Stretch marks are a cosmetic issue for both men and women. There are a number of factors historically related to development of stretch marks, such as pregnancy, weight gain, and rapid growth. The development of stretch marks seems to run in families and actually may not be the direct result of any of the commonly associated factors. They are acquired as a result of the separation of collagen, which occurs as the skin stretches over the course of carrying a child to term, or in the process of growing or gaining weight. Most women acquire stretch marks on their lower abdomen, but they can also appear on the breasts, thighs, hips, buttocks, and arms.
Stretch marks are not painful, but they can cause discomfort in the form of dryness and itchiness. Despite claims there is no "miracle lotion" that's going to take away stretch marks.
There are two basic types of stretch marks: white and reddish purple. Older stretch marks are commonly white or silver-colored; newer stretch marks tend to be reddish or purple in color. Laser technologies are now available to effectively treat both forms of stretch marks non-invasively.
These non-invasive procedures use targeted flashes of light to treat dilated and broken blood vessels. The treatments are usually painless, but an anesthetic cream can be used if necessary depending on patient preference. Patients have described the feeling as a slight pinch or a snap of a rubber band.
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Immediately after treatment, patients resume normal activities. Occasionally, there may be signs of treatment such as redness or blotchiness that last for several hours.
The minimum number of treatments is about 3 and treatments are spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart from one another. The amount of treatments depends on the patient response to the treatment and some patients need fewer than treatments than others. After completing a full course of laser treatments for their stretch marks, a patient should expect a notable improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks. The purple or white coloration should fade considerably, or be none existent, and the glossiness should have diminished, returning the skin to its original texture and color.
In addition, the skin pulls tighter together and lifts upward giving the stretch mark a much shallower and tighter appearance, which blends much better with surrounding skin tissue. When the skin layers have separated from one another, causing the stretch marks, there is no treatment that will mend that damage; however, laser satisfactorily improves the aesthetic appearance of most patients with this condition.
No anesthesia is required, patients experience minimal discomfort and this procedure is usually performed in the comfort of your doctor's office. Typically, you may resume normal activities and return to work immediately after your laser treatment. Should you be interested in this or should you have any other concerns or conditions please contact us and we will direct you to a doctor near you.