Uncomfortable for many people, stretch marks are, by definition, stripes-shaped skin cracks caused by stretching the fabric beyond the supported limits.
Marcella Alves, dermatologist at Les Peaux Clinic, explains that the lack of elasticity is not the cause, but the consequence of excessive volume gain in a short time, as the skin cannot keep up so quickly and adapt to new conditions. dimensions.
Laura Andrade, dermatologist at Amato Institute of Advanced Medicine, comments that stretch marks happen more in women at puberty, pregnancy or due to rapid weight gain or muscle mass. "Some medications like corticosteroids make it easier to get started," he says.
Stretch marks appear more, in fact, in women. Plastic surgeon Marco Cassol explains that the female endocrine (hormonal) condition is very different from that of men. Female hormones make the skin's elastic fibers break more easily. That is, in general, men have less stretch marks than women.
Lesions may appear on different parts of the body for both women and men, but the most common regions for onset in both genders are slightly different. • In men they are most common in the lower back, flanks, shoulders, lateral chest, buttock and lower thighs. In women, do they appear mostly in the buttocks, thighs, and breasts, which extend during and after puberty? In the abdomen is more common during pregnancy? Explains dermatologist Marcella.
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Why do some people have many stretch marks and others not?
This is a common doubt. Cassol points out that several factors influence the appearance of stretch marks:
- Genetic predisposition (skin distensibility);
- Diet;
- Habits (cigarette);
- Body hydration;
- Moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
"All this causes the person to develop more or less stretch marks, as the adoption of more and less healthy habits," comments the plastic surgeon.
Marcella points out that, unlike cellulite, stretch marks do not depend entirely on unruly eating habits to occur. One of the determining factors for brands is genetic predisposition. "Who has cases of stretch marks in the family can develop them once exposed to their risk factors, but heredity does not always explain, since in many cases the problem appears in only one family member," he says.
Michele Haikal, a doctor from São Paulo, also points out that stretch marks can be associated with various situations, such as puberty, pregnancy, rapid growth, rapid weight changes, obesity, chronic use of corticosteroids, very large prostheses that stretch the tissue, etc.
Reddish Streaks X Whitish Streaks
Laura defines striae as linear lesions that are initially red and purplish, later becoming whitish. They may be depressed or slightly elevated with varying thickness and width.
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Marcella points out that the difference between shades is due to the inflammatory process. At first these marks are more reddish because they are in the acute phase of inflammation. At this stage, the treatment is more effective and leaves almost no trace, but over time, this process ceases, heals and stretch marks become whitish and more difficult to remove ?, explains.
Plastic surgeon Cassol points out that it is possible to identify a new stretch mark to act on before it turns white. And that's exactly what we need the patient to know. Recent stretch marks are much more responsive to treatments, ie the earlier treatment starts, the better the results?
9 Treatments to Mitigate or Eliminate Stretch Marks
There are currently many treatment options to improve stretch marks on the market. Below the professionals talk about those they consider the most suitable.
Clinical Treatments
Laura comments that, in general, the most effective clinical treatments are acid-based and should be advised by the dermatologist. "Should be used especially when the stretch marks are recent and are still red, associated with this, methods that cause collagen remodeling, especially those that produce fractional skin microlesions, which healing will soften the appearance of stretch marks," says .
Michele points out that the use of topical tretinoin is one of the most grounded in studies for stretch marks."But better results are seen with local peels, some lasers, such as the CO2 laser, micro-pronging, injectable hyaluronic acid and radio frequencies," he says.
Below are some examples of clinical treatments that may help in the treatment of stretch marks. Note that all of them need to be done by qualified professionals in trusted clinics.
1. Fractional Laser
According to Marcella, is the best procedure available to treat any striae, pink or whitish, whether in men or women, is the fractional laser? It may be ablative (CO2) or not (erbium 1540). "Some treatment sessions are enough to soften not only stretch marks, but scars and even sagging that may eventually bother you," he says.
Daniela Hueb, a postgraduate dermatologist, emphasizes that fractional lasers are good options for treating white stretch marks, which show that the tissue has actually been damaged. "Fractional laser treatments can be done with about three sessions," he says. "Remember that the number of sessions varies with the body of each patient," he adds.
Ablative fractional laser is one that penetrates part of the skin generating an injury to restructure the deeper layers. The non-ablative crosses the most superficial part of the skin without hurting it, reaching only pre-established targets. That is, it is smoother, usually with no need for the patient to interrupt the routine.
