Stretch Mark Removal

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a type of scar that the skin forms when stretched or expanded rapidly and usually appear thin and long and could either be white, red or, in some cases, even purple. These marks commonly occur during rapid weight loss or gain, puberty or pregnancy. They occur in various body areas, but some of the most common ones are at the thighs, hips, upper arms and breasts. While these scars are not painful or harmful in any way, they could make a person very conscious about their skin and may affect their confidence.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

As mentioned earlier, stretch marks are a common skin issue that develops when the skin is stretched rapidly beyond the limits, causing the underlying tissues to tear. While this could happen due to numerous factors, some of the most common reasons that cause stretch marks are as follows:

• Pregnancy: During the period of pregnancy, the mother's body goes through several significant changes, some of which cause the skin to expand rapidly, which later causes the development of stretch marks generally on the abdomen.
• Puberty: When adolescents experience growth spurts during puberty, the skin may expand rapidly, causing them to develop stretch marks.
• Rapid Weight Loss or Gain: When one experiences significant weight changes, it may cause their skin to expand or contract rapidly, forming these scars.
• Genetic: Some people are genetically more pre-positioned to develop stretch marks.
• Medication: Taking certain medications may cause the skin to weaken, making people prone to developing stretch marks. Drugs such as corticosteroids are known to cause such changes.
• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as Marfan syndrome or Cushing's syndrome, may increase the chances of one developing stretch marks during their lifetime.

Effects of Stretch Marks

Physical

• Itching: Stretch marks can be itchy, especially when they first appear.
• Discolouration: Stretch marks can appear as red, pink, purple, or brownish streaks on the skin, depending on the person’s skin tone.
• Texture changes: Stretch marks can cause the skin to appear rough or ridged.

Psychological

• Low self-esteem: Stretch marks can lower self-esteem and confidence in body-conscious individuals.
• Disruption of social life: Some individuals with stretch marks may avoid social situations, such as parties (where people wear stylish clothing that reveals the shoulders, arms, or thighs) or going to the beach.
• Relationship issues: Stretch marks can affect intimate relationships, leading to decreased sexual confidence or avoidance of physical intimacy.

Stretch Mark Treatment

Whether you are suffering from stretch marks as you may have gained weight due to pregnancy or any other factors, there is no cause for you to worry, as the solutions listed below have outstanding track records of delivering excellent results with minimal risks and minimal risks side effects.

Laser Treatment

Laser stretch mark removal treatment is a highly effective and popular option for those looking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This procedure involves the application of a specialised laser on the target area, which stimulates the production of collagen in the region and aids in tightening and smoothening the skin. The laser energy is well absorbed by the pigment in the skin, causing the tissue to break down, ultimately allowing the generation of new tissue to replace it.

Laser treatment for stretch marks is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure that often doesn't require downtime from the patient's end. Usually, a session lasts about 30-60 minutes, and patients must undergo the stretch mark removal treatment a couple of times to achieve the desired results.

Microdermabrasion

This is a non-invasive and painless stretch mark treatment in which a qualified medical professional utilises specialised equipment such as a handheld gun and gently exfoliates the skin's surface using it. This procedure stimulates collagen production by removing dead skin cells, thereby reducing stretch marks' appearance.

Chemical Peels

This treatment involves using chemical solutions to remove the uppermost layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production to promote the growth of new skin cells. The chemical peels can leave you with smoother and young skin upon the procedure's completion.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is another popular non-invasive stretch mark treatment with no downtime and is best known for being a painless and safe procedure that provides long-lasting results. This stretch mark removal treatment works by using heat to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, thereby reducing stretch marks' appearance.

Mesotherapy

This therapy involves administering the patient injections containing solutions of amino acids, vitamins and minerals directly into the affected region of the skin. The solutions stimulate collagen production and promote the generation of new skin cells, which results in an overall reduction of stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Removal at Labelle

Stretch marks can be very frustrating and often challenging to deal with alone. While these scars could affect a person's confidence and overall mental health, one needs to understand that it is a part of the body's healing mechanism and is very natural. 

There are also some excellent stretch mark removal treatments to treat a person who may have stretch marks and would like to get rid of them. But it must be noted that one must always consult a qualified medical professional working at a reliable medical establishment such as Labelle that has branches in most major cities to determine if you are suited to undergo such stretch mark treatment and if yes to decide the best course of action for you.