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Skin & Pregnancy Stretch Marks Removal Treatment in Mumbai
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Leading Cosmetic Dermatologist
Indian Board Certified Cosmetic DermatologistM.D, DVD, DNB
IADVL MEMBER
- Are you concerned about lines and texture of your skin after a weight loss?
- Is your confidence getting a hit from the pattern showing on your skin?
- By now you have researched well enough to know how to deal with stretch marks without any professional help. But it’s not quite fruitful isn’t it?
What is a stretch mark?
A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the protein in our skin i.e. collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As a result, scar is formed. With time as the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.
Not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also have a higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.
What are the causes of stretch marks?
While the stretch marks can be caused by variety of reasons. Following are the commonest cause to develop stretch marks:
- Growth spurts that happen in puberty
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Weight training when you have rapid muscle growth
- Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time can also cause stretch marks.
- If you have Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome, you may see stretch marks.
- They can occur on any part of the body, commonly seen on the lower abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts and upper arms. It has no health risk but is unsightly.
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Types of stretch marks can be broken down into two main stage classifications based on their formation and appearance:
- Striaerubrae: Pink / red stretch marks: They are newly developed stretch marks that are red in color because blood vessels are present under the skin. The presence of functioning blood vessels allows red stretch marks to be more responsive to treatment thus they are easy to treat.
- Striaealbae: White stretch marks: They are older and more difficult to treat as over some time, the blood vessels underneath the skin gets narrow, making it hard to accelerate collagen production. This limits the results of the treatment as it may not be as drastic as compared to those of red stretch marks, but nevertheless, there are options available to help them fade more naturally and at a faster pace. With time, the colour fades away as the narrow white bands sink beneath your skin. If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight depression.
Other classifications when it comes to types of stretch marks include:
- Striaegravidarum: Stretch marks that occur as a result of pregnancy.
- Striaenigrae: Dark grey or black stretch marks (usually applicable to darker complexion skin types).
- Striaecaerulea: Dark blue / purplish stretch marks (also applicable to those with darker complexions).
- Striaeatrophicans: Thinned skin associated with stretch marks – this may develop in those with Cushing’s syndrome, due to the prolonged use of corticosteroids or after a surgical procedure.
It’s important to know that like any scar, stretch marks are also permanent. But the good news is there are treatments that may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help ease the itch.
Special caution has to be taken if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, therefore do check with your doctor before treating stretch marks as some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby. Having a consultation prior to any treatment is thus very important.
Meanwhile, it’s equally important to understand that no single treatment works for everyone, and not every product is made for everyone. Treatment of stretch marks is highly specific from person to person and thus required a customized treatment plan for every individual.
You can get yours by booking a consultation right now with our experts.
Preventive Measures For Stretch Marks
Researchers have discovered that many famous substances like almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E, which are believed to prevent stretch marks don’t actually work. In studies, it has been proved that neither of them prevented stretch marks.
But this doesn’t mean that it cannot be prevented. Other ingredients like Centella or hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks. Centella is an herb, and our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid.
Bottom line is: Stretch marks fade with time; however, treatment may make them less noticeable more quickly.
Home therapy
Studies have shown that the popular home remedies like people massaging almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E into their stretch marks have not worked significantly as none of the stretch marks faded when they were applied.
Self-tanner: While tanning can make stretch marks more noticeable, a self-tanner can camouflage stretch marks — both early and mature ones. But it is important to note here that a self-tanner cannot get of rid of stretch marks, it’s just a tool to help hide it.
Stretch mark creams, lotions, and gels
Studies have shown that not all creams, lotions and gels that are sold in market are effective in treating stretch marks. Infact some are not at all effective.
If you want to try one of these creams, lotions, or gels to fade stretch marks, be sure to:
- Use the product on early stretch marks. Treatment seems to have little effect on mature stretch marks.
- Massage the product into your stretch marks. Taking time to massage the product gently into your skin to make it more effective.
- Apply the product every day for weeks. If you see results, then continue as it makes take few weeks for the results to be seen.
Prescription medicine you apply to your skin
Two substances are shown to have a significant effect over stretch marks:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Tretinoin
In two large studies, applying hyaluronic acid and tretinoin to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable as compared to those who didn’t apply the cream at early stage.
Retinol, another type of retinoid, may also help fade early stretch marks.
When to seek a dermatologist’s expertise
There is no bad time to see a doctor. If your stretch marks are growing and over the counter medications are not helpful, its high time to consult for an expert opinion by a board-certified dermatologist
The in-office procedures have proven more effective than the creams, lotions, and gels. Dermatologists can also tell you about any new product or procedure that may help.
