Stretch Mark Removal
by Joanna
While stretch mark removal, complete removal, is difficult there are a few different techniques available to help get rid of stretch marks or at least help significantly minimize the appearance of them. You will just need to do a little research to find the right one for you. Preventing stretch marks is usually the best way to go, but if it’s too late for that you can find ways to remove stretch marks or at least reduce their appearance.
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars that are formed when the skin is stretched beyond what it is able to handle. When the skin is stretched too far it creates a tear in the dermis, or middle layer, of the skin which leaves a scar. Because there is scarring, stretch mark removal is more difficult than using methods to prevent stretch marks but there are techniques available that can remove them or make a remarkable difference in the appearance of them.
Stretch Mark Cream
Using a stretch mark cream to help get rid of stretch marks is probably the least expensive and least invasive method available. While stretch mark creams are more effective for preventing stretch marks they can help fade or reduce the appearance of them. They won’t completely remove stretch marks, but they can reduce the appearance enough that they become difficult to notice.
Many people have had good luck using Vitamin E oil or cocoa butter, but you may want to look for a stretch mark cream that combines a few of the important ingredients that will help strengthen and improve the health of the skin and stimulate the production of collagen.
Retinoid creams have been known to help, but they work best when these little scars are fairly new, less than a year old. Retinoid creams can make your skin sensitive to the sun and generally require a prescription so it’s best to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about using them.
But there are some milder versions of retinoid creams that are available over the counter that have shown to help lighten stretch marks. For instance you may have seen stretch mark removal creams containing retinyl palmitate.
Even the best stretch mark creams available can’t completely remove them, but a good cream can help lighten stretch marks so they are much less noticeable.
Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion To Remove Stretch Marks
Dermabrasion is another method used to help reduce the appearance of these little scars. Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that removes a layer of skin on the epidermis by “sanding” the skin with a specialized instrument. This allows a new layer of skin to grow in its place. This new layer of skin will generally have a much smoother appearance than the old layer that was removed.
After the procedure the skin will look and feel raw. One of the drawbacks is that this type of treatment can be painful and it will take months for the skin to grow back and heal. Because is is a more involved procedure than most stretch mark treatments it is done by a surgeon generally under general anesthetic or twilight anesthetic.
Microdermabrasion treatment for stretchmarks is a slightly less invasive way to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microdermabrasion involves the exfoliation and removal of the outermost layer of the skin, but it’s not as deep as dermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is done in sessions and can be done at a dermatologist office, a spa or even at home with an at home kit. Besides improving the appearance of the skin this treatment helps improve the production of collagen in your skin.
Laser Treatment For Stretch Marks
Laser stretch mark removal has shown to be effective, but the results may vary from patient to patient. When using laser treatment for stretch marks multiple sessions are generally needed. The best candidates for laser stretch mark treatments are those with a fair complexion or lighter pigmentation.
A benefit of laser treatments is that they also help stimulate collagen production which may be why some patients will see improvement months after the treatment was preformed.
Surgery To Remove Stretch Marks
One treatment that works to completely remove stretch marks is a tummy tuck in the lower abdomen. Of course this is mostly effective for stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight gain. A tummy tuck removes the skin below the belly button, which is where stretch marks often occur.
As you can see there are many options for stretch mark removal. For better luck you may even want to combine a couple of the techniques to help remove stretch marks. In many cases it will take some time and patience, but if you stick with it you should be able to noticeably reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
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