Stretch marks – they don’t just affect pregnant women. Men and women, old and young, all ethnic backgrounds can find themselves with stretch marks, usually if they have gained or lost a larger amount of weight. Collagen and elastin form the connective tissue of your skin and when the connective tissue begins to break apart the result is stretch marks. So how do you get rid of them? Here are 3 treatments that are available:
1. Retin A or Tretinoin
Creams with 0.1% Tretinoin have been very successful at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They have the most impact if they are used on new stretch marks. You can use Retin A as long as your stretch marks are still pink or with a reddish color. It will usually not work on stretch marks that are over a year.
You cannot use Tretinoin if you are pregnant or if you are still breast-feeding as it can be passed to the baby and it could be harmful. If you would like to try Tretinoin then see your doctor for a prescription. The cost of Retin A or Tretinoin can vary and your insurance company may or may not cover the cost of it. It will
2. Microdermabrasion Treatment
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that sprays micro crystals with chemicals onto the skin. It is a high-speed treatment applied under pressure with a vacuum device. You will need around a dozen treatments in a three to four month period. You need to know that this is a very painful process and you can expect the skin to become very bruised after a treatment.
You cannot expose treated skin to direct sunlight, not even a little bit. It is hoped it will remove the stretch marks but the treatment is not guaranteed and it does add up over time since each treatment runs from $100.00 to $200.00 per session. You need to have a budget of at least $2000. Insurance will generally not cover.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser is short for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It’s very effective for many skin conditions including stretch marks. When the treatment is done well it will remove the stretch marks and return the skin to its pre-stretch mark condition.
Laser treatments can be painful so you may be given anesthesia. Different people experience the pain differently – some find it excruciating while others find they can handle it. It’s very individual. You can expect bruising and peeling.
You will need eight or more sessions and sessions cost $600 to $700 so you need to budget a minimum of $5000. It may be a bit expensive but it is considered the most effective clinical treatment for stretch marks, but of course, there is never a guarantee. Does your research before you start and find a surgeon that has had good results with this procedure.
So there you have it.
You’ve seen three options for methods to rid your body of stretch marks. Decide if any of these are right for you. Be sure to read part 2 for more ways to get rid of stretch marks. careprost uk