Stretch Mark Removal Options

Many people are plagued by stretch marks. Stretch marks are striations of the skin that look like dark, purple or white lines or marks in the skin. They are a very common problem and can occur almost anywhere on the body but are most prevalent on the abdomen, hips, thighs, upper arms, lower back and breasts. Stretch mark removal is available to help reduce or eliminate the appearance of these marks.

Who Gets Stretch Marks

Anyone can get stretch marks, also called striae. These marks are dark marks that are often associated with pregnancy. While pregnancy can be a cause of stretch marks they are also the result of gaining and losing weight in a rapid manner. Both men and women can develop striae. Some people seem to get these marks more easily than others, which may be related to diet. These marks are very common and can be the cause of much embarrassment.

Where Stretch Marks Occur

Stretch marks can occur on any part of the body but are most commonly found on fleshy parts of the body such as the stomach. Dark lines or marks occur in places where the skin is less toned and has fewer muscles to help hold it in place. The marks are a result of under layers of skin that are expanding more quickly than the upper layers of skin can keep up with. These marks originate in the dermis, the mid layer of skin.

What Causes Stretch Marks

Striae are created as a result of rapid skin growth. The skin is made up of many layers. When there is quick growth the tissues under the skin grow more quickly than the skin covering them. This causes tiny tears in the middle layers of skin. The skin then grows between these tears forming what are actually small scars that join the skin together. These scars are called stretch marks. Sudden weight gain can such as that experienced during pregnancy is often to blame for striae.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

Lasers can be used to regenerate affected the skin, effectively reducing the appearance of marks in the skin due to stretching. The laser beams selectively damage the required areas of scarring, stimulating the growth of new healthy looking skin tissue. The procedure does not take very long and unlike surgery it is non-invasive, so you can return to your normal activities afterwards. Although results. Typically you will need a series of treatments for thorough laser stretch mark removal.

Removal creams are available to help reduce the appearance of these marks on the skin. Creams work by penetrating the upper layers of skin called the epidermis. Creams use hydrating ingredients and skin components such as collagen and elastin to help penetrate the marks and make the areas more flexible. There are many different creams available on the market and they vary greatly in ingredients, effectiveness and price. Many stretch mark removal creams can be obtained over the counter without the need for a prescription.

Stretch Mark Removal Surgery

When there is a great deal of excess skin and marking the best way to remove it is with surgery such as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, will effectively get rid of the extra skin and leave the area virtually free from any marks. Surgically removing stretch marks is an option for those who are otherwise healthy.

Natural Stretch Mark Remover

Marks on the skin can also be removed using natural means. There are many lotions and creams that contain vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good skin health. Other ingredients that are helpful in removing stretch marks are collagen and elastin. These are substances that the body produces naturally so they are helpful in making the skin softer and more supple thus helping to eliminate dark lines and scars