Relationship Between Pregnancy and Stretch Marks

Pregnancy and stretch marks usually go together. Up to 90% of women get them during pregnancy. Some have a lot while a few lucky ones have small and few scars only. They are caused by rapid weight gain and the sudden stretching of your skin when you become large. The skin usually can't keep up with the stretching due to the lack of elasticity and the tissue beneath the surface skin breaks and tears. The damage causes the visible lines on your skin that are called stretch marks.

These marks begin to appear during the second half of pregnancy and can continue way after you give birth when you start losing weight. The scars become more evident as you lose weight. They are more common in some areas of the body such as the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs. There are ways to prevent and get rid of these ugly stretch marks. Some remedies like creams take months to take effect while others, like laser surgery can remove the scars immediately.

It is important to know that the problem with pregnancy and stretch marks needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The longer treatment is delayed the harder it will be to remove them. Removal creams are best applied before the marks appear. As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should already start applying the cream. Using the cream in the early stages of pregnancy conditions the skin to tolerate the stretching that's about to happen.

Creams with cocoa butter work best. Not only should you use the cream daily but every time after a shower or bath. The warm water in your bath opens the pores of your skin, allowing the cream to be absorbed more quickly. Let's remember that creams, oils and lotions work best before the scars appear and while the stretch marks are new and fresh. It probably won't work with older marks that have already turned white or silver.

Laser surgery is also a good option especially if you can afford it. It can be quite expensive but results are almost instant. Don't let the word surgery scare you; it is actually an outpatient procedure that entails very little discomfort. Healing time takes days or a couple of weeks. Older marks may need more than one treatment and may not be eradicated completely. At least they will be diminished and hardly be visible at all.

If you are thinking of laser surgery for your pregnancy and stretch marks problem, try to get it the soonest time after delivering your baby. Fresh marks are easier to remove than old scars and will involve fewer sessions and less money out on your part. In the case of creams that you will use while pregnant, double check that they are not contraindicated to pregnancy and lactating mothers. These are some treatments for stretch marks, but you can also avoid eating too much during pregnancy to lessen the weight gain and stretching of the skin.

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Surgical Treatment for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are usually acquired by women who become pregnant or those who gain and lose weight rapidly. It is a problem for most women and most people will spend a lot of money to have them removed. Some resort to using oils, lotions and creams but others go to the extreme and opt for laser surgery.

Stretch mark lotions, oils and creams usually go as far as diminishing the scars but more often do not remove them completely. The traditional mark removers often take months to work effectively while laser surgery has immediate effects. For those who can afford surgery, this might alleviate your anxiety about stretch marks faster.

Although they are not life-threatening or cause any physical disability, a lot of people will do anything to remove them. They not only scar the skin but also cause emotional and psychological scarring. This is especially true if they are visible to other people. They appear in the breasts, abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks.

The scars usually look like lines that are initially dark, pinkish or purple and eventually become lighter after several months or years. The marks are caused by the skin being stretched beyond its elasticity. The stretching tears the tissue beneath the skin's surface and doesn't heal easily. When you give birth or lose weight again, the lines become more visible.

Laser surgery for stretch marks usually involves a concentrated beam of light that is focused on the marks. The laser light removes the thin layers of skin on the surface. As the scared tissue is removed, the skin appears smoother and evenly toned. The skin heals itself after surgery and new skin is formed without the ugly lines.

Depending on the severity of marks you have, the procedure can last anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour. Sometimes you will need to return for a series of treatments if you have a lot of marks. Two to six treatments are generally needed for stubborn scars. Only a little discomfort like a pinching or needling sensation can be felt during surgery.

Side effects rarely happen but it's possible to have some swelling, bruising, blistering and scarring in the affected area. These symptoms usually go away in a few days or weeks. Discoloration can also appear but you can expect your skin tone to return to normal after the healing process.

It is better to have laser surgery while the scars are recent. Scars that are pink, red, brown and purple are easier to treat than older stretch marks that have already turned white or silver. Although older stretch marks are difficult to remove, the appearance can definitely be diminished till they are almost unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Laser surgery can be quite expensive and cost anywhere between $ 400 and $1,500 per session. If your scars are particularly harder to remove, the treatment can cost more than that. Some clinics and cosmetic surgeons offer financing arrangements. Look at the fine print before signing anything and use only reputable doctors.

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