Stretch marks have traditionally been one of the most difficult challenges for cosmetic surgeries, even those as esteemed as Cosmos Clinic led by Dr Joseph Ajaka. Due to the fact that they are caused by abnormal collagen formation in the first place, most long term treatments focus on stimulating new collagen production as a means to treating this condition. There are more solutions these days than there used to be and thanks to the introduction of laser skin treatment, stretch marks may soon be a thing of the past. Below are five ways to get rid of stretch marks that use only minimally invasive procedures and avoid long periods of downtime.
Skin Needling
Also called Dermaroller, this treatment involves running a needle-roller over the skin by hand. The aim is to impact the old collagen, stimulating the healing process in order to encourage the production of new collagen. Stimulating collagen production in turn reduces the appearance of scars such as stretch marks and softens the skin as well. Anaesthetic cream applied to the patient’s face ensures only minimal discomfort. The treatment takes about an hour and most patients require around three treatments in all. Combining this treatment with PRP (below) will make a significant difference to the appearance of stretch marks.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, is a non-invasive procedure utilising your body’s own blood plasma and platelets. Platelets are a type of cell that targets healing and regeneration, delivering growth factor proteins to areas of the body where they are most needed. This treatment enriches your own blood plasma with platelets and stem cells to aid the production of collagen. The PRP solution is then injected into the area of skin where treatment is required, strengthening the skin. This in turn improves scarring and texture, while tightening the skin so scars are less visible.
Fractional Laser Treatments
As the name suggests, this treatment involves using lasers to target only a fraction of the skin surface area. The treatment is designed to leave undamaged skin nearby the affected area, in order to encourage faster healing and a decreased down time. Fractional laser treatments are known for speedy and long term results.
Laser Skin Tightening
This minimally invasive procedure places a very thin fibre just below the surface of the skin. Using a highly targeted laser to heat collagen fibres causes these fibres to contract, tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks and what is commonly referred to as Mummy Tummy.
Multimodal Treatments
A multimodal approach utilises more than one of the above mentioned procedures to achieve the best results for the patient. For example, combining Fractional Laser Treatments with Skin Tightening and PRP will produce better results for those wishing to see stretch marks disappear than using either of these treatments in isolation.
Stretch marks have been the bane of child-bearing women for centuries. These days however, advances in cosmetic surgery offer a range of treatments options.
Do you know any old fashioned remedies for stretch marks? Share your wisdom in the Comments box below.