The fractional CO2 laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the body's H20 molecules, thus vaporizing these molecules and stimulating the healing of the treated area and the body's collagen production. With this, it is possible to notice the reduction of stretch marks. The procedure is relatively quick, and products are used to promote anesthesia in the area to be treated. The skin of the treated site usually turns red after the session, but tends to return to normal around 3 to 7 days.
In the video below you can see an example of fractional CO2 laser session:
Considered a less? Aggressive? Option than CO2, Erbium 1450 is a fractional laser that emits microrerations and determines a remodeling of the dermis collagen, thus improving the appearance of stretch marks. The microrrhages penetrate deep into the dermis, but leave the epidermis tissues intact, which generally provides faster and more natural healing.
Pricing: The cost of a fractional laser session can range from $ 600 to $ 2000, depending greatly on where / where you will be doing and the type of treatment.
The use of fractional laser has some general contraindications, such as:
- Pregnancy;
- Herpes (in activity);
- Patient with light sensitivity;
- Patient on immunosuppressive treatment.
2. Dermaroller
According to dermatofunctional physiotherapist Marília Barboni Luz, from L&L Space Life to the Body, this is a procedure that uses microneedles in a small roller that penetrate the surface of the epidermis and induce collagen production and skin renewal. These are tiny lesions that, among other actions, reduce stretch marks without pain. "Patients feel only a slight tingling, followed by a natural redness in the rapidly recovering area," he says.
Marília explains that the results can usually be seen after 5 sessions. Each session lasts an average of 20 minutes to 1 hour and does not require a long recovery period. An interval of 15 to 21 days is recommended for a new session due to the production of new skin collagen.
Pricing: The cost of a session can range from $ 250 to $ 800, depending largely on where you will be taking place.
In general, micro-needling treatment is contraindicated for people with a tendency towards keloid formation and with difficulties in healing.
3. Electrolifting
According to Marília, the technique uses a current equipment with electrical stimulation that induces the formation of collagen-rich tissue and healing agents. "Significant results require a minimum of 10 sessions, which last an average of 50 minutes at 15-day intervals," he says.
The treatment basically aims to cause an inflammatory process in the local area, by the action of the needle and the current, and later its regeneration (since the irritation caused stimulates the production of new fibers in the skin).
Pricing: Each session costs around $ 100, but this can vary greatly depending on where the treatment will be performed.
Electrolifting is contraindicated for pregnant women, people suffering from cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension and diabetes, as well as for people with cancer, allergies or electrical current irritation, pain hypersensitivity and tendency to keloids.
4. Radio Frequency
According to Daniela, radiofrequency is a good alternative treatment for white stretch marks. Up to 15 sessions are indicated, depending on each case.
The method uses skin heating to stimulate collagen and to increase cellular metabolism.
Fractional radiofrequency is similar to fractional CO2 laser technology, as it is an electromagnetic wave that allows deep treatment, promoting the production of fibroplasts and considerably improving the stretch marks, due to the large collagen production. Because it is fractional, it usually has a fast recovery time (3-7 days), usually without having to interrupt your routine. That is, the energy penetrates deep into the skin, but without hurting the surface so much.
Prices: on average R $ 500 to R $ 1500 per session, depending on the area to be treated, as well as the place / city where the treatment will be done.
In general, radiofrequency is not indicated for people with pacemakers, nor for pregnant women.
5. Carboxitherapy
According to Daniela, carboxitherapy is also a good alternative for treating white stretch marks. About 10 sessions are recommended.
The treatment regenerates the skin and reorganizes the collagen and elastin fibers, thus making the skin more uniform. Briefly, it is the subcutaneous application of carbon dioxide in the stria.
In the extra video you see how the procedure works:
Prices: Prices vary widely, but can reach around $ 300 per session.
Because it is a procedure that offers pain, it is only advised for those who are not as sensitive to pain. Carboxytherapy sessions are contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding, as well as for people with lung or heart problems.
6. Chemical Peel
Peeling is an applied technique to promote cell renewal, this occurs by removing layers of the skin. Cellular renewal consequently makes the skin more uniform.
For Thaís Jerez, dermatologist at Jerez Clinic (SP), chemical peel is an excellent option to treat stretch marks. The best answers in any stretch mark treatment are undoubtedly the most recent reddish stretch marks. At this stage there is still good circulation at the site, which helps a lot in response to treatment. The most commonly used chemical peel for the treatment of stretch marks is retinoic acid based, in high concentrations, which can only be performed in offices ?, comments.
Before the peeling session, we usually leave a skin preparation for use at home. When applied the peel usually stays on the skin for 4 to 6 hours. The peeling is expected within a few days and the skin should be sensitive for about 1 week. The sessions are monthly. On average, 6 sessions are needed ?, adds the dermatologist.
