Abdominoplasty and laser treatment for stretch marks are two of the most sought after methods to eliminate stretch marks. If you're trying to choose between the two procedures, you should first compare them with each other for you to come up with a more informed decision.
What They Are For
Laser treatment for stretch marks is a relatively new area in cosmetic surgery. Some critics feel that there is a need to study laser treatment for stretch marks further before it can be considered a valid procedure for stretch mark elimination.
Although it is not a procedure for stretch mark removal, abdominoplasty has been around longer than laser treatment and is also used as method for cosmetic surgery. People who want to get a tummy tuck simply want to get rid of a few extra stubborn fats on the tummy that do not respond well to dieting and exercise. The removal of stretch marks is simply an added bonus.
Before the Procedure
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a more risky procedure and it is even considered as a major operation. Your surgeon may require you to undergo some extensive preparation. Your doctor will first spend some sessions with you discussing the procedure, risks and more importantly, assessing your validity as a candidate. You may also have to spend some time being medically counseled about your decision to undergo abdominoplasty.
Compared to tummy tuck, laser treatment is less invasive as a procedure and may even be done by your dermatologist.
Who Are Candidates
For abdominoplasty, candidates should be close to their ideal weight and must only have a certain minimal fat to be removed. They should also be physically and emotionally stable and should have realistic expectations. Sometimes a tummy tuck may not be able to remove all the visible stretch marks. It is also understood that the procedure will leave you with a big external scar.
The best candidate for laser treatment for stretch marks is someone who has fresh stretch marks that are still colored pink or purple. Mature stretch marks may not respond to laser treatment for stretch marks. Some experts also say that there will still be visible streaks but will be less obvious.
Recovery
Compared to abdominiplasty, laser treatment will require less time for recovery. The procedure involves little pain and no external scars at all. Abdominiplasty on the other hand is a procedure that may require weeks of recuperation. You may also experience some swelling and pain on the treated area.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
Compared to abdominaplasty, laser treatment has only very little known side effects. A little temporary reddening of the area may be the only thing you have to endure. In the hands of an incompetent practitioner however, you might suffer from minor tissue injury.
Abdominoplasty may open you up to more side effects and risks. Aside from the swelling and pain, you are also at risk of infections and irritations. A slip from your surgeon may also result in organ damage.
Cost
Laser treatment for stretch marks is considerably less expensive than abdominoplasty. Costs for laser treatment for stretch marks may range anywhere from $400-$1500 while abdominoplasty costs may range from $5,000-$9,000.
By: Maia Pells
Showing posts with label reducing stretch marks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reducing stretch marks. Show all posts
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Five Myths About How to Eliminate Stretch Marks
With the many ineffective methods to eliminate stretch marks, its easy to understand why people can lose hope. Before you pick a method however, it is well worth your time to first check what works and what doesn't.
Myth #1: There are many medical procedures for stretch marks elimination
Currently, only abdominoplasty is the only known surgical method that works on the condition. This method however will only remove marks in the tummy area and is very risky and expensive. It is not even originally intended for such purpose but for extra fat removal. Only those who are close to their ideal body weights and have only a little fat to remove are considered good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Other medical procedures include dermabrasion and laser treatment. As most people would know however, dermabrasion is simply a more complicated form of exfoliation which is only a marginally effective method. Laser treatment on the other hand is a new method that does not have a long and proven track record in removing it.
Myth #2: Getting a tan can get rid of the marks.
Because of silvery color, most people have the misconception that they can cover up stretch marks with a tan. This however, will only serve to worsen the whitish appearance of stretch marks as the surrounding healthy skin darkens in color. This is because stretch marks are scars and if you've ever tried to tan a scar, you would know that they are particularly resistant to color changes. Most of us also know that tanning is not always very safe.
Myth #3: Using make-up to cover stretch marks.
Make ups are not treatments. These products do not remove the scars but just mask them. This may be a good technique but only for a limited time. Even the most water resistant make-up will eventually lose its grip at the beach or in the water.
