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Stretch marks are not just marks
on the skin, but scars resulting from overstretching of the skin.
When the skin is overstretched, the collagen that keeps it elastic and
supple is torn and its production is disrupted. When the collagen is
insufficient in helping the skin stretch, reddish or purple lines
appear. Over time, the lines fade and become pale. These stretch marks
are usually lighter than the surrounding skin.
Commonly associated with bodybuilding, pregnancy, and obesity,
especially rapid weight gain, stretch marks can be a source of
embarrassment. Many people with stretch marks look for ways to get rid
of them. Traditional methods that have been around for years include
topical applications of lotions and creams containing vitamin E, cocoa
butter, and similar ingredients that help to stimulate collagen
production and reduce the appearance of scars. Today, however, laser
treatment is a new method of treating stretch marks that is becoming
more popular.
Laser treatment has become popular in the field of beauty and skin
enhancement for a variety of uses such as hair removal, acne and scar
reduction, age spot reduction, and wrinkle removal. Laser treatment is
also used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and may even remove
them, depending on their age and severity. The laser causes the scarred
or damaged skin to slough off by removing the top layer. The heat of the
laser makes a small, pinpoint burn which is then healed by new, young,
elastic skin. Today’s laser beams are so concentrated and accurate that
it is now possible to target only the affected area without damaging the
healthy surrounding skin.
While laser treatment for stretch marks is usually painless, some side
effects are possible. Usually these side effects are limited to a little
redness around the affected area which disappears in two to three days.
Other possible side effects are some swelling and a little soreness. If
you experience side effects that are more than just a little annoying,
or if they persist longer than a couple of days, you should see your
doctor to ensure that you did not have an adverse reaction to the laser
treatment.
As laser treatments for cosmetic conditions become more and more
popular, many dermatologists are adding them to their practices. A laser
treatment is a non-invasive technique with a low occurrence of
discomfort that can be done in a short period of time. Removing severe
stretch marks, however, may require three or four half-hour visits.
It is possible to have stretch marks removed with laser treatment. You
can try traditional treatments with lotions or creams, which take many
weeks or even months to obtain results, or you can take advantage of the
latest in laser technology, which is fast and convenient. In either
case, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the appearance of stretch
marks and feel more confident about your appearance. All you must do is
decide where you will go for treatment.
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