Pricing: Prices vary widely, usually between $ 100 to $ 500 per session.
Peelings are basically contraindicated for: pregnant women, patients with hypersensitivity (allergy), skin disease or active infection.
7. Hyaluronic Acid
According to Michele, injectable hyaluronic acid may be a good alternative to treat stretch marks.
The treatment is indicated especially for old stretch marks. The acid is applied in depressions to level the skin. It also stimulates collagen production, leaving the skin firmer and more uniform.
They can be indicated from 3 to 5 sessions, always depending on the doctor's evaluation.
Pricing: Cost can range from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 per session.
Injectable hyaluronic acid should generally not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the compound or by patients with problems with coagulation. It should not yet be applied in areas where there is skin disease, inflammation or sores.
8. Plastic Surgery
Cassol explains that resection of the stria epidermis to transform a broad stria into a thin scar is only indicated in extreme situations.
• In abdominal stretch marks located below the umbilical scar we can perform abdominoplasty (plastic surgery of the belly). We remove all skin below the navel ?, adds the plastic surgeon.
Note that these are just suggestions for treatments that are often used to treat stretch marks. Only a qualified professional can indicate which option is best for each case. As well as presenting the risks and benefits of each treatment, and discussing the expectation of the patient.
It is critical to look for clinics and / or trusted professionals for safe and truly effective treatment.
Home Treatments
9. Hydration
Daniela Hueb points out that, at home, what can be done is not to neglect hydration, since hydrated skin is less likely to break the fibers. "My tip is to use urea moisturizer after bath and, in cases of drier skin, apply moisturizing oil after the cream, always massaging well," he says.
Laura points out that other home treatments can be dangerous and ineffective."What can only be done is hydration with creams and oils that can minimize the appearance but do not treat the already established lesion," says the dermatologist.
Thaís reinforces that every treatment to be done at home should be directed by a dermatologist. "We usually use manipulated or ready acids, always aiming to prepare the skin for a procedure," he adds.
How to prevent stretch marks
Daniela cites the top tips that help prevent stretch marks:
- Moisturize the skin well after bathing;
- Drink plenty of water (about two liters throughout the day);
- Use sunscreen;
- Do not expose yourself to the sun at critical times;
- Avoid the concertina effect: maintaining weight is essential to avoid streaking;
- Keep up with dermatological consultations.
For hydration, dermatologist Marcella recommends creams based on urea, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Because they prevent skin dryness and prevent collagen and elastin fibers from breaking easily.
In the gallery below you can see examples of creams that are intended to help fight stretch marks.
La Roche-Posay Iso-Urea Body Moisturizer for R $ 59,90 on Netfarma
Neutrogena Body Care Intensive Body Moisturizer for R $ 17,90 on Netfarma
Preventive Stretch Mark Luciara Cream for Pregnant Woman for $ 76.75 at Drugstore Sao Paulo
Urea Cream and Grape Seed Oil for R $ 51,90 at Dafiti
Bio Médicin stretch mark cream for $ 39.99 at Americanas
Ligia Kogos Moisturizing for Stretch Marks for R $ 109,90 on Web Beauty
Earth Line Cream for R $ 104 at Cosme-de
Bio-Oil Antistria Treatment for R $ 37,60 at Época Cosmeticos
But, it is worth mentioning, the ideal is to use only the one indicated by your doctor, for your safety and really effective results.
Home remedies
Some people bet on some ingredients that they have at home to try to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Some? Recipes? known are:
Avocado + Aloe: use ½ avocado, 1 leaf of aloe vera and 1 small spoon of olive oil. Add the ingredients in a blender until it forms a paste. With it, massage the affected areas in a circular manner, leaving it to work for 20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water.
Avocado + Almond Oil + Oats: use ½ avocado, 2 tablespoons oatmeal and 2 tablespoons almond oil. Mix ingredients and rub into affected areas. Then rinse with warm water.
Carrot: steam a carrot until it softens, then mash and pass into the affected areas, letting it work for about half an hour. Then rinse with cold water.
Rosehip + Almond Oil: After bathing, apply some rosehip, making circular massages, and then some almond oil also making circular movements.
It is noteworthy, however, that such? Home remedies? have no proven effectiveness.
For those who want to treat and those who want to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, the best way is to seek a dermatologist, who will indicate the most appropriate treatment.
How To Reduce Stretch Marks | DIY Home Remedies (April 2024)
- Stretch Marks, Prevention and Treatment
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