How Dermatology Can Treat My Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a concern for many women. With the help of dermatological treatments, the appearance of stretch marks can be lessened or even eliminated.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

There are many reasons why stretch marks may appear on the skin. They include:

• Pregnancy: This is perhaps the most common reason for stretch marks. When a woman is pregnant, the skin expands to accommodate the woman’s changing body. This process often creates small tears in the skin, which leaves behind stretch marks. Almost 75% of women develop some evidence of stretch marks during pregnancy, frequently on the stomach, hips and thighs.
• Weight fluctuation: When people lose or gain substantial amounts of weight, the skin is forced to compensate and this can lead to visible marks. The rapid growth that occurs during puberty and the increased muscle mass gained through bodybuilding can also cause stretch marks.
• Genetics and ethnicity: If an individual’s parents had stretch marks, they are more likely to develop them as well.

The Types of Stretch Mark Removal in Manhattan

Surgical Stretch Mark Removal

Surgical stretch mark removal is the only kind of removal that completely gets rid of unwanted marks. It is a much more invasive procedure than the other techniques, however, and many patients may want to consider other treatments before going under the knife. The type of surgery used to remove stretch marks is called abdominoplasty, and it involves the removal of unwanted skin from the stomach.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

Laser stretch mark removal is one of the best ways that dermatologists have to treat stretch marks. It works because it forces new, healthy layers of skin to form. A beam of light is used to disrupt the processes of the skin tissue. The skin tissues exposed to the laser disintegrate, and new skin forms in its place. This new skin has a younger, more radiant appearance. This form of removal is very effective. It can require a number of treatments to erase the appearance of stretch marks to the patient’s satisfaction, however, and the area treated by the laser will be sore and red after the procedure. The affected areas usually take several days to heal.

Traditional Treatments

Dermatologists can also prescribe a number of creams and lotions that can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks. While not always as effective as laser removal, they can help people with mild to moderate stretch marks. Tretinoin, which is available in prescription form as Retin-A, has been shown to produce noticeable results.

If you are interested in the ways dermatology can help you remove stretch marks, the Westchester Center for Dermatology can help. Call our location in Manhattan or Scarsdale to schedule an appointment.