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[H1504]How To Prevent Stretch Marks

by Adel Selim, Ade

Surgical and Laser Treatment to erase Stretch Marks

As most Stretch Marks occur on the abdomen, a tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that helps get rid of them. The affected area is cut away and then the remaining skin is stretched taut, creating a smoother skin appearance. A similar procedure can be done for other parts of the body as well.

Laser treatment as a way to erase Stretch Marks has come a long way and many people have benefited from this option. Lasers essentially excise away the affected tissue and the energy from the laser stimulates new collagen, a major building block of the skin. The collagen helps rebuild the fibers in the tissue to help fill in the affected areas. Laser , as a treatment for stretch marks, is not as expensive as cosmetic surgery . but it can be cost prohibitive for some people. In addition, insurance doesn't cover cosmetic or laser procedures as a treatment to erase stretch marks.

Natural Treatment for Stretch Marks

There are creams, lotions and oils that can also be rubbed in the affected areas that are supposed to greatly erase stretch marks. Because each person is different with unique body chemistry and genetic history, one treatment for Stretch Marks may work for some while it may not work for others. Some experimentation may be needed for those lotions and other natural options of treatment for stretch marks.

Cocoa butter or shea butter can soften Stretch Marks as they disappear or fade.creams are rather effect options of treatment for Stretch Marks because they help fade the ugly red color of fresh, new marks. Evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil and even grape seed oil are other natural, popular ways to treat the affected areas.

Unless you have the expendable cash for surgical or laser treatment for stretch marks, the topical lotions and creams are your best option. Be prepared to experiment a bit until you find a remedy that works great for you.

Although commonly known as a cosmetic concern, stretch marks are harmless and even fade over time usually; they do not require medical treatment unless desired as well. If you do seek preventative measures for stretch marks, know that they are only partially effective and might not remove the stretch marks completely.

The following creams and laser treatments are available to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks:

• Tretinoin cream - tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) is to prevent the appearance of recent stretch marks - those less than six weeks old and still pink or red in color. Tretinoin should NOT be used during pregnancy. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild collagen, making the stretch mark more similar in appearance to your normal skin. This treatment isn't effective on older stretch marks unfortunately.

• Pulsed dye laser therapy - Used at wavelengths of light that are non-wounding, this type of laser therapy remodels underlying skin (dermis) by stimulating the growth of collagen and elastins (which keeps the skin supple and firm). Pulsed dye laser therapy is most effective when stretch marks are new but can still be effective on older stretch marks as well.

• Fractional photothermolysis - Like pulsed dye laser therapy, this laser treatment uses wavelengths of light to stimulate new growth of collagen and elastins. The difference is that it causes partial damage to small areas within a specific targeted zone. Because most of the treated area is then undamaged, the skin heals quickly, as if the entire area were treated.

• Microdermabrasion - This type of treatment involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto skin. These crystals gently scrub or "polish" the skin's surface. A vacuum tube then removes the crystals and skin cells. This gently removes the skin's top layer, which may result in new skin growth that is more elastic and firm. This therapy is an option for older stretch marks, and one of the most effective and successful.

• Excimer laser - The excimer laser does nothing for collagen or elastins growth. Instead, its aim is to stimulate melanin production. If it works, the old and lighter streaks become similar in color to the rest of the skin, and therefore less visible. This is used for older stretch marks (usually).
If one wants to go the natural route:

It has also been proven that stretch marks can be prevented by the simplest task of ensuring that we are properly hydrated and drinking enough water! In order to remain properly hydrated, you must be certain to consume copious amounts of water on a daily basis. Not necessarily the traditional 8 at one time to get it out the way (though that can work) but instead making it a daily and enjoyable ritual to upload throughout life. Our world is surrounded by it. It's a part of our daily lives, so why not drink up? While many medical professionals state that we should consume the "8 glasses a day", many other professionals are now starting to say that it is important to consume at least 10 to 12 glasses a day. I think it's best to set a goal in between those numbers, and see what's best for you.

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About Author

Both Adel Selim & Kelly P. are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Adel Selim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stretch Marks. . Adel Selim's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Kelly P. has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stretch Marks. Ready to learn ? Get Your Skin Back shows you the easiest and best way to hide those ugly stretch marks. Learn how. Kelly P.'s top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.