Effective Ways To Remove Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a woman’s nightmare. They ruin the two-piece swimsuit, the sleeveless cocktail dress, and many other things that have been causing low self-confidence and insecurities. We ask ourselves if there’s a way to get rid of the horrendous stretch marks for good. The best answer for that is to try avoiding getting them, if possible. But if you already have them, one long-term solution is through laser surgery.
Stretch marks have two primary origins: physical and hormonal. Stretch marks occur after extreme stretching of the skin, which keeps the skin from returning to its original form. This extreme stretching is commonly the result of accumulating heavy weight in a short period of time.
Notice the bodybuilders, pregnant women, and adolescents that have been through rapid growth spurts lately? They have developed noticeable stretch marks as compared to those with stable weight.
Stretch marks can also result from hormonal issues like continual steroid use or Cushing's syndrome. Some stretch marks result from both the physical stretching and the hormones. These deep scars are commonly found on the stomach, legs, buttocks, and breasts, but may appear nearly anywhere.
Extreme stretching of the skin causes tiny skin fibers to tear. Though there are many products and treatments available that can help minimize stretch marks and improve the look of the skin, bad news is that there is no known remedy to repair these fibers.
The permanent way of conquering stretch marks is by employing the help of laser therapy. For most people, an encounter to the word ‘surgery’ sends them into thinking complicated and painful procedures. In reality it is a very simple treatment with side effects to a minimum degree.
Laser treatments are effective because their reach goes beyond the outer layer of the collagen. It consists of a concentrated beam of light travelling along the stretch marks, removing thin layers of skin.
The procedure stimulates growth of depleted collagen (resulting to stretch marks). It removes damaged skin tissue, seals broken blood vessels and repairs the fibers of the middle skin, thus filling the damaged skin. After treatment, the skin immediately heals itself and new skin is formed over the damaged tissue.
The easiest to laser treat are those stretch marks that are recent, or pink, purple, red, or brown in color. Older stretch marks that have turned silver or white can be difficult to remove, but laser surgery can reduce their horrid appearance.
Procedures can last anywhere from ten minutes to an hour, depending on the stretch mark condition. Expect to return for a series of treatments (usually from two to six months). Side effects are very rare, but can include bruising, scarring, blistering, or swelling of the treated area. Don’t worry because these symptoms will spontaneously disappear within a few days or weeks after the treatment.
Laser treatments range from $400 to $1500 or more for each session. This is quite a costly affair, but the long term sense of freedom from the scar and the self-confidence it may result is simply priceless. In addition, it is preferable than the constant application of lotion, bath scrubs, and exercise, right?
Other methods of removing or reducing the presence of stretch marks have sprouted into the cosmetic scene just recently. But of all the promised salvations from the horror brought by stretch marks, laser surgery has been the highly effective. As with any medical procedure, always check with your doctor before deciding on what is best for you.
