Stretchmarks & Loose Skin…. Help!
Stretchmarks. Otherwise known as striae, are linear depressions or indented streaks in the skin. They are very common and are considered both permanent and benign. As they are not associated with any serious long-term health risks. Although they are most associated with pregnancy and puberty, anyone can have them. This is because they are usually a result from rapid weight gain, rapid growth, and steroid therapy.
Humans have tried to erase stretchmarks since ancient times. The Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks used magnets to treat stretchmarks. Despite this, there is little scientific evidence in the medical literature to address effective stretchmark treatment. Through the ages there have been a myriad of attempts made to erase stretchmarks. However, these attempts have been widely unsuccessful. It is most likely because treatments have been predominately topical. That’s because there are 3 key layers to stretchmarks, and most methods do not address all layers.
There is, however, plenty of studies that have been conducted to show that topical preparations are no more effective than placebo. Meaning, doing nothing to treat or prevent them. Over time they are expected to fade and be less obviously noticeable.
However, during the early phase of stretchmark development, there are some things that can be done to improve this outcome, and to overall reduce the appearance of stretchmarks. A good deep massage daily with a silicone-based preparation can help to reduce the appearance of stretchmarks. However, this will not eliminate them. This is for good reason.
Stretchmarks begin in the dermis. Otherwise known as the middle layer of the skin. The connective tissue here is stretched beyond its elasticity limits, resulting in a tear. Initially, stretchmarks can appear raised with a red to a reddish-purple hue. This tear exposes the deeper skin layers and pale colored fat below the dermis. Overtime (typically 6-12 months) they will soften, become flattened and/or depressed, and often take on a white, silvery, glossy, or shiny tone/texture. Thereby resulting in stereotypical silver streaks. Topical, and circulating (think stress), steroids can worsen them, as this thins the skin by weakening the elastic fibers in the skin.
Aside from topical preparations (including retinol), other treatment options include microdermabrasion, laser treatments, needling, radiofrequency, and electromagnetic field therapy.
Laser treatments are limited to only lighter skin pigments, are more expensive, and carry the risk of scarring. In order to reach the depth needed to treat the layers of a stretchmark (with laser alone), an ablative laser is necessary. Which comes with a downtime of approximately 2 weeks.
Abrasive treatments also only address the surface. This includes both microdermabrasion and surgical dermabrasion. Dermabrasion also comes with a higher price point and approximately 2 weeks of downtime.
Ultimately, the most effective therapy is collagen induction therapy. This is a needling technique that addresses all layers of the stretchmark and encourages collagen and elastin production. Thereby aiding the body in healing. Some practitioners will further enhance this treatment through application of cytokine and stem cell therapy. These treatments will come with much less downtime of typically 24-48 hours. However, results will not be seen for at least 6 weeks.
But wait…. what about LOOSE skin? This is where electromagnetic and radiofrequency therapy come in. By combining a needling technique with radiofrequency, the skin can be tightened and smoothed while also reducing stretchmarks. Multiple sessions may be required and are based upon individual needs.
Any residual skin color changes can easily be addressed with camouflage.
That all said… not all radiofrequency devices are created equal. Stay-tuned for more on this topic and remember. You Get What You Pay For. Especially when it comes to these higher-level treatments.
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 23). Stretch Marks. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139
Stretch Marks: Causes, treatment options & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 4). Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks
