Types of scars
However, regardless of the reason for the stretch marks, there are various stretch marks treatments available such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, a surgical tummy tuck procedure, and a laser stretch mark removal technique that can remove stretch marks completely or partially. Among all of these procedures, the laser stretch mark removal procedure is an advanced stretch marks treatment that helps to gain back the natural-looking smooth, and clear skin. Hence it is preferred by the majority of people and is a non-invasive procedure and requires no downtime.
CAUSES
Our skin has the ability to stretch and shrink considerably. When this change in elasticity is drastic, the collagen and elastin present in the skin rupture. During the process of healing, they cause scars known as stretch marks.
The following conditions are common causes for the stretch marks to form:
1. Pregnancy
2. Extreme weight changes
3. Workout out excessively such as for bodybuilders
4. Whenever there is a growth spurt such in adolescents and teens
5. The use of certain steroids especially long term
6. Use of certain topical creams
7. Hormonal changes
8. Unprescribed and overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs
9. Certain medical conditions such as Marfan’s Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome
Stretch marks can be embarrassing, and treating them has the following benefits:
Rebuilds collagen -
* Stretch mark treatments help the collagen in the skin regain its structure.
* This helps in the proliferation of cells known as fibroblasts.
* The skin gets tighter, firmer, and smoother
* The discolouration of the stretch marks disappear
* The marks are filled and smoothened out
Promotes wound healing -
* The treatments rush collagen to the area of stretch marks for healing
* Promotes and regenerates the skin cells to grow
* Renews the skin layers
Breaks down the scarring -
* Breaks down the scars at the subdermal level
* The flaccidity of the skin is reduced
* Thickens the thin consistency of the marks
* Softens and flattens the mark
* Evens out the area of marks and keeps it at the level of the skin
Improves the appearance of the skin -
* The agents used in stretch mark treatments, such as heat, chemical substances, etc., help in maintaining an even skin tone
* The white or red marks fade away considerably with time and begin to look like the rest of the skin tone.
* The constituent ingredients help exfoliate the skin and stimulate the production of elastin and collagen.
* Some treatments, such as PRP, where healing factors are injected back into the skin, are best suited for recent stretch marks.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
The appearance of stretch marks can be embarrassing and concerning but they fade away with time- a long while. Today, there are various treatments that make them less visible and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Have a realistic expectation before going to get stretch marks treatment
* Laser therapy - Specialized lasers including ablative lasers such as CO2 lasers, Erbium YAG and non-ablative lasers such as Alexandrite and Fraxel destroy the upper layers of the skin as well as increase the development of collagen from the inside out.
* Skin treatments including microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels remove the dead cells as well as provide deep exfoliation.
* Radiofrequency - Energy waves such as radio waves are sent into the skin to even out and smoothen the skin
* Prescription medication- Sometimes, you may need to take medication depending upon the duration of the stretch marks, skin type, texture and your realistic expectation
MICRONEEDLING
Through tiny and fine needles dermaroller/Dermapen penetrates in the targeted skin area. This controlled injury causes superficial bleeding in the skin which triggers growth and formation of new collagen which improves the stretch marks.
Benefits
• Painless procedure.
• Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
• Improves the appearance of stretch marks.
• Cost effective.
MICRODERMABRASION
In this technique tiny crystals are used to remove the top layer of the skin which helps in removing the imperfections and growth of new healthy skin.
Benefits
• Painless procedure
• Cost effective
• Skin rejuvenation
DEEP CHEMICAL PEEL
Deep peel penetrates up to dermis and causes skin rejuvenation and exfoliation. Professionals who carry out the procedure clean the skin thoroughly and apply the chemical solutions. Some people may experience a burning sensation that may last for a few minutes. Results involve skin looking like a sunburned area which involves redness, scaling of skin for 3-7 days, after which textural changes can be appreciated in each session.
MICRO NEEDLE RADIO FREQUENCY
Micro needle radio frequency is minimally invasive and efficacious for treating stretch marks, moderate to severe acne scars.
Micro needle RF combines radio frequency heat energy with micro needling to amplify the production of elation and collagen. Micro needles penetrate inside the skin and bipolar RF energy offs directly applied to the target area to bring the textural changes in the skin.
Benefits
• Smooth, less wrinkles and taut skin.
• Helps in fading away stretch marks better.
• Precise depth for optimal results.
• Patient can return to their normal routine within 24 hours.
LASER STRETCH MARKS TREATMENT
High-energy laser light is used to remove the thin layers of skin surrounding the stretch marks. After the procedure, the scars usually heal quickly forming new layers of the healthy skin making the stretch marks disappear leading to a better appearance.
SURGICAL STRETCH MARK REMOVAL
Surgical stretch mark removal is more advisable in patient post pregnancy or in patients post weight loss. It is done as a part of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck where excess skin which has stretch marks is removed along with fat from abdomen and around waist. This procedure gives the skin, abdomen a flatter and firmer look.