Removal of stretch marks (striae)
Content
Description
Stretch marks (striae) are flat, pinkish streaks of skin, most commonly on the abdomen, thighs and breasts.
They are caused by tears in the deep layer of the skin, that result from rapid skin volume increase - for example, during pregnancy or rapid growth during puberty (called the growth phase).
As the skin grows, it is not able to adapt to the rapid change in volume and tears occur with loss of collagen fibres and loss of elasticity in the deeper layer of the skin.
Stretch marks have their own evolution, first appearing as deep red to purple streaks that fade to pale pink over time. They are most noticeable when moving and the contrast with the surrounding healthy skin is accentuated.
Stretch marks are sometimes a symptom of certain diseases (e.g. Cushing's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan's syndrome, adrenal gland disease) or as a side effect of long-term corticosteroid use.
Facts
- Cream with anesthetic effect
- Outpatient procedure
- Procedure lasts up to 1 hour
- Recovery in a day
Stretch mark treatment is successfully performed with a laser that induces collagen synthesis (laser resurfacing) and tissue regeneration.
The skin is first treated with a local anaesthetic cream and then the laser is applied. This is an outpatient procedure, usually multiple sessions are required (three sessions 3 - 4 weeks apart).
Other methods include:
- Microdermabrasion - the skin is shaved with a fine abrasive disc and left to heal with a tiny scar. After the treatment a scab forms - which falls off by its self after 10 days.
- Microneedling - the skin is treated with a special roller with a large number of fine needles, which stretches the skin and induces collagen synthesis. Usually multiple sessions are required (3 sessions 6 weeks apart).