Dermatologists use the following procedures to make stretch marks less noticeable, but since they are permanent in nature, none of these can get rid of stretch marks:
- Chemical peel
- Laser therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Micro needling
- Surgery
Chemical peel
A chemical peel is a process in which a chemical agent will be applied to your skin which will assist in exfoliation of skin cells. This procedure generally provides minimal improvement in the appearance of your stretch marks, but it will not reduce their visibility enough for the scars to be unnoticeable.
Chemical peels will reduce the discoloration of the skin and lighten the stretch marks by decreasing the melanin formation by skin cells.
Depending on the type of peel done, the down time can vary from 3-7 days.
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Precautions:
After getting the peeling done, cover the area from sunlight and avoid swimming and heavy workout for couple of days after the treatment.
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Visible result
Chemical peeling is a multi-session procedure. You will start noticing some change only after the third to a fourth session. Minimum 6-7 sessions are required.
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Limitation
In Old stretch marks due to lack of blood supply, the results are not very convincing.
Microdermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion is a painless procedure that helps in reducing the appearance of white stretch marks. This procedure targets the upper layer of skin (epidermis), and works by stimulating the skin to tighten collagen and elastin fibers.
It is performed depending on the area to be covered and generally varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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Recovery:
It typically takes 24 hours for your skin to heal. Although there may be some redness from the exfoliation.
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Precautions:
Avoid any sun exposure, swimming and heavy workouts for 3-4 days after the procedure.
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Visible result:
After getting a microdermabrasion your skin may feel littletight and dry.
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Required sessions:
Multiple sessions are required
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Limitation:
The severity of your stretch marks will influence your results.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a common treatment option to remove old stretch marks. In this procedure, lasers are focussed to penetrate the skin, thus triggering regeneration of skin cells. This helps the cells around your stretch marks to heal at a faster rate, thus making them lighter.
Laser therapy also stimulates melanin production on the affected area, by activating the pigment cells (melanocytes)in your skin. This resultsin blending of your stretch marks with your normal skin tone. Though effective, laser therapy requires more than one session for noticeable results.
There are a number of different laser therapies used to treat stretch marks and other skin issues. Your dermatologist will discuss the options best suited for you.
One of the lasers which works best in stretch marks reduction is Fraxel CO2 laser.
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Mechanism of action:
The Fraxel laser precisely target microscopic areas of the skin, by using focused laser columns to remove old and damaged skin cells. Fraxel treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, healthy skin and stimulates collagen formation thus helping in healing of stretch marks.
The procedure can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the areas being treated. The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic and normally 3-6 sessions are required for maximum results.
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Recovery:
Your skin will appear slightly pinkish and swollen for several days after the procedure which is normal can gets back to normal tone in 1-3 days.
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Visible results:
Most patients experience an instant improvement on their skin during treatment associated with the laser. The collagen contracts, making the skin feel tighter immediately. However, the final results related to new collagen production takes approximately 8-12 weeks. You will continue to see improvements in skin for the first three to four months after the treatment.
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Limitation
Some of the side effects and complications that may occur after aggressive or high-level treatments include:
- Excessive scaling, peeling, and some crusting
- Swelling for up to one week after treatment – this can be helped by applying an ice pack at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours.
- Post procedure color changes (more common in patients of darker skin types)
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Precautions:
- Apply ice packs as needed as there will be a sunburn sensation for about an hour after the treatment
- Use sunblock at all times.
- Use gentle moisturizers and cleansers and avoid retinoid and glycolic acids for one week. You should moisturize as much as needed.
Microneedling:
Micro-needling targets the middle layer of your skin (dermis) where stretch marks form. In this procedure, tiny needles are poked into your skin to trigger increased collagen and elastin production which can improve and reduce stretch marks. This treatment is not ideal for old stretch marks are multiple sessions are required.
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Recovery:
Around 3-4 days
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Precautions:
Avoid sun exposure for a few days.
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Visible result:
Visible results are generally seen after 2-3 sessions
Cosmetic surgery
If other treatments are unsuccessful, cosmetic surgery is an option. This is an expensive, but effective, option that can permanently remove white stretch marks from your body. However, it’s important to understand that surgery can leave scars of its own.
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that not only removes stretch marks, but also removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen. This procedure gives the skin and abdomen a flatter and firmer look and a fine scar that can be covered in the pubic area.
For stretch marks on the arms, Arm lift can be done, on the breasts, Breast lift surgery, and on the thighs Thigh lift surgery can be done respectively.
