What are the most effective treatments for stretch marks and are they suitable for all types of stretch marks?
Certain treatments for stretch marks are more suitable for specific types and vary in effectiveness, problem resolution, and speed of results.
Home remedies, such as using acids or scar creams, take longer than clinic procedures and may not be the ideal option for deep or old stretch marks.
What are the lines that appear on the body during adolescence and pregnancy? What are the different types? How can they be prevented? And what are the most effective treatments for stretch marks?
We aim to address all these inquiries in this article. If you are interested in learning more about the most suitable treatments for stretch marks and how to prevent this condition, please keep reading!
What do stretch marks consist of?
To comprehend the most effective treatments for stretch marks, it is important to grasp the nature of these marks and their origins.
Stretch marks are lines or stripes that can be seen on the body, typically on the legs, buttocks, and abdomen. In males, they tend to appear on the skin of the back in a horizontal pattern, blending in with the natural skin tone.
It is possible to distinguish the texture and feel the raised area of the brand’s website when running your fingers over it.
They are more common in pregnant women and during adolescence. They do not go away on their own and need specific treatment to completely remove or significantly reduce the scarred and noticeable appearance.
Using specialized moisturizing creams for stretch marks can help avoid the necessity of turning to invasive treatments, even though the outcomes may take longer to appear.
These creams are effective only when used shortly after the marks appear, even if they are not in severe forms right away.
How are stretch marks formed?
Why is the prevalence of these various pigmentation stripes more frequent in pregnant women and adolescents?
Hormonal issues are typically responsible for the changes that occur in the body during this phase of life and motherhood, including alterations in spine shape, voice, weight, and emotional well-being.
Not all teenagers will necessarily experience the “zebra effect,” which is not limited to just pregnant individuals or adolescents, as anyone can develop this skin abnormality.
The lines indicate individuals who have a common trait: causing the skin to stretch. In simpler terms, they are people who experience significant and frequent changes in weight.
The skin’s elasticity leads to the deterioration of elastic fibers supporting the middle layer of the skin, which consist of collagen and elastin responsible for skin tone and elasticity.
Pregnant women may develop stretch marks due to hormones that cause increased relaxation of tendons and ligaments, in addition to rapid weight gain.
Teenagers are vulnerable because of significant hormonal changes that lead to shifts in weight, skin elasticity, wear and tear, and fiber breakage in the middle layer of the skin.
Anyone can develop stretch marks if they experience sudden and significant changes in weight or growth.
Risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a certain condition or experiencing a particular event.
Other factors, aside from pregnancy and puberty, that are deemed risky, play a part in the development of stretch marks.
Corticoids are medications with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that are used to suppress the body’s defense mechanisms in situations such as transplants or grafts.
Another risk factor is rapid weight gain or loss, which can cause the skin to stretch beyond its limits and result in the development of stretch marks.
Intense bodybuilding exercises performed in gyms can lead to the development of stretch marks on the body. This is due to the skin’s elasticity being compromised as muscle mass increases.
The breast implant can be considered as a risk factor for developing stretch marks, as it can cause the skin to rupture due to the increased volume of the breasts.
Types of stretch marks include different variations.
Stretch marks can have different colors and shapes depending on the severity of the skin damage caused by the breakdown of skin fibers.
Red or flaccid
The red stripes suggest that the skin is intact and there is blood flow at the location, indicating recent stretch marks that are easier to treat and will eventually fade to white.
Fabric stretching is indicated by the different thicknesses of the elastic fibers.
They appear with a bolder or reddish color due to ongoing blood circulation, indicating the stria has not closed yet, making them easier to remove and reduce.
It is feasible to achieve a more efficient remedy for discomfort in this situation, reducing the likelihood of visible stretch marks in the skin.
White color
White stretch marks occur after the skin has healed from stretching, but they are not aesthetically pleasing.
Treating the older fabric with various types of damage, such as superficial, narrow, deep, or wide stripes, is more challenging.
The aspect is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for different types of stretch marks and their stages. Specific methods can be employed to effectively address or minimize the issue based on the type and stage of the stretch marks.
We will miss out on these kinds of streak treatments.
Stretch mark treatments
Let’s begin by identifying the most efficient and quickest treatments for stretch marks.
Carboxytherapy refers to a medical treatment involving the use of carbon dioxide gas.
This discusses the treatment of well-known and ancient streaks that are newsworthy.
Its roots lie in the necessity for skin treatments in general, rather than just for stretch marks. However, due to clinical observations showing its effectiveness in tissue regeneration, it has been utilized to address a variety of concerns such as cellulite, dark circles, localized fats, and scars.
