Stretch Mark Therapy is a treatment that can be applied to your body to treat and get rid of the marks that you have. The process includes the application of an anti-inflammatory cream that is applied directly on the affected area. It can also include the use of an injection for more drastic results. There are a few things to consider when choosing a therapy, including the costs and risks.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur when the skin expands or contracts too quickly. They may appear on the breasts, abdomen, thighs or other parts of the body.

It is not uncommon to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of women get them. Although many people associate them with pregnancy, there are a number of other reasons why they may form.

One of the main causes is rapid weight gain or loss. This is because the skin must stretch out to accommodate the extra weight. As a result, the collagen and elastin in the skin tear and cause stretch marks.

Another reason is an underlying medical condition. For instance, people with Cushing’s syndrome are more susceptible to developing stretch marks. During this condition, the body releases corticosteroids. These hormones are responsible for regulating the production of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production.

The same hormones are also responsible for reducing the amount of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a key component of the skin’s flexibility and suppleness.

Types of Stretch Marks

There are several different types of stretch marks, depending on their severity. Stretch marks can be found anywhere on the body, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, shoulders, back, and calves. They are often sore to the touch.

If you have recently gained weight, it’s important to check your body for any signs of stretch marks. Your doctor can easily tell if you have stretch marks by looking at your skin.

A few of the most common places that stretch marks appear are the hips, thighs, and buttocks. You can also get them on the abdomen and breasts. Typically, they are red, pink, purple, or silver, but some are lighter and others darker.

Most of these stretch marks are caused by weight gain. However, some medical conditions can cause them as well. These include Cushing’s Syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Pregnancy is another common cause of stretch marks. During pregnancy, hormones are released that affect the stability of the skin. This causes the elastic fibres to weaken, making it more likely for the skin to tear.

Prevention Tips

One of the first things a pregnant woman might notice is stretch marks. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and prevent them. A good starting point is a healthy lifestyle.

During pregnancy, you can minimize your chances of developing them by maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also a good idea to get a little exercise to keep those extra pounds at bay.

To keep your skin looking its best, always moisturize. This will not only keep it soft, but will also reduce the itching that results from stretching.

Another way to reduce your risk of developing stretch marks is to drink a lot of water. The Institute of Medicine recommends that you drink at least 72 ounces of water per day. For men, the recommended intake is 104 ounces.

A healthy diet, especially one that includes a daily serving of fruits and vegetables, will provide your body with a host of essential nutrients. Foods like fortified dairy, eggs and fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D.

Other steps to take include protecting your skin from the sun. UV rays can damage your collagen.

Treatment Options

For those battling stretch marks, there are treatment options available. Laser therapy, microneedling, and other techniques are designed to improve the appearance of stretch marks. It is important to consult with your doctor about the options that are right for you.

Stretch marks occur when your skin stretches quickly. They can appear on the upper extremities or lower arms, but they can also appear on the abdomen and breasts. If you are overweight, you may have a higher risk of developing them.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends light or laser treatments. These treatments are effective at stimulating collagen and elastin production, and improving the look of your stretch marks.

Retinoids are another treatment for stretch marks. Tretinoin, which is a synthetic version of vitamin A, increases the skin’s cell turnover. This leads to increased production of collagen and elastin, which smooths out the skin’s texture.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an alternative method of treating stretch marks. PRP is collected from blood and used to increase collagen production.

Cost of Treatment

Laser stretch mark therapy is a safe and effective way to get rid of stretch marks. However, there are some downsides to the procedure.

First, you need several laser treatments, spaced at least one month apart. This can add up to a lot of money. A couple of medical spas offer discounts for multiple sessions.

You may also be able to get a manufacturer rebate, which will reduce your cost by a few dollars. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for these discounts, you should contact your dermatologist.

During your consultation, your skin care specialist will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your needs. They can help you determine how many sessions you’ll need.

Stretch marks are caused by tears in the dermis. Using a pulsed dye laser, doctors can stimulate new collagen growth and restore healthy skin.

These lasers are the most effective ways to eliminate stretch marks. Some of the other techniques available to patients include microneedling and excisional surgery. Excisional surgery requires general anesthesia and can be expensive.

Benefits of Treatment

There are several treatments available for stretch marks. Some are non-invasive and others require a series of in-office treatments. The best treatment depends on your needs and the severity of your stretch marks.

One option is microneedling. It uses tiny needles to stimulate the production of collagen. This produces new skin that is fuller and less visible.

Fractional laser therapy also works to improve the appearance of stretch marks. In this method, the laser is divided into thousands of small treatment zones, which target targeted areas.

Another option is platelet-rich plasma therapy. Platelet-rich plasma is a substance that is taken from blood. When placed on the skin, it promotes the growth of collagen and elastin.

Red light therapy can also be used. The light helps the healing process, and improves circulation and ATP production.

Chemical peels can also be a beneficial treatment for stretch marks. They remove dead skin, stimulate new skin growth, and promote elasticity.

Stretch mark removal is usually carried out in a plastic surgeon’s office. These types of procedures can be expensive. However, they are often effective.

Risks of Treatment

When you are pregnant, you may experience the unpleasant symptom of stretch marks. They are white marks on the skin that appear when the connective tissue in your skin is stretched beyond its elasticity.

In addition to the physical symptom, these marks can also affect your self-image. It is therefore important to take steps to lessen their appearance.

One treatment is to apply a topical cream to the affected area. Topical products can help to stimulate collagen renewal. However, they can also cause skin irritation. You should always talk to your doctor before applying a topical cream.

Another alternative is to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. A laser treatment is non-invasive and can be performed in the dermatologist’s office. This procedure can make your skin smoother and firmer.

Laser treatment is usually performed over a few sessions. The cost for this procedure ranges from $400 to $800. Depending on your skin type, you may need several sessions to see a full improvement.

Other in-office procedures include dermarolling, radiofrequency, microdermabrasion, and ultrasound. These treatments are more effective than topical creams, and are performed in the comfort of your dermatologist’s office.

Aftercare

When it comes to stretch mark therapy, the most important thing to remember is to follow the doctor’s advice and aftercare instructions. Failure to do so can lead to scarring and pigment loss.

Aftercare involves protecting your skin from the sun, keeping it moisturized, and avoiding rigorous exercise. You should also avoid scratching, peeling, and using abrasive scrubs.

You may experience temporary redness and swelling. However, the final results should be noticeable within 30-60 days.

A laser treatment is one of the newest methods of reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The procedure stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, which help your skin look smooth and firm.

Microneedling is another method that uses thousands of tiny needles to trigger your body’s natural healing process. Your skin may be a little tender for a day or two, but it will be soft and healthy again.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is another type of treatment that can improve the appearance of stretch marks. This treatment involves using a special compound to encourage the production of more collagen and elastin in your skin.