You’ve seen them before, those ugly little pink squiggles that show up on your thighs, buttocks, abdomen, or anywhere else where your body has grown too fast for you skin to accommodate it. And while it seems that everyone has them (skin stretch marks are not only common during puberty, but up to 90% of women end up with them as a result of pregnancy), no one seems to know how to get rid of them.

It’s not for lack of trying. Surgery, laser treatments, and myriad lotions and ointments claim to offer the solution to skin stretch marks. Unfortunately, none of these treatments—which can cost thousands of dollars—are very effective; some even risk making stretch marks worse.

If you are one of millions who suffer from body shame as a result of unattractive stretch marks, there is grounds for optimism. Skincare science is a growing field, and one exciting development yields hope for those trying to rid themselves of stretch marks. Perhaps the most exciting of these comes in the form of a cream. Unlike other creams which claim to heal stretch marks, this one isn’t just an expensive moisturizer. This new cream is different; its claims to efficacy are based on science—not some magic potion.

The way this cream works is by stimulating the body to produce more collagen. Collagen is what makes skin elastic; it keeps it looking young and healthy, and also allows skin to stretch. When growth occurs, usually the skin will grow along with it without incident. However, when your body grows faster than your skin can stretch, that’s when you end up with stretches. Yuck.

If you’re lucky enough to know that you’re going to be gaining a lot of weight in a short period (if you are trying to conceive or have just learned your pregnant, for example), you can actually prevent the occurrence of stretch marks by using this new skincare technology. By applying a cream that stimulates your own body’s collagen production, you can allow your skin time to prepare for the stretch to come, making it much less likely that your skin will tear when growth occurs.

And by the way, if you already have stretch marks, there’s no need to despair. Using a cream that stimulates collagen is very effective at reducing the appearance of existing skin stretch marks too. All thanks to science!

By: Tina Hall

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Don’t let stretch marks stop you from looking bikini-perfect! Tina Hall can help! She runs StretchMarkCures.Org as an online resource for women who need honest information and advice on things like the 5 ingredients that help restore skin elasticity and much more. Check out her site for more info!

Getting stretch marks is like getting hit by lightning; no one is really safe from it. Young, old, fat, thin, woman, or man, stretch marks are common skin woes that many people get embarrassed about in a world where beauty equates to perfection. Fortunately no one is perfect, however, many still strive to be so for individual reasons.

When the skin is excessively pulled, stretch marks occur. The overstretching disrupted the collagen and elastic fibers comprising the bulk of the skin. Improper healing of the disrupted skin results in stretch mark formations.

Best Way To Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Aggressive Treatments

Today, the two most successful treatments to get rid of stretch marks are laser therapy and chemical peeling. Laser therapy works by intentionally wounding the affected skin then allowing a certain period of time enough for the body to naturally produce new and healthy collagen and elastic fibers similar to that of normal skin. The laser not only stimulates collagen and elastin formation but also seals off blood capillaries that had burst.

The other way is through chemical peeling which makes use corrosive solutions (usually acids) in sloughing off the scarred topmost epidermal tier of the stretch mark resulting to younger skin cells to surface up. Skin removal is also an option for those who have excessive loose skin left over after tremendous weight loss. Light therapy is the latest technology involving light and gel to remove the stretch marks.

Milder Treatments

Of course, there are other milder options for stretch mark treatment. Topical medications in the form of lotions, creams, and ointments are available in your local pharmacies and beauty bars. Ingredients such as retinoids (i.e. retinaldehyde, tretinoin, and isotretinoin) alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A, C, and E), lipids (wheatgerm oil, jojoba), and exfoliating products such as mineral crystals are also effective in fading stretch marks after appropriate and consistent use. The massaging application of such medications hastens skin healing by promoting blood to flow to the affected area.

Treatments From The Inside Out

Improve your eating habits. Try to meet your daily nutrient requirements in particular protein, vitamins, and certain minerals such as zinc, all of which are vital for good skin. Collagen and elastic fibers are made of proteins, thus, eating proteins ensures that the body has a lot of material to work on for proper skin reconstruction.
Water therapy is another option. Drink lots of water to maintain a well-hydrated complexion. Allow yourself a few minutes under the sun to promote vitamin D production in your skin.

