Stretch mark reduction is a very popular aesthetic treatment mainly associated with women but can affect men just as much though generally in different areas.
Stretch marks can treated in a variety of different ways from home remedies, to aesthetic treatments like microneedling and microdermabrasion to the very popular laser treatments.
There are different types of lasers that can be used to successfully treat stretch marks.
A stretch mark is known In the medical world as Striae distensae. A stretch mark is a scar that is formed when the skin is either stretched or shrinks rapidly. This rapid change in the skin causes the collagen and elastin to rupture and as the skin heals these marks appear. Collagen and elastic are the proteins that support the skins’ structure.
A stretch mark has the appearance of streaks or lines on the skin. They can appear as different colours which depend on the age of the stretch mark and the person's skin type. As stretch marks get older, they often fade and become whiter in appearance as well as less noticeable and less indented in the skin. Stretch marks will often not disappear entirely.
Here are some of the most common causes of stretch marks:
Stretch marks are common in both men and women and are most common in
As we have mentioned stretch marks are a scar which are permanent but there are procedures that can minimise the appearance of stretch marks and reduce them in size and severity.
The effectiveness of stretch mark reduction depends on things such as:
Treatments for stretch marks range from home use methods like skin care routings and aesthetic treatments such as laser therapy.
Aesthetic/medical procedures are most effective for stretch reduction however they are home-use methods that can improve the appearance even more so if the stretch mark is new.
Over the counter treatments are dependent on the ingredients, some have an effect while others show little effect.
This removes the top layer of skin and dead skin cells which can help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks over time. Sugar scrubs can also help with use and a home use microdermabrasion.
A healthy lifestyle is paramount for healthy skin and helps prevent stretch marks from forming. Drink lots of water and a vitamin rich diet as well as toxin and protein for skin support and elasticity.
Always remember
Needs to be a strict routine
Massage over the area can help improve blood flow and absorption
Timing by treating new stretch marks straight away
Consult a healthcare profession especially if breast feeding or during pregnancy.
When using skincare routine for stretch mark reduction this focuses on improving skin elasticity and the appearance. Stretch mark can be faded over time with a good skin care routine but will probably never disappear and the newer the stretch mark the more likely it is to see results.
The idea of skincare routine is to keep the skin hydrated and supple would consist of
The ingredients common in skincare routine for stretch marks are Hyaluronic acid, Shea and cocoa butter plants oils vitamin E and C as well as Centella Asitica. Retinoids are also used over stretch marks
Habits can help maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of stretch marks and consist of things such as
Hydration – Drink plenty of water
Diet – Healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins, zinc and protein.
Healthy and constant weight
This is one of the most popular methods for stretch mark reduction and one of the most effective.
Fractional lasers are the most common and effective types of laser for treating stretch marks. Instead of treating the entire skin surface they create a grid of microscopic treatment zones in the skin. By leaving the surrounding tissue untouched it stimulates faster healing and less downtime.
Fractional Ablative lasers (CO2 and erbium lasers) used to break down the scar tissue and remove layers of skin. These are used for severe and older stretch marks that are often deeper.
Fractional non-ablative laser which stimulates elastin and collagen production to improve skin texture and colour over time from within. Best used in newer stretch marks.
Pulsed Dye lasers are non-ablative that target blood vessels. The laser energy is absorbed by haemoglobin and causes the blood vessels under the stretch marks to collapse. This method is best for newer, red/purple stretch marks and helps reduce inflammation making them less apparent.
Excimer laser uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light to stimulate production of melanin in the skin. Which will help older whiter stretch marks blend in better with the surrounding skin.
Picosecond Lasers (Pico Lasers) deliver ultra-short pulses of energy to the skin which shatters the scar tissue stimulating the body to produce new healthy skin cells and can be used on both newer and older stretch marks and all skin types.
Q-switched lasers are most famous for tattoo removal and treating pigmented lesions but can also be used for stretch marks as they address the hyperpigmentation to help even out skin tone and stimulate collagen production by controlled thermal injury. Q switch lasers can also help reduce the inflammation by targeting the blood vessels underlying stretch marks.
Nd:YAG lasers use 1064nm wavelength which targets deep within the dermis of the skin where stretch marks form and work to reduce stretch marks by:
is popular for certain types of stretch marks ie just appeared. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light in intense pulses which are absorbed by a chromophore and in stretch marks this chromophore would be haemoglobin and melanin.
Hemoglobin The IPL's light energy is absorbed by the haemoglobin in these vessels, causing them to heat up and collapse. This process reduces the redness and inflammation, helping the stretch marks to fade and blend with the surrounding skin tone.
Melanin: IPL can also address any hyperpigmentation that may occur within the stretch marks. The light energy is absorbed by the excess melanin, which is then broken down and naturally removed by the body
This uses a device where tiny needles are used to create micro-channels of injury within the skin. This process then causes the body to naturally heal leading to new collagen and elastin which in turn will help smooth out and fill in stretch marks
This uses traditional microneedling along with radiofrequency which allows the needles to deliver heat in the deeper skin layers stimulating further collagen production and skin tightening.
This uses a chemical to remove the top layer of skin. By doing this it encourages new, healthier skin to grow. This is not the most effective on deep stretch marks but can improve the appearance of stretch marks in general.
If a person has a large proportion of loose skin then a procedure such as abdominoplasty can physically remove the skin with the stretch marks on it.
Non-invasive cosmetic procedure considered a gentler option that can offer some improvement, particularly for superficial stretch marks. Microdermabrasion works by physically exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis using either crystal and diamond-tip. When the dead skins are removed this triggers body's own natural healing to stimulate new cells and new collagen/elastin which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. It is suitable for many skin types.
Stretch mark camouflage with makeup is a popular, relatively new and effective temporary solution for those who want to conceal their stretch marks. It shows immediate results and can be either done at home or in a professional salon.
It is important that the skin is prepared properly with exfoliation, moisturising and then priming and the right products and used specifically for camouflage and are the correct colour for the specific stretch marks to be treated. It is also vital to use a highly pigmented full coverage foundation/concealer specifically for the body such as Dermablend, Covermark or Keromask.
No treatment delivers 100% removal though stretch marks can be dramatically improved especially with combination therapies. Like all treatments it is best to consult with a dermatologist/ laser technician to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific case.
The treatment of stretch marks can dramatically improve self-confidence and improve the appearance of skin.
The cost of treatments carries according to
Laser and light are an expensive option but considered most effective and prices can range from £100 -£500 or more per session. These are often sold in packages of upto 8 treatments.
All types of lasers can be included in this broad range of prices.
Microneedling is typically charged at £100 -£250 per session and slightly more for radiofrequency RF.
Microdermabrasion is a cheaper option and can range from £30-£100 per session and again often sold in packages
Surgery is very expensive option that can cost thousands
At home remedies are the least expensive and often the least effective.
