Stretch Marks
Stretch mark removal is one of the most common treatments performed at Q Esthetics Laser Clinic. Stretch marks or striae, as they are called in dermatology, are a common type of scarring caused by a loss of elasticity. Stretch marks can appear on the stomach, thighs, hips, breast, buttocks, upper arms and shoulders though these little lines can present themselves in different sizes, and colours all over the body. Knowing how stretch marks occur is the first step to finding a right stretch marks removal treatment.
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Causes of Stretch Marks
Our skin is a large organ, and it is composed of three layers: the top layer – epidermis, the middle layer – dermis and the lower layer – subcutaneous fat. One of the skin’s most impressive abilities is the capacity to stretch. The collagen and elastin in the skin’s dermis layer gives skin its strength and elasticity. Not everyone has strong and healthy skin, so the collagen levels that we each have will vary from person to person. Some people will naturally have skin that is more elastic than others.
The skin’s strong connecting fibers in the dermis will typically stretch slowly. With rapid growth however, the fibers can overstretch and break. When rapid weight gain occurs, such as during pregnancy or puberty, the skin will expand quicker than it can accommodate. After being stretched over a prolonged period of time, the collagen and elastin in the dermis may give out and the skin will develop small, ribbon-like tears. Over time, these little tears and tiny rips will heal, however, they often leave scar tissue that appears as stripes or lines known as stretch marks. These can be thin or thick and depressed in texture, and many can appear side by side.
The skin’s strong connecting fibers in the dermis will typically stretch slowly. With rapid growth however, the fibers can overstretch and break. When rapid weight gain occurs, such as during pregnancy or puberty, the skin will expand quicker than it can accommodate. After being stretched over a prolonged period of time, the collagen and elastin in the dermis may give out and the skin will develop small, ribbon-like tears. Over time, these little tears and tiny rips will heal, however, they often leave scar tissue that appears as stripes or lines known as stretch marks. These can be thin or thick and depressed in texture, and many can appear side by side.
Aside from rapid stretching, a number of other risk factors have been linked to the development of stretch marks. The etiology and diagnosis of stretch marks still remain somewhat mysterious however, and not much scientific evidence exists to firmly link any specific risk factors. One consistent connection that has been made, is that people are more likely to develop stretch marks when there are high levels of circulating cortisone in their system, as well as in skin that has had high levels of topical cortisone medication applied. Some studies suggest that stress could affect one’s tendency to develop stretch marks, in that it weakens the skin. Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by our adrenal glands, converts into cortisone and may weaken elastin fibers in our skin. When it comes to treatments to remove or improve the appearance of your stretch marks then the best options are those that help boost or develop collagen and elastin for lasting long-term benefit.
Types of Stretch Marks
There are two common types of stretch marks: white and red. While older stretch marks tend to be white or silver-colored, newer stretch marks are usually reddish or purple in color. New stretch marks are red or purple initially due to blood vessels showing through the tears in the dermis. Older stretch marks tend to be white due to blood vessels contracting and the pale subcutaneous fat underneath becoming visible. Stretch marks can feel depressed or textured differently than healthy, surrounding skin.
Stretch Mark Removal Treatments
While there are various procedures available for stretch marks, here at Q Esthetics, after years of specializing in the condition, we have found that a combination of custom treatment options based on our patient’s current condition, skin tone, age, overall health and lifestyle is what truly leads to the best overall treatment outcome.
Some of our stretch mark removal treatments include:
Microdermabrasion, IPL and Fractional Laser Tightening can achieve impressive results on new stretch marks that are still reddish, purplish or darker colored than the rest of the skin.
On the other hand, the fractional laser resurfacing procedure is more effective for the removal of older and paler stretch marks. The 1540 Fractional Non-Ablative Resurfacing Hand-piece is currently the only fractional device to receive FDA approval for scars and stretch mark removal!
We also utilize mesotherapy and micronneedling to stimulate new, thicker and smoother skin and collagen that greatly minimizes the appearance of stretch marks. Most patients will have minimal recovery time with some mild redness and swelling for the first two or three days.
For optimal results, we encourage you to have stretch mark removal treatments as soon as possible after they appear. Home remedies such as massage creams and lotions can help to delay or minimize the appearance of stretch marks, but these methods do not actually treat stretch marks. With the power of the most advanced non-surgical techniques at Q Esthetics Laser Clinic , your stretch marks can be effectively removed.
Please click here to see some amazing before after pictures of stretch marks removal from Q Esthetics Laser Clinic.
Stretch Mark Removal Related Links
More About Stretch Marks
Aside from rapid stretching, a number of other risk factors have been linked to the development of stretch marks. The etiology and diagnosis of stretch marks still remain somewhat mysterious however, and not much scientific evidence exists to firmly link any specific risk factors. One consistent connection that has been made, is that people are more likely to develop stretch marks when there are high levels of circulating cortisone in their system, as well as in skin that has had high levels of topical cortisone medication applied. Some studies suggest that stress could affect one’s tendency to develop stretch marks, in that it weakens the skin. Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by our adrenal glands, converts into cortisone and may weaken elastin fibers in our skin. When it comes to treatments to remove or improve the appearance of your stretch marks then the best options are those that help boost or develop collagen and elastin for lasting long-term benefit.
Stretch Mark Removal Clinic
With a team including cosmetic doctors and nurses, we offer laser stretch mark removal in conjunction with other techniques to treat a wide variety of stretch marks for men and women in Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Thornhill, Brampton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, Vaughan, Newmarket and other surrounding areas of the GTA.
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