When your skin undergoes rapid elongation or contraction, it leaves scars in the form of linear streaks. Although stretch marks aren’t harmful or uncomfortable, they might affect the skin’s appearance. You could be thinking about changing your stretch marks if you’re one of those people.
About 90% of the population, by some estimates, shows signs of having stretch marks. Pregnancy and other sudden weight changes also tend to bring them out. Stretch marks are common among adolescents for various reasons, including fast growth.
Although these scars can appear everywhere on the body, they are most frequently found on the stomach, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. They may leave a little ridge or imprint on your skin when you contact them. They may be irritating, too.
Although stretch marks are not harmful in and of themselves, many people would rather not have them. In the same way that other scars might be permanent, stretch marks can be, too; however, they may also shift and lighten over time. For instance, pregnant stretch marks tend to disappear during the first six months.
Please read for more information on stretch mark revisions that may help minimize their appearance.
Why Do Stretch Marks Happen?
Damage to the skin’s elastin and collagen fibers occurs when the skin is stretched or when cortisone levels rise. Cortisone is a hormone that your body makes naturally, and there is no reason to avoid it. Nonetheless, an excess of this hormone has been linked to decreased skin flexibility.
The occurrence of the following also increases the prevalence of stretch marks:
- Since the skin expands in several directions to accommodate the expanding fetus, stretch marks are prevalent during pregnancy. Constant stretching and tugging might enlarge stretch marks.
- When rapid weight gain or loss occurs, stretch marks may appear. A sudden growth spurt is another possible cause of stretch marks in teenagers.
- By lowering the skin’s elasticity, corticosteroid creams, tablets, and lotions can also lead to stretch marks.
- Whether or not you get stretch marks hinges in part on your genes. Most people with a history of stretchmarks in their family develop stretch marks themselves.
Stretch Marks Prevention
Stretch marks caused by fast weight gain or reduction are preventable during pregnancy if the expecting mother stays hydrated, eats a balanced diet, and exercises consistently.
However, there is no 100% effective method of preventing stretch marks, and they tend to run in families regardless of how diligently you use lotions and creams. Remember that they are familiar and harmless because of their natural occurrence.
Stretch Mark Revision Solves Your Concerns
Laser scar correction with the Fotona is a noninvasive method. When dealing with scar tissue, lasers are ideally suited for the job. Scars of all kinds, including acne scars, surgical scars, hypertrophic scars, and stretch marks, are all treatable with our help. A scar’s erythema, volume, and flexibility are all enhanced by this treatment, as is the scar’s overall cosmetic look.
High-intensity light beams remove the superficial layers of skin surrounding the stretch marks, a process known as laser stretch mark modification. The ultraviolet laser virtually dissolves the skin tissue, allowing for the formation of new skin cells. Patients seeking laser treatment for stretch marks should be informed that it typically takes multiple sessions to see noticeable results. A series of treatments are necessary to achieve optimal results, as all of the superficial skin layers must be addressed simultaneously.
Clients might anticipate redness, swelling, and irritation during laser stretch mark modification. This is entirely typical, and it will probably clear up in a few days to a few weeks. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique; therefore, the time it takes to heal can vary.
While the laser stretch mark revision treatments at Zen Dermatology are significantly less expensive and invasive than surgical procedures, they can still mount up if multiple sessions are required. Discussing your provider about your anticipated treatment schedule and budget is in order.
Pre-Treatment
Listen carefully to your doctor’s advice and carry it out exactly as they specify::
- Gentle skin cleanser, preferably Aquaphor, although Vaseline will do. Moisturizing occlusive ointment. For a mild yet effective cleanse, try ZO.
- Cold compresses/ice
- SPF 50 or higher, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to use after treatment.
- Don’t go out in the sun; use a tanning bed or a tanning cream in the month following your treatment.
- When the treated region is exposed to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher. If you have a tan, you should not expect treatment.
- Be sure to clean the treatment area thoroughly on the day of the procedure.
- If you’re a man getting treatment for your face and neck, you should shave well before your appointment.
- Please wear a button-down shirt if you are receiving treatment to your face or neck.
- Do not use your contact lenses on the day of your treatment; instead, bring your regular glasses.
Post-Treatment
After each laser treatment, your skin needs special attention. Pay immediate attention to what is being said! Complications are more likely to arise if this isn’t done.
Within the initial 24-hour period following treatment:
- To reduce swelling and pain, apply ice or cold packs every two hours for no more than 20 minutes.
- Apply a moisturizing ointment to the affected regions every two hours.
- If you find that the ice/cold packs are helping with the swelling and pain, you can keep using them (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off).
- An itchy sensation is possible in the treated area.
- Apply a moisturizing ointment to the affected area once every three to four hours. The time it takes to heal and any associated discomfort, like itching, will be significantly reduced.
- Start using a mild cleanser twice daily to clean the skin gently. The treated area should not be scrubbed. After each cleansing, reapply the occlusive ointment.
- Stay out in the sun for a few weeks. When the treated region is exposed to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher. Use sun protection like a brimmed hat or clothes to keep the treated area out of the sun.
- Regular activities can be resumed after 24 hours if you feel up to it.
- You can return to your regular schedule as soon as you feel ready.
Takeaway
Even while stretch marks don’t pose any health dangers, nobody likes the look of them. Zen Dermatology is the place to contact if you’re thinking about getting your stretch marks removed. We provide a range of services that may aid you in addressing skin issues and realizing your cosmetic objectives.