Stretch Mark Treatment in Dubai

Stretch marks (Striae Rubrae) are a type of scarring on the skin that occurs when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, often due to growth, weight changes, or pregnancy. 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. Striae rubrae are initially red or purple and flat. They may become slightly raised over time before eventually flattening. They may also be itchy in the early days due to inflammation caused by skin overstretching.

Striae Albae

Striae albae are the matured stretch marks that are white or silver and often have a wrinkled texture. They are not necessarily more irregularly shaped than Striae rubrae. 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 during puberty, which can rapidly stretch the skin, are a common cause of stretch marks.
• Sudden weight gain or loss can cause the skin to stretch or shrink rapidly.
• Hormonal changes can also play a role.
• Pregnancy.
• Rapid muscle growth, often due to intense weight training, can stretch the skin and lead to stretch marks.

What Are The Symptoms Of Stretch Marks?

Here are the common symptoms of stretch marks

• Indented lines or streaks on the skin, commonly found on the abdomen, hips, breasts, buttocks, and thighs, are characteristic of stretch marks.
• Stretch marks initially appear as pink, red, purple, or dark brown, depending on skin tone, and eventually fade to a lighter color.
• Discolored lines slowly turning into white or silver streaks
• Itchiness

Stretch Marks Treatments

Stretch marks are a form of scars and may be 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. Laser treatments for stretch marks work by promoting collagen production and skin remodeling, which can help reduce their appearance, but may not completely remove them.

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. They work by vaporizing the damaged skin, which may not be suitable for all skin types.
• Non-ablative lasers, like Fraxel and Alexandrite, work by heating underlying skin layers to stimulate collagen production without removing the top layer of skin.

Retinoid Cream

Retinoid cream, such as Tretinoin, is a prescription topical solution that can help reduce the visibility of recent 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. It’s important to note that retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels, which involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, are a treatment option for stretch marks. They should be administered by a qualified professional due to potential skin irritation and sensitivity. 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. Chemical peels can help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks by removing the top layer of skin and promoting new skin growth, but their effectiveness can vary.

While glycolic acid and TCA peels are common, their effectiveness on stretch marks can vary, and they may require multiple sessions. They also carry risks like skin irritation and should be performed by a professional.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical method that can help reduce the visibility of white stretch marks. Microdermabrasion involves a device that gently exfoliates the skin using tiny crystals or a diamond tip, which can help in improving the texture of stretch marks. 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 which combines radiofrequency and microneedling, can be effective for stretch marks. However, it’s important to consult with a professional to determine suitability, as results can vary based on skin type and condition of the 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. RF Microneedling can improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production, but results can vary and multiple sessions may be needed.

Ultrasound Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy, often combined with microneedling or ultrasound, involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to stimulate collagen production. This method is still under research for its effectiveness on 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

It’s important to note that individual results for stretch mark treatments can vary greatly based on skin type, age, lifestyle, and the nature of the stretch marks.

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?

While generally safe, laser stretch mark removal can have side effects. While rare, potential risks of laser stretch mark removal include burns, scars, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation, especially if not performed by an experienced practitioner.

How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?

The time it takes for stretch marks to fade can vary greatly depending on the individual’s skin type, age, and the nature of the stretch marks. Some may not fade significantly without treatment. With treatment, you can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks much sooner.

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