What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scarring on the skin caused by rapid changes in your body. They look like indented streaks that typically appear on your buttocks, thighs, hips, abdomen, and breasts. They’re more common in women than in men.
Stretch marks are a different color than your normal skin, and the indentations can be pink, purple or gray. Depending on the cause of the stretch marks, they may appear slightly different. They aren’t dangerous, but you may find them unsightly.
It’s also important to have a doctor examine you to determine if there is any underlying medical condition that’s causing the stretch marks. Sometimes, stretch marks disappear over time without any intervention.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks result from small tears in the middle tissue of your skin. They’re usually due to stretching of the skin and can be caused by weight gain or a growth spurt. Hormonal changes as a result of puberty, pregnancy, or hormone replacement therapy can also cause stretch marks to develop.
Stretch marks can be exacerbated by an increase in cortisone, a naturally produced hormone that can cause your skin to lose its elasticity. This reduces your skin’s ability to recover when it’s stretched.
What are treatments for stretch marks?
Many home remedies claim to diminish stretch marks, but these have varying degrees of effectiveness. However, there are a number of medical interventions that are much more potent, and Dr. Charles Hunt, II of Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa can help you find the one that is right for you.
Collagen creams
Creams can moisturize and strengthen your skin and can help restore collagen, a protein that makes your skin more elastic. These creams thicken your skin, allowing healing in the stretched areas.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses tiny crystals to polish your skin, allowing the fresher, newer skin underneath to show. It also encourages collagen production in your skin, prompting the skin to contract the stretch marks, making them smaller and less noticeable.
Laser therapy
Nonablative laser therapy using the Icon™ Aesthetic System works to remove the layer of damaged skin. This procedure also stimulates the development of fresh tissue, giving you new, smooth, healthy skin.
Microneedling
With microneedling therapy at Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa, the SkinPen®️II employs very tiny needles to prick the skin. This creates microchannels in your skin and generates new collagen and skin tissue, giving your skin a fresher appearance.
Stretch marks alter the look and feel of your skin, but you don’t have to live with them. A number of treatments can help you get rid of your stretch marks, leaving you with smoother, more beautiful skin. Call or click today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hunt to learn more.