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Without a doubt, stretch marks can be a person's worst nightmare. We
know that there are creams, pills, and laser procedures to help remove
them. But are they effective? What is the solution to permanently
removing stretch marks?
or the record, stretch
marks are impossible to remove permanently. They are caused when the
fiber under the skin (collagen) is damaged. These fibers are extremely
hard to repair. They start out as prominent red lines, then turn into a
whitish- colored scar when healed. Once the damaged fiber is healed, it
becomes what we know as a stretch mark (visible scar tissue).
What causes the fibers to become damaged?
Fibers
can become damaged in many different ways. There are two common causes:
1) when the skin is stretched due to rapid weight gain or
2) muscle
hypertrophy (thickening of muscle fibers). For example in women who
have given birth or bodybuilders who pump up their muscles.
Additionally,
adolescent teens may notice stretch marks caused by natural growth
spurts, and eating too much at once may cause stretch marks to appear
around the stomach area.
The only surgery option
available to actually remove stretch marks entirely is a procedure
called abdominoplasty, which is a tummy tuck. This procedure is
primarily done to remove excess fat and skin and contour the stomach
wall. If there are stretch marks located below the belly button they
are usually removed in this operation.
Laser
surgery is a relatively new treatment option but one that is becoming
increasingly popular for treating stretch marks. It won't remove your
stretch marks completely but it can have significant success with
improving their appearance. Lasers can only detect stretch marks that
are a red, purple or brown, but new laser technology is currently being
developed that can treat mature stretch marks that have turned
silvery-white.
The pulse of the laser during
treatment feels a little bit like a slight sting or being pinched.
Usually a series of between five to six treatments is required for
optimum results, but this can depend on a number of different factors
that relate to your skin type and color. The appearance of the stretch
marks can also continue to improve for at least six months after the
last treatment. Side effects are usually rare, but slight blistering or
bruising may occur. At this stage laser surgery is still one of the
more expensive treatment options.
creams,
pills, or medical procedures can help, they improve the appearance of
stretch marks.Prescription creams that contain Tretinoin or Retin A are
derived from Vitamin A, but they tend to have more success than the
naturally occurring Vitamin. However, women should avoid using these
creams with these ingredients during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
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