Striae (stretch marks)
Striae or stretch marks are small, thin scar-like lines that form on the skin due to the sudden stretching it undergoes. When they first appear, they have a red or purple color, but as time passes, they turn white. They can appear on any part of the body, but are mainly found on the chest, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms—areas with significant fat accumulation.
Stretch marks can occur in both men and women.
What causes stretch marks?
Some of the main reasons that contribute to the formation of stretch marks are:
- Rapid fluctuations in weight
- Rapid growth during adolescence
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid issues, birth control pill usage)
- Medication use (cortisone, topical corticosteroids)
- Rapid increase in muscle mass, such as in the case of athletes
Treatment of stretch marks
Although stretch marks may ‘fade’ over time, in most cases, they don’t completely disappear. The ideal way to combat them is with laser treatment. At our clinic, we use the Erbium Fractional laser, which creates micro-injuries beneath the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries, in turn, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. As the skin heals, the stretch marks gradually ‘fade.’ It should be noted that the laser beam targets the problem area precisely and does not affect the surrounding skin tissues.
A second method for eliminating stretch marks is autologous mesotherapy. This method involves taking a small amount of blood, centrifuging it to collect the plasma, and then injecting it onto the stretch marks. In many cases, a combination of these two treatments is used.
It should be noted that white stretch marks are more challenging than red ones, but the correct choice of treatment yields the desired result quickly. This is because the body, in order to heal the skin’s injuries, replaces the affected areas with new, healthy skin, effectively eliminating the stretch marks.
The color of the stretch marks begins to more closely match the color of healthy skin, and the stretch marks gradually fade. The texture of the skin improves significantly, and the skin surface is smoothed at the same time. The number of laser applications needed to eliminate stretch marks depends on the condition of the skin.
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What is the cost, and how many sessions are required?
- The cost of laser treatment and the number of sessions depend on the extent of the stretch marks.
- Typically, 3-5 sessions are sufficient to achieve the desired result.
Can stretch marks be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid stretch marks. However, there are some tips that can significantly help delay their appearance. Firstly, a healthy diet helps to avoid major weight fluctuations. Additionally, drinking water keeps the body hydrated, preventing the skin from ‘stretching’ excessively. Vitamins such as A, C, E, and folic acid contribute to skin regeneration, elasticity, and improved skin quality.
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