It’s important to know that to give you the best results suited for you, your dermatologist may use more than one procedure to achieve that. A dermatologist can tell you if any of these treatments would be suitable for you, given your health, age, and how long you’ve had the stretch marks.
With all procedures, side effects are possible. In the skilled hands of a board-certified dermatologist, side effects tend to be minor and temporary.
Dr. Shweta is a qualified dermatologist in Andheri West, Mumbai, India who comes with 15 years of experience and favorite of many Bollywood celebrities as well. She will assess the cause of your stretch mark, intensity of it and laxity of the skin and advice you the best possible treatment suited for your kind of stretch marks. The feedback, testimonials, and reviews can be checked via our website or through the link of reputed cosmetic treatment results’ portals.
We at Allure Medspa in India, have world-class facilities in place to cater to your every need when it comes to cosmetic treatment. Here we have dedicated to the best results. If you have decided upon undergoing stretch mark treatment, here we have a wide range of procedures including surgical treatments for stretch marks under one roof to cater to all your needs.
To learn more about stretch marks treatment and find out if it’s right for you, call our clinic:
Allure Medspa in Andheri, Mumbai, India, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shweta.
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The cost of the session depends on the area affected with stretch marks. Stretch mark removal can range between 3,000 to 10,000 INR per session and will also vary if additional PRP treatment is added. Treatment is done with Fractional CO2 laser.
Allure MedSpa, which is renowned for its state-of-the-art internationally acclaimed services,offers affordable and cost-effective weight-loss and cosmetic contouring procedures. To know more about the cost of your procedure request a consult by filling the form below.Your consultation is your chance to ask questions about stretch streak removal treatment and put your mind at rest. Our surgeons and cosmetologists will be there to offer full explanations and answers to all of your queries.
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Q: Can you permanently remove stretch marks?
A: No, stretch marks cannot be removed permanently. However, they usually fade away or become less noticeable with time, provided you take good care of your skin and health. Apart from this, you can opt for many procedures like fractional CO2 laser, micro-needling, laser therapy, etc. performed by a dermatologist for removing your stretch marks.
Q: What treatment removes stretch marks?
A: Stretch marks can be effectively removed by various dermatologists performing procedures like microdermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peeling, micro-needling, and surgery. There are few home remedies that you can try for mild cases, but they do not provide long-lasting results.
Q: What is the most effective treatment for stretch marks?
A: The most effective treatment for removing stretch marks depends on your condition. There are many home remedies that you can try but these remedies do not stimulate collagen production. Procedures like laser therapy, micro-needling, chemical peeling, etc. are performed by an experienced dermatologist to help in collagen production. Your dermatologist will help you decide what treatment method will suit you the most.
Q: Is laser stretch mark removal painful?
A: No, laser therapy is not painful for most people. The procedure lasts for 30-40 minutes, therefore you will get free very quickly. During and after the procedure you might experience minor discomfort, which is temporary and goes away soon.
Q: Does laser remove old stretch marks?
A: Yes, laser treatment can remove old stretch marks to some extent. White, old stretch marks are often tough to remove. Laser therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production in the deeper tissues, helping the faster healing and fading of the scar tissues.
Q: How much does it cost to get laser stretch mark removal?
A: Stretch mark removal can cost between 3,000 and 10,000 INR per session, with additional PRP treatment costing more. The final cost of your stretch marks removal treatment is determined by the area of your body affected by stretch marks and the condition of those stretch marks.
Q: How many sessions does it take to remove stretch marks?
A: The number of sessions required to remove your stretch marks depends on your condition. Stretch marks are often permanent in nature but with the right treatment and doctor, stretch marks can fade away to some extent. When you consult your dermatologist, they can educate you about your treatment options and how many sessions you are needing for each of them.
Q: How can I reduce stretch marks on my butt?
A: You can reduce your stretch marks on areas like your butt, thighs, arms, stomach, etc. by various dermatologists performing methods like PRP therapy, chemical peeling, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and many more. You can consult your dermatologist to understand which treatment option will be most suitable for your condition.
Q: Will stretch marks go away if I lose weight?
A: Stretch marks may fade on their own after losing weight in some cases. However, if your stretch marks do not fade over time, there isn’t much you can do on your own to completely remove them. Stretch marks can be reduced in appearance with treatment performed by dermatologists.
Q: Can a laser remove white stretch marks?
A: Yes, laser treatment can help to remove white stretch marks. White, old stretch marks can be difficult to remove. Laser therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production in the deeper tissues, resulting in faster scar healing and fading.
Q: What is the best laser for stretch mark removal?