Who Needs Treatment?

Although hiding marks is not exactly a treatment, still, one does not have to remove the stretch marks per se for them not to be seen. Camouflage the eyesores with the use of concealers, foundations and other forms of body make-up. Remember to select the two shades your natural skin tone lies between to guarantee that the most suitable combination that matches your actual color.

With some people, stretch marks will eventually fade on their own over time. To facilitate the elimination of stretch marks, it would help if you figure out the cause of the stretch marks such as try to lose weight or exercise to toned up skin or avoid excessive use of corticosteroid creams.

By: Sapphire Rylee

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What is the best stretch mark treatment for your type of skin? Learn more regarding how to get rid of stretch marks effectively.

Whether you’ve lost a considerable amount of weight, had liposuction or you just have extra flab hanging around your mid-section, abdominoplasty (or a tummy tuck) may be an a good option. This extra skin surrounding your stomach could be genetic or environmentally imposed.

Either way, if you are unhappy with the way you look in the mirror, there is something you can do about it: cosmetic surgery. Tummy tucks not only tack care of that flabby skin, but they can improve the way those unsightly stretch marks look.

An unbiased consumer website, surveyed several patients who had abdominoplasty and it was discovered that 86% of individuals who underwent cosmetic surgery for the tummy tuck were happy with the results. The average cost of those surveyed was $8,235 with a few procedures as inexpensive as $1800 and others that topped $12,500.

Of course, you have heard that there are risks associated with any type of surgical procedure, but how safe are tummy tucks? With the advancement of plastic surgery and the introduction of appropriate policies and procedures, the potential risks and complications have diminished significantly.

However, the known complications include bleeding from the surgical site or internally. However, careful monitoring can correct this problem if it develops. Other complications include infection from the surgical wound, loss of tissue and subsequent scarring.

Allergic reactions are also possible from the anesthesia. Sometimes, swelling can occur around the surgical site and may require removal of excess fluid.

There are ways to decrease the potential risks and adverse effects. First, stop smoking. Next, eat healthy and maintain an appropriate body weight. If you are diabetic, keep it under control as much as possible. Any of these conditions that are present can slow the healing process and lead to further complications.

What about those who actually had the tummy tuck? What is their consensus? 86% of the survey feels that, despite the pain associated with any surgery, the results are well worth it. Several patients had gained weight (and stretch marks) due to pregnancy and they just did not feel sexy afterward.

The tummy tuck made them feel better about their bodies. Despite the swelling that takes place, many of these individuals are pleased with the results within the first week postoperative. The swelling may take several additional weeks to subside completely.

With each passing week the individuals are more and more pleased. Even the men are excited about their tummy tucks. However, some individuals took longer than 2 years to be pleased with their tummy tucks.

Still, there are a few that are not happy with their abdominoplasty procedure. Most complaints are because of pain or adverse effects of surgery (or anesthesia such as vomiting). Others complain about the actual results of the tummy tucks.

One individual had a displaced belly button to one side. Another patient felt her surgeon was over zealous and over tightened her skin giving her an unpleasing figure. Other people complain about the scars associated with the surgery or the prolonged swelling.

Despite the problems and complications associated with tummy tucks, the majority of people who elect to have the surgery are pleased with the process and the results. Everyone’s experience is different and the process and expected outcomes should always be discussed with your doctor.

By: A Aaronson

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If you’ve lost a considerable amount of weight, had liposuction or want to remove the extra flab hanging around your mid-section, opt for a tummy tuck. San Francisco cosmetic surgeon creates excellent results. Contact www.drkim.com.

There are many options you for stretch mark treatment. One of the most popular is plastic surgery for stretch marks. If you want to avoid experiencing a lot of pain or ending up with more scars than before you got your marks treated then choosing one out of the three minimally invasive surgeries can be your solution to a scars free skin.

