Stretch Mark Treatment

Stretch marks (striae) are a type of scar that develops on the skin when it quickly stretches or shrinks. These indented streaks often develop on the skin areas like the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and breasts.

When the skin is abruptly stretched, a rupture can occur in the collagen and elastin – fibers that keep the skin intact. This can cause stretch marks where the rupture had occurred.

It is pertinent to note that stretch marks are usually neither painful nor indicate a severe health condition. However, they can be unsightly and affect a person’s self-esteem and body image.

What Are The Types Of Stretch Marks?

The two main types of stretch marks are

1. Striae rubrae
2. Striae albae

Striae Rubrae

Striae Rubae are stretch marks appearing as an early sign of skin stretching. These acute-stage stretch marks can be pink/red or violaceous in color. They usually start as raised or elevated streaks on the skin and become flatter and thinner over time. They may also be itchy in the early days due to inflammation caused by skin overstretching.

Striae Albae

Striae Albae are chronic stretch marks that appear when striae rubrae mature or become old. These streaks are more irregularly shaped and scar-like compared to striae rubrae. They are usually lighter in color and have a fine wrinkly texture. They can become more prominent as the skin loses its elasticity with age.

What Are The Causes Of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are primarily caused by tissue expansion beneath the overstretched skin. Several factors can contribute to skin overstretching and, eventually, the development of stretch marks. Those factors include

• Growth spurts typically happening during puberty.
• Sudden weight gain or loss.
• Pregnancy.
• Rapid muscle growth due to weight training.

What Are The Symptoms Of Stretch Marks?

Here are the common symptoms of stretch marks

• Indented lines or streaks on the abdomen, hips, breasts, buttocks, and other body areas
• Pink, red, black, blue, brown, or purple lines
• Discolored lines slowly turning into white or sliver streaks
• Irritation
• Itchiness

Stretch Marks Treatments

Stretch marks are a form of scars and are permanent. However, their appearance and other symptoms can be reduced with various treatments.

Here is a brief detail of some of the most common treatments available for stretch marks.

Laser Treatment

Stretch marks can be reduced with lasers that resurface the skin. During the procedure, a concentrated beam of laser light is directed at the stretch marks. The resurfacing effect of lasers promotes tissue regeneration, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Laser stretch marks reduction is generally achieved with two kinds of lasers:

• Ablative lasers (CO2 and Erbium YAG): These lasers help remove the top skin layer, allowing fresh, smooth textured skin to appear.
• Non-ablative lasers (Fraxel and Alexandrite): These lasers do not remove the top skin layer. Instead, they target underlying tissues to promote collagen regeneration.

Retinoid Cream

Retinoid cream, widely available as Tretinoin, is a prescription topical solution that can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks. It is most effective on stretch marks that are only a few months old. When applied, this cream works to rebuild collagen, improving the appearance of your striae. Due to their intense action, retinoids can irritate your skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a topical treatment typically provided in a clinical setting. When applied to stretch marks, these rapid-action solutions work quickly to dissolve the top skin layers. The depth of this exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the peels. Besides removing old tissues, chemical peels also promote collagen production, improving the appearance of stretch marks.

The two most common chemical peeling solutions for treating stretch marks include glycolic acid and TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) peels.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical method that can help reduce the visibility of white stretch marks. It typically uses a handheld device that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin to remove the top skin layer in a sandblasting-like way. This exfoliation process helps tighten collagen and elastin fibers to rejuvenate the skin and potentially improve the appearance of stretch marks.

RF Microneedling Treatment

RF Microneedling combines the functions of radiofrequency and microneedling to address various skin concerns, including stretch marks. This treatment involves using a handheld device whose head is equipped with multiple tiny needles. These needles pierce the skin and deliver RF energy to the underlying tissues, stimulating collagen production. This helps smoothen the skin surface and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Ultrasound Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy is considered an effective method to treat stretch marks as it delivers an optimum supply of growth factors to the skin tissues. When administered topically or through injections, the PRP solution enhances collagen and elastin production in the underlying skin layer, improving the appearance of stretch marks.

The effects of PRP therapy can be further enhanced with ultrasound stimulation – the process that involves massaging the treated area with a handheld device. This device emits ultrasound waves that reach the underlying skin tissues, enhancing the absorption and distribution of PRP.

Before & After

No Guarantee, as the results may vary from person to person.

Stretch Marks Removal Cost

The average starting cost of stretch mark reduction in Dubai is 1575 AED. The exact price of the treatment may, however, vary from person to person, depending on the following factors:

• Treatment option chosen.
• The size of the treatment area or the number of stretch marks.
• The severity of the problem.
• Skin type.
• Number of treatment sessions needed to achieve the desired results.
• The experience and skill of the practitioner.
• The geographic location and reputation of the clinic or treatment facility.

Is laser stretch mark removal safe?

Laser stretch mark removal is generally a safe method to reduce the appearance of striae. However, it may cause temporary irritation, redness, and swelling in the treated region. In rare cases, the laser may cause burns, scars, or changes in skin color. To avoid major pitfalls, getting this treatment from a skilled practitioner is essential.

How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?

It may take 6-12 months for a stretch mark to fade to a point where it is significantly less noticeable. With treatment, you can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks much sooner.

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If you plan to undergo Stretch Marks Removal in Dubai, you’ll be happy to know that we’re offering initial consultations to all our patients. You need to fill out the form below, and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly. You can discuss anything with our skin specialists—without any follow-up obligations. Stop waiting and book your consultation NOW!