How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Fast

Well, the term “laser surgery for stretch marks” may sound a little too severe. It’s not exactly a surgery in the traditional sense. As in you don’t literally go under the knife. Instead, a laser beam will be applied to the inflicted areas. Since stretch marks exists within the deeper layer of the dermis, lasers help to improve their appearance by changing the layers of skin higher up the source of the scarring.

Depending on the colour tone of your stretch marks, different lasers may be recommended. Some stimulate the growth of pigment making cells in lighter stretch marks while others cut down the dark pigmentation within darker lines. Broadly speaking, stretch marks that are crimson in coloration are most suited for laser therapy as it helps to subdue and improve the reddish inflammation in the stretch marks.

Some of the newer lasers also promote the growth of collagen within the skin and remodels the collagen and elastin fibre structure to enhance the stretch mark’s appearance. The latest technology however is to make vertically aligned injuries about the size of a hair shaft’s diameter on the stretch mark lines with the healthy, unprocessed skin in the middle. Once the wound is healed, a new, smoother layer of skin is revealed.

Costs

Since multiple laser treatment sessions are usually required for the best results, laser surgery for stretch marks can be expensive. A treatment can range from $400 to $1500. And if your situation requires more advanced laser treatment to improve your odds of success, you may end up paying $1500 to $5000 for each session!

Risks & Side Effects

Despite the high rates, laser surgery for stretch marks is growing in popularity. One of the main reason is that many patients have reported a 30 to 40% improvement in their condition after their treatments. Recover time is much shorter as compared to a tummy tuck. You will experience a stinging like pain with each laser shot but most patients have rated that as pretty bearable.

Be aware that such success, recovery and threshold for pain varies across individuals. Patients with fresher stretch marks will probably find it easier and need lesser treatment sessions whereas those with older scars or darker skin may take a longer time to see results. There are also severe situations where laser can only improve the scarring instead of getting rid of them.

Hence, it’s important for you to discuss with your doctor the best suited laser treatment for your condition, the kind of expectation you should have on the results and the possible side effects. Such side effects normally include burning, red and swollen skin, brown discolouration (which may even be permanent at times) or a cold sore flare up .

So, Should You Go For Lasers?

This can be a tricky question when it come to learning how to get rid of stretch marks but in our point of view, since laser treatments require an extensive financial, time and physical committment, it should perhaps be considered only after you’ve exhausted other alternatives.

For a start, be aware that most stretch marks fade with time. While waiting for time to pass, try out some of the natural home remedies suggested in our earlier article . Some women swear by their effectiveness even though doctors are pretty skeptical. Well, it certainly don’t hurt to just try since they don’t cost as much as laser treatments and most of them are made of natural ingredients.

Even if they don’t work for you, you’ll still have the option of checking with your doctor on medical lotions or creams such as Retinoal A that you can consider. Medical procedures such as cosmetic surgery or laser surgery for stretch marks should be the last resort.

Shopping for suitable stretch mark creams removers to help you get rid of those unsightly lines? The fact you’re reading this shows something. You’re a careful shopper. Not only have you taken the effort to search for stretch mark creams information, you’re actually reading them! Haha! By now, you should have come across many different stretch mark cream reviews. Which should you read first? Or rather, which one should you believe?

Don’t be mislead into believing everything that you read. Especially those reviews that promises you overnight miracles. Although stretch mark creams are effective in their own ways, all it does is to lighten or fade stretch marks lines. Some women achieves such great effect with these creams that it looks as if the stretch marks are gone at first glance. But even that takes time! You’ve gotta be hardworking and apply those creams dutifully every day! You must also be patient and don’t lose faith just because you don’t see results “immediately”.

Though it’s important to read the stretch mark cream reviews with a pinch of salt, there are some good information on how to get rid of stretch marks that you can still extract from them. For example, the list of ingredients used. Remember, a good cream reduces the inflammation caused by the stretch marks and helps enhance the elasticity of the skin by giving it sufficient hydration and nourishment.

Here are some common ingredients found in many brands of stretch mark remover creams that may improve the appearance of your stretch marks:

(1) Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs

These are actually acids extracted from sugar cane or dairy products, great for exfoliating. That’s why this ingredient is also commonly used in chemical peels as well. Stretch mark creams contain AHAs must have a concentration of less than 10% (in order for them to be sold to consumers) and when applied to the skin, helps disintegrate keratin, the proteins that binds the dead skin cells. Effectively, it rejuvenates the skin by dissolving the dead skin and allowing the new to grow.

