Cosmetic procedures have evolved to such an extent that today, there is a treatment or surgery for nearly all conditions and tastes. It is not always a fat reduction or breast enhancement that patients are looking for; a large number of people are looking to eradicate or mask the appearance of certain scars, stretch marks, and cellulite as well.
Stretch marks, the focus of this particular article, develop when the skin grows or shrinks rapidly. The drastic change, often a result of a fat-reduction surgery like liposuction, causes the elastin and collagen to break, resulting in marks. These can also appear later when the skin is healing itself. Other factors can cause them to develop, such as a fluctuation in hormone levels, which explains why pregnant women are so prone to having stretch marks.
The most common times to develop stretch marks are the following:
- Pregnancy
- Following quick weight gain or weight loss
- Growth spurts, usually during pregnancy
- After suddenly adding muscles thanks to weight training
In the beginning, stretch marks can appear in various colors like purple, pink, red, or brownish, all depending on your skin tone. Stretch marks that recently appeared can cause an itching sensation. But with time, the color starts fading, and the stretch marks become fixed on your body.
How To Treat Stretch Marks
Unfortunately, neither CoolSculpting nor liposuction can get rid of stretch marks. Although some procedures claim that they can reduce the size of the stretch mark, no fat-reduction method actually eliminates them. So be aware and start hydrating your skin to reduce the possibility of additional stretch marks forming in the future.
If you want to try out some creams and lotions to diminish the size of stretch marks, please take the following advice into account:
- Use the products as early on the stretch mark as possible. As they mature, they will be harder to treat.
- If you recently got pregnant, start applying creams, lotions, and oils as soon as possible to make sure your skin is healthy and hydrated.
- If you already have stretch marks, massaging the cream or lotion directly into the stretch mark can help. Apply the product every day for at least two months.
Other more hands-on techniques like light and laser therapies and microdermabrasion may also help drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks.