Stretch Marks

Nothing can be more disheartening than to lose a bunch of weight only to see unsightly stretch marks. These marks are caused by a rapid expansion of the skin due to weight gain – normally associated with pregnancy, but they also can come from being overweight.

Stretch marks – or Striae in the medical community – are made up of scar tissue. They are caused by damage to the dermis – a middle layer of your skin responsible for keeping it firm. When the dermis is stretched past is normal elastic point, the cells separate and form scar tissue. This process can occur in anyone, but certain people are more susceptible.

Most stretch marks are found on the stomach, thighs, buttocks and sometimes the arms and chest. Women can also get them on their breasts due to pregnancy.

Athletes who increase their muscle size dramatically over a short period can also get stretch marks.

They pose no health risk and don't compromise your body's ability to function healthily.

For pregnant women, these are the main factors that determine whether or not you will get stretch marks:

Stretch marks can be prevented by:

The same could apply to a person who gains a lot of weight over a short period. Those who lose weight very rapidly by having a gastric bypass can also suffer from stretch marks.

These marks are by no means permanent – there are a number of ways to get rid of them – but prevention remains the best solution.

To lose the marks, use one of the many methods available:

With the exception of the last solution, which is basically a cover up, all solutions offer only a partial – but is some cases dramatic – improvement.

Laser surgery

Cosmetic lasers are a new method for removal of stretch marks. Lasers stimulate new collagen growth and fill the stretch mark from the bottom up. The laser energy is absorbed in the dermal layer of the skin which produces new collagen. As the new collagen thickens and plumps the skin, it fills in the stretch mark from below.

Note that laser treatments can also cause new scars, although not as apparent as the stretch marks themselves, they can be noticeable.

Laser stretch mark removal has advanced in recent years, the cost and pain associated with laser stretch mark treatments has come down significantly. Costs are still not considered cheap – treatments run from $1,000 to $4,000 and are not covered by insurance.

Cosmetic Surgery

There are two basic procedures: Scar subcision which is surgical removal and dermabrasion which mechanically sands down the skin to the dermis allowing it to re-grow new skin. Both leave scars, but properly done, they are minimal.

These are surgical procedures, so require sedation and long recovery periods with a risk of infections or other complications.

Cost runs about $300 to $1000 and are not covered by insurance. This procedure is also used in heavy acne scarring.

Chemical Peels

These treatments use acids that burn the skin - they have effects that are similar to dermabrasion but not as dramatic or as soon – often several treatments are needed. These peels usually just affect the upper skin layers, so may not remove all the scar tissue which is located deeper in the dermis layer.

Several treatments are needed and new scaring can occur. This is done in a doctors office, but is an outpatient procedure.

Note that pain levels for any procedure on the skin – especially dermabrasion and chemical peels -can be quite high and sustained over a long period.

Peels can take two to four months to heal completely. They cost around $500 to $3000 for a full treatment.

Creams and Lotions

These are best used BEFORE getting stretch marks. According to those that sell these products, the skin can take up to ten years to completely heal – they don’t mention it, but they would probably like you to use their products during the whole tens years’ time.

These creams contain cocoa butter, wheat germ oil and lanolin. They help to heal stretch marks by rebuilding the structure of your skin. Results are slow at best with this treatment option.

Lotions are often used in conjunction with other treatment options to help keep the skin soft and flexible.

The best way to avoid theses marks – and for some it can be nearly impossible – is to stay healthy with regular exercise to keep you skin supple and eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and proteins that contain the nutrients your skin needs.

Hey! This sounds like a fat burning program, doesn’t it?

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