Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are tears in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) causing
- Loss and damage of collagen and elastin (building blocks of the skin), blood vessels and pigment producing cells in the area affected. In addition, one also sees a loss of skin tone and wrinkle formation.
- Types of scars that, are initially red to purple in colour, and then, with time, gradually fade to a pale to white glistening colour.
Occurence
About 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks. They also affect 70% of young females and about 40% of young males.
Triggers
- Heredity – Some individuals are genetically prone to stretch marks.
- Weight – Rapid weight gain or loss.
- Skin Type – Dryer skin types have less elasticity than oily skin so dry skin types are prone to stretch marks. Use of moisturiser regularly can prevent stretch marks in dry skin individuals.
- Pregnancy – it can result from the weight gain and hormone activity during pregnancy.
Commonly seen in
- Pregnant women (last months of pregnancy, on lower abdomen).
- Teenagers during growth spurts.
- Individuals that gain rapid or excessive weight.
- Body builders, weightlifters.
- Individuals taking drugs containing steroids.
- Young women, on their breasts, thighs, hips and buttocks.
- In people who are generally more susceptible to stretch marks.
Preventing stretch marks
Stretch mark prevention measures may include
- Avoiding excessive weight gain.
- Eating a well-balanced healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals; drinking enough water and exercising regularly can help.
- Moisturising the skin regularly.
- Avoiding steroid medications
Treatment
RF pixel laser beam safe for all skin types
RF pixel laser, based on the UniPolar RF-based technology, (that ablates a small portion of the tissue), is a minimally invasive skin barrier breakthrough treatment for skin repair and aesthetic enhancement.
Its synergy of technologies provides patients with a quick, easy and virtually pain-free answer to stretch marks. The RF Pixel module uses micro-plasma technology to create multiple controlled micro-channels that reach beyond the stratum corneum (superficial layer of the skin), creating a local thermal (heat) injury zone, similar to the pattern created by many fractionated skin resurfacing lasers. The remaining tissue aids the healing and generation of new collagen. Eventually the irregular epidermal pigmentation is eliminated and the dermal collagen is smoothened and tightened.
RF Pixel enables doctors and aesthetic practitioners to obtain continuous and symmetrical fractional (section by section) ablation and deep thermal heating of the skin. It rolls across the skin, delivering laser or electromagnetic pulses that are triggered as a function of the distance traveled, regardless of the treatment speed.
Depth of ablation varies with energy output and can reach up to several hundred microns, while the controlled spacing between pixels minimizes the damage on the treatment area, thereby strengthening collagen as well as reducing patient downtime.
Benefits of RF Pixel
- Greater thermal and ablative effect
- Enhanced treatment results
- Works on all skin types
- Safe for use all year round
- 60-75% reduction in the stretch marks at the end of 3-5 sessions
Why Skin & You Clinic for stretch mark removal
Skin & You Clinic, Mumbai, has the latest technology in stretch mark removal that can rapidly treat large areas without the limitations of older technologies. The unique RF pixel treatment is safe, has reduced downtime and minimal side effects. We specialize in stretch mark removal obtaining almost a 60- 75 % reduction following treatment.
