Stretch marks can show up on your body for any number of reasons. These include rapid weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or the changes to your body that take place during puberty.
These unattractive scars are a result of the middle layer of skin stretching past its normal limits, until the exterior eventually becomes damaged. The marks commonly start out purple or red or purple in color, and gradually fade to a silky white over time.
Stretch marks can show up on several areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, breasts, upper arms and abdomen. For those who have too many of these scars that they would like to eliminate, stretch mark surgery might be an option.
Dermabrasion and Chemical Peels
Two of the least invasive types of stretch mark surgery techniques available are chemical peels and dermabrasion. Both of these procedures involve removing the top layer of skin, leaving smoother, blemish free skin underneath. Chemical peels are a type of stretch mark surgery that involves the application of an alpha hydroxy acid to remove the outer layer of skin. Dermabrasion uses a brush to effectively “sand” the outer skin surface.
Both of these kinds of stretch mark surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, using a local anesthetic. Recovery time is generally about a week, although redness and sun sensitivity can go on for much longer. Both will provide minimal benefit in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Laser Surgery
Another sort of stretch mark surgery that has gained popularity in recent years are the laser procedures that can remove many blemishes and smooth the surface of the skin with even less recovery time than chemical peels and dermabrasion. The idea behind laser stretch mark surgery is that it heals the skin from the inside out by promoting the production of collagen to plump and heal the skin, and minimize the appearance of stretch marks. It can also remove damaged skin cells and seal broken blood vessels to fill in stretch marks and make them less noticeable.
Tummy Tucks
The most effective type of stretch mark surgery is also unfortunately the most invasive. Known as a “tummy tuck”, this procedure actually requires incisions to cut away excess skin and pull the remaining skin taut. This stretch mark surgery is often performed by a cosmetic surgeon and requires considerably more recovery time afterward. However, it is probably the most effective surgical way to get rid of stretch marks at this point.
A woman who has stretch marks might feel self conscious about her body and dissatisfied with her looks. But take heart; there are choices in stretch mark surgery that will lessen the appearance of those ugly scars or even get rid of them completely. Visit your physician to discuss options in stretch mark surgery.