Stretch marks are blemishes on the skin, distinguished by the reddish or white lines along the skin. In the field of dermatology, these are scars which are a result of the skin expanding beyond its limit. These scars are an indication of tearing under the skin. Stretch marks are mostly common with pregnant women as they are supporting additional weight from the developing fetus. However, men and other women are also prone to acquiring these scars. These are most commonly found in areas such as the abdomen, breasts, thighs and the buttocks. As these scars are often found in visible areas, stretch mark removal has become a lucrative market for businesses.
These marks often first appear on the skin as purple hued or reddish lines. Over time, the lines gradually change to a lighter hue. Stretch marks protrude slightly but are often soft to the touch. These tend to form in areas where there are large deposits of fat. Although having stretch marks is not an indication of any health risk, most people would consider them as unsightly.
There are a number of stretch mark removal procedures available to accommodate the varying lifestyles and budgets. One involves skin planing. Referred to as Dermabrasion, the skin is frozen with the scars sanded until smooth. As the procedure is painful, the patient is subjected to anesthesia before proceeding. Another involves chemical skin peeling or chemexfoliation. A solution consisting of chemicals is poured onto the affected skin. This causes the area to blister and the scars to peel off eventually. Plastic surgery is another option. Considered as one of the more popular and effective solutions, it is also the most expensive. This particular method is considered a type of cosmetic surgery which may not be covered by most medical insurances.
Besides taking a trip to the nearest cosmetic surgeon or clinic, there are also other less intensive methods. One of the more “natural” ways involves using a stretch mark removal cream. Used as a stretch mark remover, creams contain special oils and vitamins which promote the production of collagen in the skin. Collagens are a natural part of the skin which functions in healing and rebuilding its structure.
Laser stretch mark removal is another common choice for consumers. There are treatments for both red and white stretch marks. For red stretch marks, a pulsed dye laser is effective. It works by removing some of the inflammation which has caused the scars in the first place. In the process, collagen and elastic production are also improved, making the skin look younger, fresher and stronger.
Stretch marks removal for white stretch marks or more textured scars are different. Fractional laser therapy is the latest technology involved in this particular field. Although considered more effective, the technique only works predominantly with lighter skinned individuals. Patients are passed through a series of skin tests prior to using the lasers. The method works by creating several small additional scars near the area being treated. As the area heals, the stretch marks will also disappear. The additional scars are small, making the skin heal faster with little downtime.
Bio Oil Stretch Marks
This is the third article in our series on Bio Oil. Bio Oil Stretch Marks will look at the efficiency of the product to deal with the problem of stretch marks both before they have occurred as a preventative measure and in order to deal with the removal of stretch marks. First up, we’ll look [...]