Stretch marks are linear scars on the skin which may appear as reddish, purplish or silvery white depending on their age. They usually appear after a dramatic weight loss or gain; and, are caused by overstretching and tearing of the skin.
These appearances are most common during the puberty period wherein there is presence of hormonal changes stimulating growth and development. Women, during their pregnancy stages, are also prime recipients of these scars.
Although they could not jeopardize health, they can cause esteem and appearance issues. You don’t have to worry that much, though. There are surgical options which you can avail to reduce the linear streaks on your body.
Treatments for stretch marks have been widely used worldwide and anyone having enough financial support can avail these treatments with proper medical consultations.
Microdermabrasion
This is a technique commonly used to treat old stretch marks. The doctor uses a special equipment to blow small mineral crystal particles on the affected area. The crystals are designed to polish the outermost layer of the skin producing a smooth and evened-out skin surface. After which, the doctor will use a vacuum to suck the mineral crystals and the skin cells removed during the procedure. This technique allows your skin to regenerate a better outer layer.
Pulsed Dye Lasers
This technique is recommended to both old and new stretch marks. The procedure includes short bursts of laser energy to stimulate the fibroblasts – a precursor needed for collagen and elastin formation. This process alters the affected skin and decreases the appearance of the scar.
Excimer Lasers
An excimer laser treatment is capable to return even the most off-hue skin parts to the original skin tone. The main mechanism of this procedure is to stimulate melanin production. Melanin is the skin pigment. It is responsible for giving your skin its natural hue tones. This technique aims for re-pigmentation wherein the stretch marks are given back the pigment they used to have.
Fractional Photothermolysis
Fractional photothermolysis is an alternative to pulsed dye lasers. Both treatments aim to increase collagen and elastin production. However, the difference between the latter is that fractional photothermolysis alters small skin zones with a larger treatment area. The benefit of altering smaller skin areas is that it takes little time to heal but as effective as the latter.
Chemical Peels
A less invasive procedure done in an in-office set-up is a chemical peel. This procedure includes exfoliation using certain chemical compounds which are capable to remove layers of your skin. These peels leave a smoother and more even skin tone. The peel also stimulates collagen formation and production.
Putting Perspective
Stretch marks are famed for their harmless nature. However, according to recent studies, having extensive stretch marks can predispose tearing or ulcer formation on the skin.
There is no best treatment for stretch marks, though. Regardless of efficiency, it still isn’t consistent because of the individual characteristics and peculiar adaptation.