The problem with stretch marks is that they occur under the skin, on the second layer of skin, which is called the dermis, and this is why it is so hard to remove them. When the collagen and elastin fibres collapse, the top layer of the skin sags and forms a valley due to the lack of sub structural support in the dermis layer.
There is no "Quick Fix" solution for the removal of Stretch Marks, but there are several approaches that can lessen the appearance of stretch mark scarring and certainly used in combination, can provide an excellent result.
Non-Surgical Alternative Stretch Mark Treatments
Cosmetic dermatologists and beauty consultants offer a variety of non-surgical alternatives for treating stretch marks. Popular and effective options include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and blue light therapy. These are good options for patients who want to avoid surgery, and they are generally less expensive than laser stretch mark removal. Like all non-surgical stretch mark treatments, these options are most effective on newer scars. Mature stretch marks may require the use of surgical techniques for total removal.
Microdermabrasion Treatment for Stretch Marks
Many people have reported great success with treating stretch marks using microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion was designed to treat areas of the epidermis, the top layer of your skin, only. Stretch mark damage occurs mainly in the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, but the epidermis is also affected. When stretch mark form, the collagen and elastin in the dermis break down and can't return to their normal structure, therefore leaving the stretch mark scar. The outer skin layer also stretches during the formation of stretch marks. It becomes more translucent and thin. While microdermabrasin was not designed to treat stretch marks in the dermis, it could very well have positive effects on healing the epidermal damage caused from stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that generally uses microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal the underlying layer younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure used to treat deeper lines, extreme sun damage, and scars such as acne and pox marks.
Basically, you could tremendously reduce the appearance of your stretch marks by undergoing many microdermabrasion treatments. As of now, there is no evidence to support the complete disappearance of stretch marks from using microdermabrasion. The evidence presented recently supports a great reduction in the overall appearance of stretch marks, especially newly formed red or purple ones. Microdermabrasion encourages new skin growth in the areas treated which leads to healthier, thicker skin.
Creams and Natural Alternative Treatments for Stretch Marks
There are lots of home remedy treatments espoursing a miracal cure for stretch marks, however, most of these don't work. I have seen reviews on anything from Peanut Butter to Preparation H (nomally used for treating Hemmorhoids). The truth is nothing can "cure" stretch marks bar physical surgery to remove the skin completely.
However, there is one product on the market, Stretta by Zenmed, that actually combines three approaches; removing the outer surface layer of old skin cells, stimulating regrowth of collagen and elastin in the dermis, followed by feeding and moisturising the new tissue.
Stretta can dramatically improve the appearance of stretch marks in a matter of weeks and the beauty of this is that it is an inexpensive treatment that can be implemented in the privacy of your own home.
So how does it work?
Stretta contains glycolic acid which acts as a mild resurfacing agent, removing the older skin cells and exposing the fresh layer underneath. The other active ingredient, centilica asiatica, a natural herb used in eastern medicine, is absorbed through this new layer and helps regrowth and restoration of the collagen and connective tissues. The centilica asiatica also assists in the production of Hyaluronic Acid which helps retain water in the dermis layer of the skin, thereby rehydrating the skin. The final phase is the moisturising and additional natural healing properties of the organic aloe vera, vitamin E and witch hazel to nourish and promote new skin growth.
It take a while for stretch marks to appear and therefore it is reasonable to expect that it will take a while for them to heal. Zenmed is so confident that you will see results from this product within 40 to 60 days that they offer a 100% money back guarantee!
Surgical Alternatives for the treatment of Stretch Marks
There are various surgical procedures that can help substantially with stretch marks. However, as with any surgery, there are always risks that the surgery could go wrong and potentially cause even worse problems and scarring, or other complications. The risks can be significantly reduced, however, if you make sure you seek the services of a qualified, experienced, medical professional.
Laser treatment of Stretch Marks
Now lets look at the laser treatment alternative. The major drawback for this treatment is that it will only work for marks that are still redish purple. It is completely ineffective for older pre existing stretch marks that are already established as whitish silver. Another word of warning with this treatment is if you have dark skin, this treatment is not only ineffective, it will actually make your problem a whole lot worse by way of hyper pigmentation. There is also the cost involved, which puts a lot of people off. If you do end up trying the laser removal of stretch marks you should be aware that it will take a couple days for your skin to heal from the redness and swelling, this is a side effect of the treatment.
Dermabrasion Treatment for Stretch Marks
Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour wearing down the ridges of the scar and a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. This procedure is performed by a dermatologic surgeon and is a far more drastic approach for stretch mark treatment.
Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
Stretch marks most commonly result from pregnancy and weight gain as we have discussed earlier. Pregnancy and weight gain can also leave patients with excess abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles. These are the conditions that tummy tucks are designed to correct. During the tummy tuck procedure, stomach muscles are pulled together; in addition, abdominal skin is pulled downward, and excess skin is removed. All stretch marks below the belly button will vanish along with the excised skin. As a result, tummy tuck surgery improves the size and shape of the abdomen while simultaneously enabling surgical stretch mark removal. However, it’s important to consider that abdominoplasty is not intended specifically for the removal of stretch marks; their removal is simply a coincidental benefit. Tummy tucks are major surgical procedures that requires anesthesia and a long recovery period and therefore should not be entered into lightly nor undertaken solely for stretch mark removal.
Surgical procedures can be quite expensive, and as they are elective, will not be provided free under the government health service, and may not be covered under your health insurance policy, so check carefully before proceeding. If you are considering a tummy tuck, prices range anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000.
Stretch marks removal cream does not help only surgery might help.
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