Stretch Mark Reduction
So you have stretch marks and you want to get rid of them. Banishing them, however, may not be as easy as getting them. Stretch marks usually appear when you gain or lose a lot of weight quickly, which is why many women are plagued with stretch marks during pregnancy. But don't despair; there are techniques and procedures available that will make your stretch marks less noticeable.
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Micro-Dermabrasion
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Consider undergoing micro-dermabrasion. When this technique is used, crystals are blown onto the skin. These crystals abrade and polish the skin's surface. Subsequently, a vacuum appliance is used to remove the crystals and skin cells. The top layer of skin is removed in the process. The outcome will be skin that is more elastic and new skin growth will occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Micro-dermabrasion is effective on old stretch marks.
Excimer Laser
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An excimer laser is another option for treating stretch marks. This procedure re-pigments the skin by stimulating the pigment (melanin) in your skin, resulting in stretch marks that become almost the same color as the rest of your skin, which makes them less obvious. The reason stretch marks are red when they firstly crop up is because blood vessels become obvious when the dermis breaks and tears when the skin has been stretched.
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Fractional Photothermolysis
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Another technique that is used to treat stretch marks is fractional photothermolysis. Wavelengths from a laser are used to prompt new growth of elastin and collagen. Fractional photothermolysis is safe for nonfacial skin, according to Health.uab.edu, and that includes the chest and neck, which are delicate areas. It is also safe for use on ethnic skin, which tends to scar and is at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation. Four treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart, are required for the best results.
Pulsed Dye Laser
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Pulsed dye laser therapy is another option. This laser remodels the underlying skin and stimulates collagen and elastin growth. This approach works best on new stretch marks.
Chemical Peel
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Some people opt for a chemical peel, which can be done by a dermatologist. The top layer of skin is peeled off after a thin, chemical mask has been applied to the stretch mark area. According to Disabled-world.com and an article written by Serena Huynh, chemexfoliation (chemical peel or derma-peeling) actually causes blisters to form. The blisters are then removed and the skin underneath looks better. Chemicals used in this procedure stimulate the regeneration of skin.
Endermologie
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Another approach to getting rid of stretch marks is called endermologie. According to Experiencefestival.com, endermologie is the use of computerized machines to massage body tissues. Rollers and gentle suction are used on your body, which increases the circulation in the areas where stretch marks are present. Healing occurs quicker when circulation is increased. This technique has been used for the treatment of cellulite, but it is now being used for stretch marks as well.
Topical Creams
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Allaboutstretchmarks.com notes that topical ointments and creams can be used if you aren't willing to undergo laser treatment. These topical treatments will assist in collagen synthesis and reduce scar tissue. If you massage the area while applying the cream, this will increase blood flow, which may speed up the process of healing stretch marks. Products such as Strivectin and Retin A are considered useful in diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
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