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Non Surgical Solutions : Stretch Marks
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Stretch Marks : Introduction
It is thought that at least 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females, and 40% of adolescent males in the US develop stretch marks.
How to get rid of Stretch Marks?
The majority of treatments are most effective on stretch marks that are still pink or in their early stage of development, so the earlier you can start treating them the better. The concept behind treating anything early on is that you also limit the amount of damage that is caused.
Laser surgery is one of the most popular methods for treating stretch marks that are new or those that are red, purple or brown.
Lotions containing alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) can be of some benefit in your battle to get rid of stretch marks. AHAs are usually derived from fruit and they are sometimes called ‘fruit acids. These creams can improve your skin texture and color by increasing cell regeneration. AHAs remove the top layer of cells which then allows healthier ones to come to the surface which help with improving the appearance of your stretch marks.
Clinical trials have shown significant success with various prescription creams that contain tretinoin or Retin A. These creams thin the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and then penetrate the dermis (the middle layer where stretch marks develop) where they stimulate collagen growth. However, there are a few side affects from these lotions if you use too much, such as sensitivity to sunlight and skin thickening, so always consult your doctor for the correct dose.
Pregnant women should avoid using Tretinoin and products with retinoic acid. There is also limited information on whether using retinoic acid is safe during breastfeeding.
Both kinds of creams are most effective if they are used on pink stretch marks in their early stages. Once the stretch marks are white or old nothing short of surgery can improve them.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Laser stretch mark removal can be an effective treatment option for improving the appearance of those dreaded stretch marks, but it can also be quite expensive. Laser surgery won’t actually remove your stretch marks, but it can help them to fade.
The laser energy also causes slight inflammation in the dermis (middle layer of skin) structure which then prompts the body to restructure that particular area, creating new tissue. Over time this procedure helps the stretch marks scars to fade.
Laser Stretch mark removal usually requires about five to six treatments, but this can depend on a number of factors related to your specific skin type and color.
Strech Mark Surgery
Abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) is probably the only form of surgery that actually removes stretch marks. This procedure is primarily performed to tighten and contour the stomach wall by removing excess fat and skin- See section on cosmetic surgery of the body. Stretch marks that are located below the belly button are usually also removed in this operation.
Preventing Stretch Marks
One way to prevent stretch marks, associated with obesity, from spreading is to avoid excessive weight gain in a short time span. Try to control your weight through a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. It is thought that vitamin E can help get rid of stretch marks. Boosting your intake of vitamins and minerals that help to maintain healthy skin, such as vitamin C, zinc and silica, can also help.
To help prevent stretch marks from forming around the breast area during pregnancy, always wear a supportive maternity bra.
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