(2) Retinoids

When properly absorbed into the skin, retinoids govern the growth of skin cells on the upper layers of the epidermis. Usage of products with retinoids can hence accelerate this growth and reduce stretch marks faster.

(3) Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps trigger the growth of collagen within the skin, thereby helping to remodel and build up the damaged collagen present in stretch marks. It enhances the skin and when used effectively helps to fade stretch marks gradually. It also breaks down the keratin in our skin’s surface area.

(4) Vitamin C

Good old Vitamin C is the basic ingredient that helps in connective tissue healing. As the skin is the biggest and flimsiest connective tissue organ of the body, it requires a great amount of Vitamin C comparatively for upkeep and repair.

(5) Vitamin E

As you may already be aware, Aitamin E is one of the best anti oxidizing agent and because of that, it has recognized to delay our cells’ aging process. It nurtures the cells and defends the skin against damage. Its great healing capabilities also makes it a great ingredient in lotions that’s mainly used for reducing stretch marks.

(6) Emu Oils

Containing fatty acids, emu oil is easily absorbed into our skin’s surface and demis layer. It increases the skin’s ability to heal and causes little or no irritation. Because of its great emulsifying properties, emu oils also acts as a great moisturizing agent.

(7) Cocoa Butter

Since cocoa butter are great for softening scars, stretch marks – which are actually tears in the elastin fibre network of our skin – also respond well to it. Although some doctors may be skeptical about the effects of cocoa butter as a stretch mark remedy, some women attest to its effectiveness. It is also noticed that cocoa butter, when combined with wheat germ oil and lanolin can also help reconstruct the affected dermis’ tissues. Hence, it’s pretty common to find cocoa butter commonly in a lot of stretch mark creams removers.

What if you only wanted to know how to hide your stretch marks? While it’s great to be able to get rid of your stretch marks completely and permanently, there are some situations where all you need is a temporary fix. For example, you’re invited to a gala dinner in a month’s time and the evening gown – a gift from your husband – exposes the unsightly stretch marks on your underarms. What are you going to do? Wear another outfit and risk disappointing your hubby? Or find a way to conceal those unsightly lines in the meantime without anyone noticing them?

If the latter’s your choice, rest assured there are still various options you can consider. Sure, such methods aren’t permanent and you’ll probably need to apply them from time to time. But if you think of them as a transitional complement while you work on your long term strategy on how to get rid of stretch marks (through Retinod A creams or medical procedures like lasers or cosmetic surgery), they can be a viable consideration.

(1) Concealers

Well, if you’re in a rush, concealer’s your best bet. You can use the normal facial concealers if the area affected is small. But if it’s relatively large, consider getting those that are specifically designed to hide stretch marks. Regardless of the brand you choose, make sure it’s waterproof so that it doesn’t wear off even when you’re sweating profusely. Smear and spread the concealer gently to ensure that it’s blended well with your skin to hide the stretch marks effectively.

(2) Self Tanning Products

You know sun tanning helps cover up those unsightly lines. But if you’re too shy to go out to the beach and flaunt your stretch marks, don fret. You can still achieve the same sun tanning effect in the comfort of your home! All you need is a self tanning product and you’re good to go. Self tanning products contain active ingredients that even out your skin tone and camouflage those discoloured stretch marks simultaneously. Prior to applying the self-tanning spray or lotion, exfoliate the stretchmarked area to even out the bumps and apply a suitable moisturer. Wait for a few minutes for the moisturer to be absorbed before applying the product in layers. While doing so, make sure you spread or spray the product in circular motions and let it wind dry before employing a second layer.

(3) Clothes & Accessories

What you wear definitely minimizes the amount of concealing you need to do. In some situations, it eliminates them completely! For example, in the earlier situation mentioned, you can complement your evening gown with an elegant shawl that drapes nicely over your shoulders and/or upper arms, effectively covering or drawing people’s attention away from the stretch marks. Instead of getting stuck wearing jeans or long sleeves tops all the time – even in summer, try a capris or knee length skirt. If you’re itching to go for a swim, consider a mix and match of high neck, boy cut bottoms or simply just a one piece swim suits. Some designs are pretty elegant and fashionable. Now, who said you must wear bikinis to look good on the beach?

There you go, 3 simple and fast ways on how to hide your stretch marks!