How Laser Stretch Mark Removal Works

Laser stretch mark removal is the latest method for removing stretch marks. Since it first appeared as an option, the cost and pain associated with it has significantly lowered. This type of procedure is still not considered cheap; however, laser removal is still less expensive than plastic surgery and causes fewer risks.

Problem

Stretch marks are usually caused by the rapid expansion of skin due to weight gain or pregnancy. Stretch marks form when the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, is stretched to its limit. The connective fibers will then break, resulting to the disruption of collagen production and scarring.

Stretch marks usually appear as pinkish or purplish threads. Most of them develop on the thighs, belly, thighs, upper arms, and hips. Stretch marks are not known to be health hazards and are only seen as a cosmetic problem for most people. That is why many people are looking for an effective treatment to remove stretch marks.

Procedure

Stretch marks are considered as scars and can be removed by laser stretch mark removal. This procedure involves the use of a beam of light to remove thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. Laser technology uses high energy ultraviolet light to disrupt the molecular bonds in the skin tissue and to help it disintegrate. The scar tissues are now gone and the vacated area is then replaced with newly formed skin cells and collagen.

After-effects of the treatment include redness and tenderness on the affected area. This is due to the fact that the layers of scarred skin have been removed so that new skin can develop in its place. However, most patients heal from the redness and tenderness in just a few days.

Benefits

As a surgical procedure, this is considered to be non-invasive. Aside from that, undergoing treatment is convenient even for busy people because procedures can last from ten minutes to an hour and the patient can easily go back to work after undergoing treatment.

Treatments and methods may vary on the individual and may depend on the severity of the scarring. The most recently formed stretch marks are easiest to treat and have a higher success rate. The older and more mature stretch marks are usually silver or white in color. These scars can be difficult to remove and may take more treatments but laser surgery can still reduce their appearance. In addition to that, the only pain you will experience as the light lasers do their work is a pinching sensation.

Risks

Patients who have experience side effects report bruising, scarring, blistering, or swelling of the treated area. These symptoms will normally disappear within a few days or weeks. Sometimes, changes in the pigmentation of the area can occur as well but then again, this is only temporary and your skin will return to its normal color after a while.

The different types of treatments can pose as a danger if the procedure is administered by incompetent individuals. Therefore, it would be in the individual’s best interest to obtain treatments from certified physicians.

Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Some doctors may tell you that there is absolutely nothing you can do about stretch marks during pregnancy simply because they are hereditary. Just the thought however of avoiding having to wear your bikini to the beach and hiding your skin for the rest of your life should motivate you to look for a way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

Discipline Yourself

One way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is to watch your weight. This may not completely prevent stretch marks during pregnancy but it can result in fewer marks. The bigger your tummy grows, the more likely it will be for stretch marks to develop.

It is wrong to think that you can eat as much as you want because you are now feeding both yourself and your baby. You should instead follow ideal diet requirements from your doctor that will not starve you or your baby but will also result in just gaining a little over 25 extra lbs. You can also perform pregnancy exercises to make sure that you keep to your ideal weight.

Avoid Scratching

If you want to keep your stretch marks from worsening, keep your hands to yourself and avoid scratching those lines. Some doctors will not tell you that stopping yourself from scratching your belly can help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. This is probably because there is no clear explanation why scratching can sometimes make stretch marks worse.

Scratching your belly can only tear at your internal skin tissue more since your skin is already too stretched and already on the verge of tearing. You can avoid heavy stretch marks during pregnancy by soothing an itch with some powder, oil or a gentle belly rub.

Stay Moisturized

Stretch marks can be prevented during pregnancy if you keep your belly adequately moisturized. Your inner skin can tear even more quickly if it is dry, rough and inelastic owing to a lack of moisture. You should drink a lot of water for natural moisture but you can also use a natural product to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy that is safe for pregnant women to use.

Choose a Safe Product

Using safe and doctor-approved skin products such as moisturizers and lotions can also help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Simply list down the ingredients of products you want to use and show the list to your doctor before buying these. The safe products are often those that carry all natural ingredients. The logic behind natural based products is that they contain ingredients that are already naturally occurring in nature or in the body which therefore limits the chances of producing side effects.

Don’t Always Go for Budget Deals

Be suspicious of cheap offers and deals on skin care products if you want to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. Pick a product that is not too expensive but also does not have rock bottom prices. Prices are often a reflection of how much research effort and quality ingredients have gone into a product mixture.