ọdịnaya
The occurrence of stretch marks and scars is a common problem that often causes complexes and self-insecurity. Fortunately, there are many specialized aesthetic medicine treatments that can be of help. Find out how to effectively fight scars and stretch marks.
Scars – what are the most common scars on our skin?
A scar is the result of damage to the dermis as a result of an accident, disease or surgical intervention. In the healing process, the damaged tissue is replaced by connective tissue, which after healing (which may take up to a year) may be smooth and invisible, or hard, thickened and aesthetically problematic. In the initial period, in the treatment of scars, various types of creams that stimulate healing and accelerate skin regeneration will work, but sometimes they may turn out to be insufficient. This problem particularly affects keloids, atrophic scars, hypertrophic and stretch marks.
What exactly are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that results when the skin is stretched or contracted excessively. Such a sudden change breaks the elastin and collagen fibers that act as a kind of “scaffold” and support our skin. They most often appear on the hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts and abdomen. Stretch marks initially take the form of red, pink, purple or dark brown lines, depending on the color of the skin. These stretch marks can also be gently lifted and make the skin itchy. This is called the inflammatory phase that precedes the atrophic phase – stretch marks melt with the skin over time, they collapse and the color becomes lighter (they take on a pearl or ivory color). [1]
Stretch marks – who are the most common?
Some people are more predisposed to stretch marks on their skin. Stretch marks are particularly common in pregnant women (they appear in up to 90% of pregnant women), in adolescence, after a faster loss or gain of body weight. Hormones also play a very important role in the formation of stretch marks, including cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, which weakens the elastic fibers of the skin. Stretch marks are also more common in people taking corticosteroids or suffering from Marfan’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease. Such stretch marks are usually larger, wide and may also affect the face and other atypical regions of the body. [2]
Find out more at: www.openclinic.pl
Do stretch marks and scar creams work?
There are many types of cosmetics available on the market to help fight stretch marks and scars. Unfortunately, their quality often leaves much to be desired. Research shows that stretch marks or scars are unfortunately not effective at home – so it is not worth reaching for e.g. cocoa butter, olive oil or almond oil. [2]
In the case of stretch marks, creams and lotions work best in the inflammatory phase, when stretch marks are most susceptible to treatment. Unfortunately, when the stretch marks are already pale, the problem lies in the proper layer of the skin – such preparations will have little effectiveness.
Among dermocosmetic preparations, specialists recommend preparations based on natural oils with the addition of vitamins A and E, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed in clinical trials. In addition, when choosing a cream for scars and stretch marks, it is worth choosing products containing hyaluronic acid and / or retinoids. Hyaluronic acid, by moisturizing the skin, can help reduce the appearance of these skin lesions, and Retinol is effective in removing early stretch marks and scars. For the stretch mark and scar cream to work, it must be used regularly for several weeks. In addition, to increase the effectiveness of the product, it is worth taking a moment to thoroughly massage it into the skin. [2]
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using stretch mark creams. Some preparations contain ingredients that may harm your baby. These are i.a. retinoids which, due to their teratogenic effects, are prohibited both during pregnancy and breastfeeding. [1]
However, if scars or stretch marks are impossible to eliminate with the available cosmetics, aesthetic medicine comes to the rescue – incl. microneedle mesotherapy and treatments using ablative and non-ablative lasers, thanks to which you can get rid of these ailments once and for all.
Reduction of stretch marks and scars with microneedle mesotherapy
One of the recommended treatments aimed at the elimination of stretch marks is microneedle mesotherapy involving fractional micro-puncturing of the skin. The system of pulsating needles stimulates the skin to use its natural regenerative capacity, and at the same time allows the skin to penetrate the skin with active substances with lifting, moisturizing and nourishing properties. The effect of the treatment is not only the reduction of stretch marks and fine scars, but also the firming of the skin and reduction of wrinkles. The first effects are visible after the first treatment, and the number of treatments needed depends on the individual needs of the patient. This treatment is available in the Open Clinic’s offer. Find out more at https://openclinic.pl/
Laser removal of postoperative and traumatic scars and stretch marks
Another proposal available at the Open Clinic, which will work well in the removal of postoperative scars, post-traumatic scars and stretch marks, are treatments using laser ablative and non-ablative methods. The innovative Q Switch type Clear Lift neodymium-yag laser is used to remove stretch marks. Clear Lift is a fractional and non-ablative laser (it does not damage the epidermis). The principle of operation of the device is based on sending very short high-energy pulses, thanks to which it safely and non-invasively revitalizes and rejuvenates the epidermis by rebuilding collagen fibers. What’s more, the Clear Lift laser treatment is painless, does not require anesthesia, and the effects are visible after just one session.
The IPIXEL fractional laser is also great for reducing scars and stretch marks. It can be used alone or in combination with the Clear Lift treatment to maximize the effect. It is the most modern ablation laser that disrupts the outer layer of the skin. The fractional action of the laser causes regenerative processes in the depths of the skin – collagen fibers multiply and maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin. The IPIXEL fractional laser treatment is more invasive than with the Clear Lift laser – it requires several days of convalescence.
Depending on the size of the scar, the prices at the Open Clinic in Warsaw start from PLN 250 per treatment. The effects are visible after the first treatment, although it is often necessary to perform a series of 3 or more treatments to fully eliminate skin changes.
More at openclinic.pl