Stretch Marks
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Stretch marks are a type of thin scar that exists in the middle dermis layer of skin. They can be purple, red, or white. Though as many as 90% of women experience stretch marks post pregnancy, anyone can develop stretch marks. It can be very difficult to get rid of stretch marks using over-the-counter products, and it may even be difficult to prevent stretch marks. However, treating stretch marks is easy with the help of our knowledgeable team.
Available Treatment Options
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks result from any situation where the skin is stretched further than its normal capacity, such as during weight gain, body building, or a growth spurt during the teen years. Stretch marks occur when the deeper layers of the skin rapidly stretches but the upper layers remain in tact. As the skin heals, it creates new collagen which doesn’t always match the appearance of the rest of the skin.
Types of Stretch Marks
New stretch marks commonly look reddish or purplish, while older stretch marks may look white or silver against your skin color. They may feel slightly raised but often feel smooth or have little texture. They most often appear where fat is stored, such as the stomach, breasts, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and hips.
How to Treat Stretch Marks
Many patients try to treat stretch marks at home with cortisone skin creams, cocoa butter, olive oil, and many more ingredients that promise to get rid of stretch marks. However, these are most often ineffective. Medical-grade treatment options are the most effective way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Early stretch marks are the easiest to treat, while older stretch marks may require more aggressive treatment to get results.
Today’s laser treatments such as Fraxel work to rebuild the collagen and elastic structure around the marks and smooth their appearance. Pulsed dye laser therapy can also be beneficial in reducing pigmentation. Our team will help you put together a personalized treatment package for your needs.
Am I a Candidate for Stretch Mark Treatment?
If you’ve tried stretch mark creams and are still bothered by the appearance of stretch marks, you’re likely a good candidate for treatment. During a consultation, our team will go over your medical history and help you learn more about ways to improve stretch marks.
What to Know About Stretch Mark Treatment
It’s important to know that stretch marks may not disappear completely, but you can improve their appearance with the right treatment package. Because we rely on laser therapies, downtime is minimal. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to follow in order to produce good results.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about stretch marks and our treatment options, contact our Portland, OR office today.