevertheless, there are some risks involved with this kind of stretch mark treatment, just like with any laser procedure.
- Skin irritation is the most common reaction. This may also include blistering, oedema, and redness in the treated area.
- Additionally, there’s a chance of skin pigmentation changes, burns, and scarring. These are uncommon side effects that usually result from improper laser usage.
What after-care is needed following the stretch mark removal treatment?
- While working is a good way for patients to stay active, they must take care not to overwork themselves. By doing this, the blood flow in the legs is maintained.
- Following the treatment, patients should also sleep on their backs for one or two weeks.
- To see results quickly, you must use the ointment that your doctor has prescribed.
Conclusion:
In recent years, the removal of stretch marks has gained popularity as a treatment for these kinds of skin scars. Studies have shown that 92% of patients who underwent laser stretch mark removal were happy with the outcome of their treatment. This high degree of patient satisfaction can probably be attributed to the laser’s deep skin penetration, which allows it to remove marks without causing harm to surrounding tissue.
