Stretch Marks Treatments: What You Need to Know

There are several reasons why women get stretch marks. Pregnancy is one of them. Another would be due to rapid weight gain or loss. There is nothing bad about getting pregnant or losing weight but when skin is constantly stretched, it will be difficult for it to go back to its original state afterwards. In fact, you will see some kind of designs that have formed on the skin and these are called stretch marks.

Stretch marks can affect men, too. These marks usually form on the upper arms, lower back, thighs, buttocks, hips, breasts, and abdominal area of the body. There are a number of stretch marks treatments out there so this skin problem has become easier to cure.

What are stretch marks?

The Color - At first the stretch mark's color is reddish or purplish but as time passes, the skin will become glossy and the color will turn into silver or white. Stretch marks are formed in the dermis which is the middle layer of the skin. This part of the skin is actually elastic and helps the skin keep its shape. However, if the dermis is constantly stretched and has reached its limit, it will break and form into stretch marks.

Stretch Marks as Scars - Stretch marks are also one type of skin scars. Aside from the reasons like pregnancy and rapid weight gain, heredity, lifestyle, and nutrition can also contribute to the increased development of these marks.

What are the stretch mark treatments?

Creams and Ointments - The good thing about stretch marks is that they fade overtime. Those that don't fade can also be treated by using one of the stretch marks treatments available today. One kind of treatment would be applying topical creams or ointments. Some creams use synthetic chemicals like hydroxyl to heal while other formulas use natural ingredients. These kinds of creams penetrate into the inner layers of the skin to tighten, firm and moisturize. The natural formulas also encourage the production of collagen and elastin to strengthen the skin and keep it from breaking in the future.

Laser Removal - The second type of treatment that can help remove stretch marks is laser scar removal. This type of procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve scarring or incisions. The treatment works by focusing a controlled beam of laser on the affected area.

What does it do? The laser will break down scar tissues and once these are dissolved, new skin cells and collagen will start to develop in the area that was once occupied by the scar tissues. It will not take you a long time to heal after the treatment and it is more affordable in comparison to surgery.

Abdominoplasty - The last type of procedure is called abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This treatment was actually meant to remove excess skin or fat from the abdominal area but surgeons have observed that stretch marks are also significantly reduced after this treatment.

What You Should Know - Although this type of method is effective in removing old or aged stretch marks, the healing time is longer and the costs are higher as well. One should also consult a doctor before undergoing a serious operation like this. Even if you have chosen one of these stretch marks treatments to get rid of your scars, it is important that you exercise and eat the right food because this will help your skin stay healthy.