Stretch marks, while typically associated with pregnancy, can occur from many different situations. Anytime the skin rapidly stretches or the body shrinks, as with pregnancy or rapid weight gain or loss, it is possible for individuals to develop stretch marks. As these are often very pronounced, stretch mark removal is a goal for many people.
The most common areas of the body for stretch marks on men or women are the abdominal area, breasts, buttocks, hips, upper arms and upper part of the thighs. However, it is possible for stretch marks to occur anywhere on the body underspecific conditions.
The Cause of Stretch Marks
To understand why many of the traditional or home remedies for stretch mark removal simply won’t work it is important to understand the cause of the condition. It is not a lack of skin moisture, in fact that has nothing to do with hydration at all. It is, however, a result of the elastin fibers in the skin tearing or breaking as they simply cannot stretch enough to accommodate sudden weight loss or gain.
The first signs of stretch marks are typically small to large indentations in the skin. These will typically run vertically and are dark red to purple or even brown depending on your skin tone. Over time the color fades and, for those that have a light skin tone, they may turn silvery, white, or gray.
Removing Stretch Marks
When stretch marks still have a darker color it is possible to use a topical cream to help with stretch mark removal. Gels that contain hyaluronic acid or a retinoid, which stimulates the development of collagen in the skin, can be very effective in limiting the visibility of recent stretch marks.
Once the stretch marks have healed or are healing, laser treatments can be very effective. The use of a focused laser light will assist in boosting collagen production in the skin and will also reduce the blood flow to the area, diminishing the visible color difference in the skin.
For many people laser treatments, in combination with prescription creams, can eliminate the signs of stretch marks without the need for surgical stretch mark removal.
Surgical Options
When rapid weight loss is the issue, or after pregnancy when the abdominal area doesn’t respond to exercise or diet, a tummy tuck can be used to remove the areas of skin that are problematic. This is a permanent option for stretch mark removal and for any scarring below the line of the naval.
A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is the most effective option in deciding which stretch mark removal treatment is best suited to your needs. Discussing your options provides the opportunity to make the best and most informed decision based on your body and your goals.
At Chicago Cosmetic Institute we have several highly effective options for stretch mark removal. To schedule an appointment or to learn more visit us online at website.
