There are several avenues to permanent stretch mark removal. There are creams, laser treatments, and plastic surgery options available. While there is much hype surrounding each of these options to remove stretch marks, there is also controversy and debate about whether the treatment options are effective.
Stretch marks occur when there is a significant increase or decrease in weight, such as during pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, weight lifting and obesity. Up to 90% of females are inflicted with stretch marks at some point during their life, making a huge potential market for products or services that claim to get rid of stretch marks.
Many creams advertise the ability to get rid of stretch marks, but can they really? There are topical creams that claim to get rid of or prevent stretch marks. There is some truth in these claims, because hydrated skin reacts better to stretching. If someone is pregnant and applying cocoa butter a few times per day, their skin will stay hydrated and have a better chance of avoiding significant stretch marks.
A dermatologist may administer glycolic acid which is thought to increase collagen production, and has been shown to have rebuilding abilities, improving skin appearance. Retinoids produce a similar affect with production of collagen, but these should be avoided if breastfeeding or pregnant.
Laser treatments are expensive but offer several possibilities of treatment. Fraxel is a treatment option that is available to those who can afford it, with the treatments costing upward of $1000 for each session of the treatment. The total cost of the treatment can exceed $3000.
Adding to the ever-growing market of plastic surgery is the option for surgery to rectify the imperfection of stretch marks. Plastic surgeons tout the tummy tuck as a solution for removing abdominal stretch marks.
Stretch mark removal is a growing market with many possible options available. The first step is to attempt to prevent stretch marks by keeping your skin hydrated, but there are options available if you do get stretch marks.
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