How to Be Proactive with Your Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a common reality as we age, as our hormones change, and as our lifestyles change. They are common in both men and women, but the faster you remove them or reduce their appearance, the better chance at success you will have. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to provide you the best options to take a proactive approach to stretch mark removal.
How Do Stretch Marks Form?
Stretch marks are scars created when the skin stretches quickly or shrinks quickly. The collagen in our skin ruptures, causing stretch marks to appear as the skin heals. Stretch marks often form due to pregnancy, rapid weight loss or weight gain, or growth spurts. They most often appear on the legs, arms, or stomach. When you first notice stretch marks appearing, it is a sign to be proactive about reducing their appearance.
Stretch Mark Treatment
Since a stretch mark is a scar, it is often hard to completely make them disappear. You can, however, significantly reduce their appearance. Treatments are not a one-size-fits-all, and you may need to try a few different options to see what works best for you. Many creams, lotions, and gels are available to help fade stretch marks and have the best results when used on stretch marks that recently have appeared. These products should be applied daily for a few weeks to begin to see some results. Prescription medicines that contain retinol, hyaluronic acid, or tretinoin may also help make stretch marks less noticeable.
Additionally, dermatologists can provide chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion to the areas with stretch marks. The ingredients in a chemical peel such as glycolic acid or phenol are such strong chemicals that will help reduce stretch marks’ appearance. Chemical peels do not provide permanent removal but can help your appearance.
Laser therapy helps to resurface the skin, resulting in a reduced appearance of stretch marks. The laser helps to encourage new skin growth. An ablative or non-ablative laser will be used. An ablative laser destroys the upper layer of skin, so when the new skin is generated, it is smoother in its texture—a non-ablative laser targets underneath the skin to promote collagen growth. Collagen helps tighten our skin resulting in reduced appearance of stretch marks.
Lastly, microdermabrasion helps to exfoliate the top layer of skin and results in an improved skin appearance. Stretch marks are less noticeable, but treatments would need to continue to keep seeing results. The average price of this treatment is $350.
A dermatologist can help determine which treatment is best based on the severity of your stretch marks. They can also help you try different treatments to see what works best. You don’t have to live with stretch marks forever! Taking a proactive approach can help reduce their appearance and get rid of them. Don’t wait! Reach out to the dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute for help now. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois, or surrounding areas, complete this form, and we will be in touch.