Ah, stretch marks. Everything looks okay until we see these angry marks on our bodies. And trust us when we say that getting rid of them is not as easy as it seems. This can cause many people to be very conscious about their appearance without many clothes, which could seriously affect their confidence. So, what is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks?
Many products and services are being advertised as the fastest way to eliminate stretch marks, but we do not have a unified answer about this. Some people claim that this kind of lotion can eliminate stretch marks. In contrast, others argue that this cosmetic procedure does better. So which is the fastest way? Let’s find out in this article.
Stretch Marks Explained
Stretch marks are typically caused by a tear in the dermis, the lower layer of skin. They occur when the dermis is stretched too quickly for the body to produce new collagen and elastin. This can happen during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, or any other time the body grows fast.
Stretch marks, also known in their scientific name as striae distensae, appear thin, silvery lines on the skin. They can be raised above the surface of your skin or sunken into it. Stretch marks usually appear on breasts, hips, thighs, and stomachs but can also form on arms and buttocks.
The excellent news is: stretch marks aren’t dangerous and don’t have any long-term health risks associated with them — they’re simply a cosmetic problem that affects many women with larger breasts (and some men). Stretch marks are not fatal and will not lead to other health problems.
The bad news is that they’re challenging to eliminate once you have stretch marks. While many products on the market claim to be able to erase stretch marks, most of them don’t work and can make your stretch marks worse.
Causes of Stretch Marks
There are many causes of stretch marks, including pregnancy, weight gain or loss, bodybuilding, and even genetics.
Stretch marks can typically occur in both men and women. They often appear as visible and angry red or purple lines on the skin that might be itchy or painful. Stretch marks are more common during puberty and pregnancy because of the rapid growth and changes in your body.
Stretch marks can be caused by:
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, your body generally produces high levels of estrogen, which causes your skin to increase to accommodate your baby’s growth. This rapid growth can cause stretch marks on the abdomen, chest, buttocks, and thighs. Stretch marks also appear in men who experience weight gain during their partner’s pregnancy.
Weight gain or loss – When you gain or lose a significant amount of weight quickly over a short period, it can cause stretch marks on any part of your body where there has been an increase in fat cells — such as around the hips, thighs or buttocks — because these areas have a higher concentration of fat than the rest of your body.
Weight gain may also cause stretch marks on other parts of your body if there are changes in the distribution of fat throughout your body due to increased body mass index (BMI).
Bodybuilding: Some people who engage in bodybuilding or other weight training may develop stretch marks on their muscles. This is because the skin stretches to accommodate the increased muscle mass, and the repeated stretching can cause microscopic tears in the skin that result in stretch marks.
Genetics: Stretch marks can also be caused by genetics, as some people are more predisposed to developing them than others. If stretch marks run commonly in your family, you may be more likely to get them yourself.
Other lesser-known causes of stretch marks include:
Corticosteroid use: Long-term corticosteroid medications can thin the skin and make it more susceptible to stretch marks.
Marfan syndrome: This rare genetic disorder affects the connective tissue in your body. People with Marfan syndrome are more likely to develop stretch marks because their skin is not as elastic and is more likely to tear.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: This is another rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in your body, causing it to harden and lose its elasticity. This can make your skin more susceptible to developing stretch marks.
How Can We Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a common skin condition that many people experience. They are caused by tearing the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis (the outermost layer). This can happen due to sudden changes in body size, such as pregnancy and weight gain. Stretch marks may also appear as the dermis thins out or if you have an underlying medical condition such as Cushing’s or Marfan syndrome.
Stretch marks are typically reddish or purple and are often raised above the surface of your skin. They’re usually not painful, but they can be unsightly. There are several treatments available for stretch marks. These include creams, lotions, gels, and topical steroid injections. Laser therapy also destroys damaged skin cells and causes new collagen production.
You may not be able to get rid of all your stretch marks, but there are many ways to minimize their appearance and feel more confident about your body.
Cosmetic Treatments to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
If over-the-counter creams and oils do not work, there are cosmetic treatments you can rely on to get rid of stretch marks much faster. Many people like these cosmetic treatments because they do not have to wait too long for the results to appear compared to applying lotions and oils to their bodies. Here are two of the most popular ones:
Microneedling
This procedure is not only for your face but can also quickly eliminate stretch marks. Microneedling is a process of making small punctures in the skin with tiny needles. These punctures will stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. These two essential proteins keep your skin looking young and healthy.
A 2007 study found that microneedling improved the appearance of stretch marks after just four sessions. The results were even better when microneedling was combined with another pulsed dye laser therapy treatment. To get the best results, it is recommended that you have four to six sessions of microneedling spaced out every four to six weeks.
Deep Dermal Healing
You can opt for deep dermal healing if you have moderate to severe stretch marks. This cosmetic treatment is known as fractional resurfacing because it uses a laser to remove damaged skin cells. This will then stimulate the growth of new skin cells, which will help improve the appearance of your stretch marks.
A 2014 study found that deep dermal heating effectively treats moderate to severe stretch marks. The study participants who underwent this treatment had an 80% improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks.
Deep dermal healing is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. It is generally safe, but there are some side effects that you should be aware of, such as redness, swelling and bruising. These side effects usually go away after a few days.
Are These Safe and Effective?
Both microneedling and deep dermal healing are safe and effective methods for dealing with stretch marks. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, you should be aware of certain risks and side effects.
Microneedling is generally considered safe, but there is a small risk of infection, especially if the needles used are not sterile. There is also a risk of bruising, swelling, and redness. These side effects usually go away within a few days to a couple of weeks, but they are rare.
Deep dermal healing is also considered safe, but you should be aware of some risks and side effects, such as redness, swelling, bruising, and infection. These side effects usually go away after a few days, but they are rare.
Conclusion
Stretch marks are not dangerous, but many people want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. While there is no guaranteed way to completely erase stretch marks, you can do a few things to minimize stretch marks’ prominence.
You should consider getting cosmetic treatments if you’re looking for a fast and effective way to eliminate stretch marks. Microneedling and deep dermal healing are two of the most popular and effective treatments available. Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure of preventing any complications down the road.
On that note, let La Belle Vie Medical Care and Aesthetics help you get rid of your stretch marks with cosmetic methods that are effective and safe. They offer microneedling and deep dermal healing services depending on the severity of your stretch marks. Other services are also available for your other wellness and aesthetic needs.
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