Carboxitherapy, which originated in the 1930s, has evolved over time through technological advancements to become a faster, simpler, and more comfortable process.
If an ancient remedy is still being utilized, it indicates that it effectively addresses stretch marks. How exactly does this treatment process for stretch marks function?
The primary substance utilized is a therapeutic gas called carbonic gas, administered to the patient through a syringe attached to a gas cylinder that controls the rate of delivery, with a maximum limit of 80 ml per minute.
The gas is injected into a specific area of the body using a syringe, targeting the scar tissue of the stretch marks to cause barotrauma, an inflammatory response.
This inflammatory process results in the formation of a shell that later peels off, smoothing out the marks on the body and making them barely noticeable.
This treatment method can reduce stretch marks on the body by up to 80%.
Intradermotherapy involves administering medication through the skin.
Invented in France, intradermotherapy is a skin treatment technique similar to carboxitherapy and is recommended for various skin care purposes beyond just addressing stretch marks.
- Excess fat in a specific area.
- measures being reduced
- Cellulite.
The application process is like before, but now sessions are faster, lasting no more than 15 minutes, as the injection is focused only on the treatment area.
The procedure has minimal side effects as it targets only a specific and small area of the body with a low dose of medication.
In intradermotherapy, gas is not utilized. The key components are the substances chosen by the professional based on the treatment goal, such as targeting stretch marks, cellulite, or localized fat, as each purpose necessitates specific medications.
Thin needles are used to apply active ingredients to the scar, piercing the skin at depths ranging from 0.5 mm to 4 mm. This process aids in the absorption of a blend of amino acids, anesthetics, vitamins, eutrophic substances, lipolytic medications, enzymes, and plant extracts.
This blend helps increase cell permeability and vasodilation, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
The stria treatment should not be done if the injection site has a skin condition.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with heart issues, chronic illnesses, or allergies to treatment substances should not undergo intradermotherapy.
It is advised for the patient to have a clean skin without any skincare products like makeup or moisturizer before the procedure.
After the treatment, it is recommended to wear lightweight cotton clothing to prevent harsh contact with the injection site. Always inform the professional if undergoing another skin treatment that may impact the area to be injected.
After this treatment for stretch marks, it is best to avoid exposing the treated area to prolonged sunlight.
If hematomas occur in the body, massaging the affected area with an ice pack is recommended to alleviate discomfort.
Needle with small size
Micro-needling is employed to slide a small device precisely over the stretch marks, allowing needles to penetrate the skin and enhancing the absorption of creams or acids.
The best needles for removing streaks are typically between 2 and 4 mm deep.
Versions thicker than 1 mm should only be used by trained professionals like estheticians or dermatologists. Therefore, it is not recommended to perform the procedure at home due to the risk of serious infections.
Micro-needling improves blood flow, stimulates cell regeneration, and increases collagen production for up to six months following the procedure.
The outcome is a skin that appears more attractive and taut, with stretch marks appearing smaller and thinner, nearly unnoticeable.
Crystal Exfoliation
The crystal peeling involves a mechanical exfoliation on the skin to remove imperfections and enhance its appearance, addressing issues like stretch marks, blemishes, and wrinkles.
Patients seeking to remove stains and streaks, particularly red ones, and those with engraving are advised to use it. It is also suitable for men with folliculitis.
The crystal peeling promotes collagen production, enhancing skin firmness. It can be performed on various body parts, not just the face, including the abdomen, back, and thighs.
The method involves using a pen that releases crystals to exfoliate the skin, stimulating collagen production to renew the skin’s surface. This procedure is effective for treating stretch marks, resulting in smoother and firmer skin without the appearance of stretch marks.
Are there any restrictions for treating stretch marks?
It’s important to keep in mind that treatments focus on stimulating the damaged skin caused by fireworks to promote better regeneration. Any form of harm, no matter how minor, has the potential to worsen a problem in certain situations and individuals.
Engaging in this treatment before the end of the pregnancy or exposing pregnant women or children to stress is not recommended. It is advised that individuals with diabetes avoid these methods due to the impaired wound healing associated with the disease.
Submitting your skin to these wears when experiencing a dermatological issue is not likely to provide effective solutions. It is advisable to avoid them or seek advice from a physician.
How can one prevent stretch marks?
To prevent the need for additional treatment for stretch marks, maintain a stable weight and consistently moisturize your skin. Anti-aging creams are beneficial for newer marks, especially red and inflamed ones.
It’s crucial to stick to a regular exercise routine to promote good blood circulation and muscle toning.
It discussed how to safely and effectively address stretch marks, making it easier to resolve the issue that causes aesthetic concerns for many people.
Subscribe to GiOLaser’s newsletter to get updates on the world of beauty and aesthetics!
