What You Need To Know About Stretch Marks
 

When skin is constantly stretched beyond its limitations, the results are unsightly lines on the surface of the body. These are called stretch marks and are considered a form of scarring. They can appear in many different places on both the male and female body.

The most common areas include the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts and arms. Often, these stretch marks cause unwanted attention to some of your most prized body parts. Some people will do anything to get rid of them.

Stretch marks affect any age group and mostly deal with changes in weight. They tend to appear when someone has either gained a large amount of weight or experienced a rapid loss of many pounds. One of the main concerns affecting the body of a pregnant woman is the development of stretch marks.

Young boys and girls entering puberty may also acquire these marks. Taking medications, such as hormones or steroids, may also cause this type of scarring. Other causes include nutritional deficiencies and depression, as well as weightlifting.

Prevention

Sometimes, getting stretch marks is unavoidable. Today, there are a few products or techniques to consider that, at least, make them less visible. The market is filled with over-the-counter prevention options and treatments for stretch marks. Pregnant women especially partake in these items, which include vitamin E oil and other special lotions and creams.

 

Drinking water has been known to possess preventive qualities. Keep in mind that caffeine has the potential to increase your risk for the marks. Don’t forget to get a fair share of nuts, fish, carrot, eggs, fruit and milk that contains zinc and vitamins A, C, and D. These vitamins offer preventative measures. Exercise and eating right help a body to stay in shape, avoiding drastic changes in weight.

Treatment

The appearance of stretch marks can be eliminated or softened by various treatments using lasers, creams and other processes. The Retin-A treatment works well with marks that are still pink or reddish in color. The stretch marks must also be less than one year old.

Microderm abrasion uses a vacuum-like device to reach underneath the skin to remove these marks. Many consider the treatment rather painful to endure. It may also cost up to $2000 to see any favorable changes.

Laser treatments are considered one of the most effective treatments for the removal of these marks. Each session costs about $700. Some have spent a total of $10,000 for these sessions of treatment, which can be very painful. Many patients have even used anesthesia during a session.

When turning to these methods, you should remember a few things. Skin discoloration, no changes and the emergence of new scars are all possibilities.

Summary:

Stretch marks affect any age group and mostly deal with changes in weight. They tend to appear when someone has either gained a large amount of weight or experienced a rapid loss of many pounds. The appearance of these marks can be eliminated or softened by various treatments using lasers, creams and other processes.

Next, check out Understanding The Possible Causes Of Stretch Marks