Treatments to Remove Stretch Marks in Tampa, FL

Stretch marks are discoloured, scar-like lines on your skin that typically appear when your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, from weight loss/gain, pregnancy, or puberty, amongst other causes. Stretch marks generally appear on your stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back, and buttocks. 

Anyone can get stretch marks, but you are more likely to develop them if you are pregnant, you suddenly gain or lose a lot of weight, your muscles get bigger quickly through bodybuilding, you’re going through a growth spurt, they are in your genetics, you have Cushing’s or Marfan syndrome, or you’ve been on prednisone long-term. 

When your skin stretches or shrinks, it causes the elastin and collagen in your skin to break. Elastin allows your skin to stretch, and collagen provides structure and strength to the skin. As your skin heals, stretch marks appear wherever the elastin in the body breaks.

Common Areas Where Stretch Marks Appear

Stretch marks generally appear on your:

• Stomach
• Thighs
• Hips
• Breasts
• Upper arms
• Lower back
• Buttocks

Different Types of Stretch Marks Explained

The different types of stretch marks that one can get include:

• Striae Rubra: pink/red stretch marks
• Striae Albea: white stretch marks
• Striae Gravidarum: stretch marks which occur as a result of pregnancy
• Striae Nigrae: dark grey or black stretch marks, usually occurring in a darker complexion
• Striae Caerulea: dark blue/purple stretch marks
• Striae Astrophicans: thinned skin associated with stretch marks (typically develops in people with Cushing’s Syndrome due to prolonged use of corticosteroids or after surgery)

Striae Rubrae is classified as the stage of stretch marks which present the earliest physical indications of overstretched skin. Collagen fibers thicken and become more dense, arranging themselves in a perpendicular or parallel pattern, and the number of elastic fibers also decreases. Striae Albae occurs as the more chronic or mature stage of stretch mark formation. Stretch marks become similar to scars, irregularly shaped, and faded/white. Some also develop a fine wrinkly texture. Progression from Rubrae to Albae can take several months to years, and mature stretch marks may become more prominent as a person naturally loses skin elasticity due to aging. Striae Gravidarum are secondary to Striae Distensae and occur as a result of pregnancy. These stretch marks are most prominent on the abdomen, breast, and thigh areas of pregnant people, usually occurring around the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy.

What are the Best Treatment Options for Stretch Marks?

The following treatments are common among those available to improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks:

• Retinoid cream. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. When retinoids work, they help rebuild the collagen in your skin, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. If you’re pregnant or nursing, discuss using retinoid cream with your doctor as it may affect the baby.
• Laser therapy. Light and laser therapies are available to stimulate the growth of collagen or promote elasticity. Doctor Egozi can help you determine which technique is best for you.
• Microneedling. This treatment involves a device with tiny needles that stimulates collagen growth. This technique has less risk of pigmentation changes than laser therapy does, so it is preferred to people with darker complexions.

Dr. Egozi is here to help you choose the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments for you. Together, you will consider the factors of how long you’ve had stretch marks, your skin type, convenience for your schedule, cost, and your expectations.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a type of surgery where your doctor directs short, concentrated pulses of light onto your stretch marks. The laser removes layers of your skin, stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. You should see an immediate difference and smoother skin after treatment, and your skin may continue to improve for up to a year, lasting for several years.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a type of surgery wherein your doctor uses a specialized instrument to scrape away your stretch marks, therefore improving your skin contour and resulting in smooth, new skin. It will take at least two weeks for your skin to heal, but you will see complete results several weeks or months after the procedure.

Microneedling

With microneedling, your doctor pokes the skin with thin needles, and the small punctures stimulate collagen growth to create firmer skin. Most people see results in three to six treatments. You can see complete results within four to six months but it may take longer.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels involve applying acid, such as glycolic acid, to the skin’s surface. Professional chemical peels provide a deep exfoliation of the skin and promote collagen production.

How Can I Prevent Myself from Getting Stretch Marks

The best ways to prevent yourself from getting stretch marks include:

• Hydration. Drinking lots of water helps your skin stay soft, so you’re less likely to develop stretch marks. Drinking caffeine can increase your risk of developing stretch marks.
• Diet. Foods that promote healthy skin include anything rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish, anything high in vitamins A, C, and D, such as carrots, citrus fruits, and milk, and any foods rich in protein, such as lentils, beans, broccoli, lean beef, and chicken.
• Exercise. Exercise increases circulation and helps the body produce collagen, in turn helping your skin stay strong and elastic.

Many products claim to prevent or treat stretch marks, but it is best to take care of your hydration, diet, and exercise. If your stretch marks have already appeared and are affecting your self-confidence, discuss a treatment plan that works for you with Dr. Egozi.

Best Procedures to Combine with Stretch Mark Treatment

If you’re looking for a complete glow-up, you can combine your stretch mark treatment with liposuction, a tummy tuck, a breast lift, or a thigh lift – really any treatment that would help improve your self-confidence and give you the makeover you’ve always wanted. Dr. Egozi will help you choose the best treatment plan for you to ensure phenomenal results.

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