What are Stretch Marks?
Before we discuss stretch mark removal, we need to know what they are and what causes them. Stretch marks are irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes, or lines. Skin is flexible and stretchy, but collagen production can't keep up when it is quickly stretched. This causes tearing of the dermis layer of the skin, leading to scarring.
It is common for these scars to occur during pregnancy called Striae Gravidarum. These lines appear as streaks of red or pink at first; over time, they become silvery white in appearance. Striae gravidarum may be slightly depressed and have a different texture than normal skin. This type of scar can occur anywhere, but it is common on the thighs, hips, and stomach.
Types of Stretch Marks
Striae Rubrae: Pink / red marks
Striae Albae: White / Silver marks
Striae Rubrae
When Striae gravidarum are first formed, they are pink or reddish and indicate overstretched skin. The epidermis typically flattens and loses its texture. Collagen fibres thicken and become more densely packed, arranging themselves in a more perpendicular or parallel pattern. The number of elastic fibres also decreases.
Striae Albae
Over time Striae gravidarum become scar-like, irregularly shaped and white/silver in colour. Some may even develop a fine wrinkly texture. Progression from Striae Rubrae to Striae Albae is gradual and can take several months to years. Stretch lines can become more prominent as you age and lose skin elasticity.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Even if you use oils and moisturisers, stretch lines can still develop regardless of your precautions.
Complete stretch mark removal is not possible. However, some treatments can help to reduce their depth and size by creating new collagen structures. RF Microneedling is one of the best treatments available.
Microneedling Stretch Marks at Setsuko Beauty is effective as we use the Focus Dual. This RF Microneedling device supplied by Lynton Lasers has the latest technology to provide effective treatments to reduce the visibility of scarring.