A: Fraxel is a resurfacing laser that is the only FDA-approved treatment for stretch marks. It is also the most effective and best-researched treatment available. The Fraxel laser delivers heat that stimulates collagen growth while resurfacing your top skin layer while penetrating the top layer of your skin.
Q: Does Microneedling help stretch marks?
A: Yes, micro-needling does help with fading of your stretch marks. Micro-needling boots the production of collagen and elastin under your skin, which promotes skin healing. This fastens the fading process of your stretch marks.
Q: How can I cover up white stretch marks?
A: You can use various makeup products and/or self-tanning products to cover up your white stretch marks. While using such substances, make sure that you are using it correctly. In case of any allergic reaction or side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Q: Can a dermatologist help with stretch marks?
A: Yes, a dermatologist can help in removing your stretch marks. There are many clinical procedures like laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, surgery, etc. that can be performed by a trained and experienced dermatologist for quick and significant fading of your stretch marks.
Q: Does lasering help stretch marks?
A: Laser therapy is very effective in reducing stretch marks. They are non-invasive and require minimal downtime in terms of recovery. They stimulate collagen and elastin production even in deeper tissues of your skin, therefore laser therapy can help in fading of while, old stretch marks.
Q: How much does it cost to remove stretch marks in India?
A: The cost of the session depends on the area affected with stretch marks. Stretch mark removal can range between 3,000 to 10,000 INR per session and will also vary if additional PRP treatment is added.
Q: How can I permanently get rid of stretch marks naturally?
A: Stretch marks are as permanent in nature as any other scar. With time it can become less noticeable if you maintain a good weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. There are many home remedies that one can try to get rid of stretch marks. However, for better and significant results, consult a dermatologist for various clinical procedures that can be done to remove your stretch marks.
Q: Is laser stretch mark removal permanent?
A: The results of laser stretch marks removal are long-lasting and can be removed permanently if you maintain your body weight and general health. However, stretch marks cannot be completely removed as it is a permanent change to the structure of your skin but can fade away from therapies like a laser.
Q: What surgical procedure gets rid of stretch marks?
A: A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes not only stretch marks but also excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This procedure flattens and firms the skin and abdomen.
Q: What vitamins get rid of stretch marks?
A: Vitamins like D, E, and A can help in getting rid of stretch marks as they help in the healing of the broken layer of your skin. However, they can only help along with other more potent therapies, performed by a trained dermatologist.
Q: Can laser treatment make stretch marks worse?
A: No, laser treatment usually does not make your stretch marks worse. In fact, lasers are very effective in treating old stubborn stretch marks caused by changes in deeper skin tissues. They might cause some discomfort after your treatment, but those side effects are temporary.
Q: Will stretch marks come back after laser treatment?
A: Stretch marks cannot be removed permanently, however, lasers are very effective in fading your stretch marks. They make your skin smoother from within and boost collagen production which helps in the healing of your stretch marks.
Q: What are the side effects of laser stretch mark removal?
A: Stretch mark laser treatments have few side effects. Mild redness, itching, or swelling at the target sites is common but only lasts a few days at most. Anything serious will only happen in clinics with low safety standards.
Q: What Are Stretch Marks?
A: Pregnancy Stretch Marks are tiny tears in the dermis that appears as a scar and can vary in color from a light pink to a dark purple. Over a very long period of time, usually years, the marks can fade in color, but the scars remain.
Q: What is the cause of Stretch marks?
A: Striae distensae streak is caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its’ elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the skin causes the marks, loss of tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the epidermis (top layer of skin).
Q: Why Do People Get Stretch Marks?
A: There are several different factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks. Heredity – Some skin is genetically prone to marks, some skin is dryer with less elasticity than others, i.e. dry skin vs. oily skin, Weight – rapid gain or loss, Pregnancy – the weight gain associated with pregnancy. Although some people are more susceptible to the marks and can get the scar so easily. Stretching of the skin during rapid weight gain or rapid growth (in young children and adolescents) is a major cause of stretch marks. The non-occurrence of the marks during pregnancy does not necessarily mean pregnancy striae streak will not occur in another. The marks are not gender- specific – men and women are susceptible to these unsightly marks.
Q: How much do treatments for stretch marks reduction cost?
A: The actual treatment required for stretch marks removal/reduction varies depending on your personal requirements, but to get an estimate on how much the marks reduction treatments may cost you, please call us now on +91 98690 41559 or use our online inquiry form for our latest prices. Contact Allure Medspa today to discuss your individual needs – we’ll arrange a consultation with one of our specialists on how to reduce the marks.
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