Stretch marks pose no threat to our medical health, thankfully, but for some people they are detrimental to self-image and self-confidence. When they develop in frequently visible or intimate places, stretch marks can make some feel uncomfortable in their own skin. They’re incredibly common but, despite this, they can still make us feel unattractive. Stretch marks seem permanent, but there are remedies that lessen their appearance. Are stretch marks permanent? If not, how are stretch marks removed?
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks form in the middle of your skin’s 3 layers, the dermis, and occur when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity. This is why they’re so commonly seen after rapid weight gain, puberty, and pregnancy, because the skin cannot react quick enough to these bodily changes. As your body grows, the connecting fibres in the dermis should slowly stretch to accommodate slow and gradual growth. During these periods of rapid expansion or contraction, however, the dermis tears and allows deeper layers of skin to show through in streaks or stripes. These are your stretch marks, and they may appear red or purple before they settle into their silvery state.
Common causes include:
- Pregnancy: between 50 and 90% of pregnant women experience stretch marks during pregnancy or after the birth.
- Puberty: rapid growth is typical is typical in both male and female bodies, and both can experience the development of stretchmarks. Boys may develop them on their back, shoulders, and abdomen, while girls commonly develop them on hips and thighs.
- Rapid weight gain: fluctuating diets and rapid weight gain can lead to the development of stretch marks through the increased fat being stored in certain areas of the body.
How does laser removal work?
If laser treatments make you think of heat, pain, and lots of stinging, then you’ll be relieved to learn that advanced laser treatments are far more comfortable. Laser removal of stretch marks sends targeted energy to deeper layers within the skin, causing minimal damage to the surface layers. The laser uses heat energy to stimulate collagen production within the skin. This protein is essential to skin laxity, firmness, and its ability to ‘bounce back’, so this increased collagen production aids skin renewal. An internal healing process is started within the skin, producing fresh skin cells and tissue to smooth the appearance of stretch marks. This treatment is also combined with radiofrequency treatment that stimulates the deeper layers of skin to produce fresh collagen and increase circulation in the area.
Microneedling treatment for stretch marks is also a beneficial step in this treatment process. This treatment uses tiny needles that pierce the skin in miniscule columns. These punctures close almost as soon as they are opened, but the micro-damage caused prompts the body into an internal healing and regeneration process. Fresh skin cells are produced, as are collagen and elastin proteins, to help lessen the appearance of stretch marks and introduce health skin. The blood circulation is also renewed in the area, so skin is able to regenerate more effectively.
How to remove stretch marks at home
There are certain home remedies you could try, but they’re not proven to have effects and can lead to some nasty side effects. For example, prescribed creams like retinoid cream are known to cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, stinging, and even blistering in some cases! You may see some initial results, but they will be no-where near as effective as those achieved using laser treatments. Stretch marks don’t disappear with a healthy lifestyle or a better diet, but these factors could contribute to a more stable weight and therefore aid in the prevention of future development.
Stretch mark removal is simple and effective, though it does need to be performed by professionals. Unfortunately, they don’t disappear by themselves over time. Once they have reached their silvery state they are healed, but still ever-present. Removing stretch marks with laser treatments is effective and comes with minimal downtime, so book your initial consultation with Nuriss to find out more. Call our London premises on 0845 261 3716 to speak to a member of staff today.
