Stretch marks are usually acquired by women who become pregnant or those who gain and lose weight rapidly. It is a problem for most women and most people will spend a lot of money to have them removed. Some resort to using oils, lotions and creams but others go to the extreme and opt for laser surgery.
Stretch mark lotions, oils and creams usually go as far as diminishing the scars but more often do not remove them completely. The traditional mark removers often take months to work effectively while laser surgery has immediate effects. For those who can afford surgery, this might alleviate your anxiety about stretch marks faster.
Although they are not life-threatening or cause any physical disability, a lot of people will do anything to remove them. They not only scar the skin but also cause emotional and psychological scarring. This is especially true if they are visible to other people. They appear in the breasts, abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks.
The scars usually look like lines that are initially dark, pinkish or purple and eventually become lighter after several months or years. The marks are caused by the skin being stretched beyond its elasticity. The stretching tears the tissue beneath the skin’s surface and doesn’t heal easily. When you give birth or lose weight again, the lines become more visible.
Laser surgery for stretch marks usually involves a concentrated beam of light that is focused on the marks. The laser light removes the thin layers of skin on the surface. As the scared tissue is removed, the skin appears smoother and evenly toned. The skin heals itself after surgery and new skin is formed without the ugly lines.
Depending on the severity of marks you have, the procedure can last anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour. Sometimes you will need to return for a series of treatments if you have a lot of marks. Two to six treatments are generally needed for stubborn scars. Only a little discomfort like a pinching or needling sensation can be felt during surgery.
Side effects rarely happen but it’s possible to have some swelling, bruising, blistering and scarring in the affected area. These symptoms usually go away in a few days or weeks. Discoloration can also appear but you can expect your skin tone to return to normal after the healing process.
It is better to have laser surgery while the scars are recent. Scars that are pink, red, brown and purple are easier to treat than older stretch marks that have already turned white or silver. Although older stretch marks are difficult to remove, the appearance can definitely be diminished till they are almost unnoticeable to the naked eye.
Laser surgery can be quite expensive and cost anywhere between $ 400 and $1,500 per session. If your scars are particularly harder to remove, the treatment can cost more than that. Some clinics and cosmetic surgeons offer financing arrangements. Look at the fine print before signing anything and use only reputable doctors.
