Stretch Mark Repair

Many people who have them often seek to repair stretch marks, as they are considered a form of scarring. While they may not be a significant risk to one's health, they are unattractive and undesirable to have on the skin. When people find them on the skin, they want to get rid of them as soon as possible, but it is not that simple most times. Having to repair stretch marks can take long periods of time, especially for more serious cases.

A variety of methods to repair stretch marks exist today. These can range from cosmetic surgery, to commercially available lotions and creams, and even home-made formulas. All of them have their time and place for treating and repairing stretch marks depending on the severity and seriousness of your case. Either way, consulting a doctor before proceeding with any kind of treatment is advisable, no matter how bad your stretch marks are.

Causes and Treatments

Before choosing a treatment for your stretch marks, it may be wise to first determine what is causing them. Stretch marks appear as reddish, purple or dark hues of the skin tone in areas such as the buttocks, stomach, thighs, and upper arms. They may also feel soft and dry.

They can be caused by:

• Stretching of the skin during and after pregnancy
• Over-stretched skin that occurs during massive weight gain or loss
• Skin that is stretched beyond its limit when bodybuilding is done excessively
• Overstretching yourself when performing aerobics or other strenuous physical activities

Some hormonal causes may also contribute to stretch marks:

• Stretch marks can be brought upon by hormonal changes caused by certain supplements and steroids.
• Hormonal changes are also common with teenagers experiencing puberty.

A trained doctor can help you find an appropriate treatment based on these causes. Deeper-set stretch marks may require cosmetic surgery to repair, while some causes may simply merit the use of special creams and lotions. Individuals who are more skilled at home can try a variety of home cures to repair stretch marks.

Some surgical treatments for stretch marks include:

• Dermabrasion: In this method, controlled abrasion is used to wear away the upper layers of the dermis and skin. A light sandpaper tool or laser is used while the patient is given a local anesthetic to ease the pain. The skin becomes red and raw after treatment, but will heal naturally over time.
• Laser Treatments: A variety of laser treatments can be used to repair stretch marks. Typically, laser treatments work much like dermabrasion, in that the skin is damaged in a controlled manner. The wounds caused by the lasers will prompt the skin to trigger its natural healing abilities, healing up the stretch marks and wound.

For people not wanting to go through life-changing cosmetic surgeries, a variety of creams and lotions are created to specifically repair stretch marks in a more suitable manner. These lotions and creams are made of synthetic chemicals, natural ingredients, or a combination of both to help repair stretch marks.

• These creams and lotions are applied directly on the affected areas.
• Pressure is used when applying the lotion directly on the skin; this is to ensure that the lotion is absorbed faster, and reaches deeper areas of the stretch marks.
• If the user can determine the time that stretch marks appear, such as during massive weight loss or during pregnancy, then they can be used to prevent stretch marks.
• Creams and lotions should be used regularly in order for them to take maximum effect.

A variety of home solutions exist as well, such as the use of olive oil. Olive oil contains many vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin. These nutrients are also said to reduce stretch marks as well when applied directly to the skin.

As always, seek the advice of a good doctor before trying any of these treatments yourself. Whether it be cosmetic surgery or home remedy, a doctor will be able to point you in the right direction to repair your stretch marks.

Prevent Stretch Marks from Appearing

An old saying states that the best treatment to repair stretch marks is to “not get them in the first place.” It can be very hard to determine a way to prevent them before they happen, especially since most people only become conscious of them after they appear on the body. However, you can prevent them from getting worse, so you do not have to treat them with more drastic methods later.

• Increase your intake of Vitamin E: A German study conducted in 1992 states that people who have healthy diets and a steady intake of vitamin E are less likely to have stretch marks.
• Use creams and lotions before stretch marks appear: If you are in the early stages of pregnancy or if you plan to lose a large amount of weight, then apply creams and lotions to prevent and repair stretch marks as they happen. Apply them on areas you may think stretch marks are likely to appear.

With these tips in mind, preventing stretch marks are made much easier. Taking a few steps to stop them from happening, or getting worse, mean that you do not have to repair stretch marks if they occur later on in life.