Chemical Peels

Method of Chemical Peeling – Chemical peeling is a method which involves the application of a chemical solution on the skin. The chemicals strip off the dead skin cells to make way for new and healthy skin. The new skin is usually smoother and more even in color. This makes chemical peels an effective yet minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks.

This involves different acids. The commonly used chemicals are glycolic, trichloracetic, lactic, and salicylic acids. Light or mild peels only penetrate into the surface of the skin. This kind of peel gives what they call a “freshening” effect and the patient will experience only a sunburn-like redness after every procedure. But more often than not, a series of procedures will be required and sometimes the strength of the acids is increased but this is dictated by the tolerance level of the skin. The redness that results from a mild peeling can be easily covered up with make-up.

Medium type peels have more effect because it penetrates deeper into the skin. The patient will feel more of burning sensation after the procedure and the skin will need a week of healing and minimal sun exposure. With this type of procedure, there is a possibility of swelling and some blistering that may crust and turn brown but this will peel off after a week or so. The deep kind of peels penetrate even deeper into the dermis and can sometimes be a risky process. Some doctors would rather utilize laser technology than perform deep chemical peels.

Laser Surgery

The Price – The cost and pain that accompanies laser stretch mark removal has gone down in recent years. This method uses a controlled beam of light that focuses on the affected areas to break down scar tissues. The lasers also stimulate new collagen growth. The new collagen works to thicken and plump the skin so that new skin cells can fill up stretch marks from the bottom up.

Varied Results – Not all stretch marks are the same and the effectiveness of laser surgery will depend on a number of things. These factors can include the age and severity of stretch marks. A person’s genes and hormones can also affect the results of the treatment. There is proof that laser surgery is more effective when used on fresher scars. Some people combine other methods with laser therapy to get better results.

Dermabrasion

Another minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks is dermabrasion. This quick procedure has some success in treating stretch marks. It only takes a few minutes per procedure but the patient will need more than one session to see results. The skin is frozen first then a specialized instrument is used to “sand” the skin. This abrasive action removes the area of the skin with visible stretch marks showing only the “new” skin which has no stretch marks on it. The now smooth skin is usually pink but gradually fades over a six to eight week period. However, the patient is advised to avoid any direct or indirect sun exposure for the next three to six months after the procedure. If the treated area is exposed to the sun, this will cause temporary or worse, permanent darkening of the skin.

By: Maia Pells

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Does stretch mark surgery work? Know more about plastic surgery for stretch marks.

Stretch marks are caused due to excessive stretching of the skin as a result of rapid weight gain. The skin, being elastic, stretches in order to accommodate this new body volume. At some point, though, the skin will reach the limit of its ability to stretch and the deepest layer will break. The surface skin remains undamaged when this happens, but will appear to be thin and striated. These striations are known as stretch marks, and once created, they will remain permanently.

Opinions on whether laser surgery can actually remove stretch marks or not is divided. One school of thought concedes that there is no evidence in support of the theory that laser treatments can remove stretch marks. Here is why: lasers are supposedly useful in eliminating, vaporizing and breaking down tissue. They are not capable of repairing tissue, as it were. Since stretch marks are a sign of broken tissue, they cannot be fixed by laser therapy. According to them, there is proof from clinical research that stretch marks are not treatable through laser therapy.

However, there is another school of thought which says that stretch marks are a purely cosmetic issue and can be treated as such. They say that cosmetic lasers are a new method of eradicating stretch marks because lasers can stimulate the production of collagen, which will fill these marks from below. The energy of the laser is, theoretically speaking, soaked up by the dermis, stimulating the manufacture of fresh collagen. This new collagen thickens and fills the stretch marks bottom up. Apparently, no pain is to be experienced from the procedure.

For the first couple of days post-treatment, the area could turn a little pink, as in the case of mild sunburn. Subsequent treatments will darken the skin, and no bleeding or bruising has to be dealt with. However, even they admit that such treatment does not make the skin look one hundred percent normal. Improvement is a question of degrees, and can vary greatly from person to person.

Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries.

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