Myth #4: Weight loss can solve stretch marks.
There are some people who believe that since gaining weight caused the condition, losing weight can remove it. As scars, they will stay put even if you manage to agreed thin. You may however, be able to reduce your chances of getting it if you have never been overweight to begin with. A healthy diet and exercise can keep you from rapidly expanding in body size.
Myth #5: Stretch mark product is the answer to the problem.
The reason why creams have received a lot of criticism is because there are really a lot of products out there that cannot effectively solve the problem. These products put a bad name on reputable brands.
Make sure to read product specifications, ingredient content and instructions for use to get the best out of your lotion or cream. If you have very sensitive skin, you would do better with an all natural product that will not expose you to dangerous side effects.
Myth #1: There are many medical procedures for stretch marks elimination
Currently, only abdominoplasty is the only known surgical method that works on the condition. This method however will only remove marks in the tummy area and is very risky and expensive. It is not even originally intended for such purpose but for extra fat removal. Only those who are close to their ideal body weights and have only a little fat to remove are considered good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Other medical procedures include dermabrasion and laser treatment. As most people would know however, dermabrasion is simply a more complicated form of exfoliation which is only a marginally effective method. Laser treatment on the other hand is a new method that does not have a long and proven track record in removing it.
Myth #2: Getting a tan can get rid of the marks.
Because of silvery color, most people have the misconception that they can cover up stretch marks with a tan. This however, will only serve to worsen the whitish appearance of stretch marks as the surrounding healthy skin darkens in color. This is because stretch marks are scars and if you've ever tried to tan a scar, you would know that they are particularly resistant to color changes. Most of us also know that tanning is not always very safe.
Myth #3: Using make-up to cover stretch marks.
Make ups are not treatments. These products do not remove the scars but just mask them. This may be a good technique but only for a limited time. Even the most water resistant make-up will eventually lose its grip at the beach or in the water.
Myth #4: Weight loss can solve stretch marks.
There are some people who believe that since gaining weight caused the condition, losing weight can remove it. As scars, they will stay put even if you manage to agreed thin. You may however, be able to reduce your chances of getting it if you have never been overweight to begin with. A healthy diet and exercise can keep you from rapidly expanding in body size.
Myth #5: Stretch mark product is the answer to the problem.
The reason why creams have received a lot of criticism is because there are really a lot of products out there that cannot effectively solve the problem. These products put a bad name on reputable brands.
Make sure to read product specifications, ingredient content and instructions for use to get the best out of your lotion or cream. If you have very sensitive skin, you would do better with an all natural product that will not expose you to dangerous side effects.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Stretchy subject - Alternative Paths - caring for stretch marks
"Stretch marks are a delicate topic," says Lynne Vertrees, spa director for the Lake Austin Resort in Austin, Texas. "It's a more open [topic] with women who have been pregnant, but if it's because of weight gain we tend to shy away from asking about it." Such reserve is unfortunate because there is a lot of misunderstanding about stretch marks. Far from being a condition exclusively affecting mothers-to-be, people are also susceptible to stretch marks (i.e., straie distensae) if they rapidly gain or lose weight. This includes bodybuilders--especially those using hormone-replacement drugs, like steroids--and fast-growing adolescents.
Adding to the confusion surrounding stretch marks are the inflated treatment claims of products on the market. Medical researchers do not know exactly why people develop stretch marks. Thus, any product claiming to prevent or eliminate stretch marks is fueling unrealistic expectations. However, there are a number of treatments available to minimize their visibility if you already have them, says David Pollack, who studies stretch marks and ways to treat them at Clinical Results, a Fort Worth, Texas-based contract laboratory.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are scars. Although their cause is unknown, it is thought that a lack of support in the dermis, the skin's middle layer, leads to a collagen build-up in over-stretched tissue. The results are pink or purple lines that fade over time and become shallow white scars. This transition is important since older scars are more difficult to treat, according to Dr. Candido Fuentes-Felix, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Huntington, New York. How quickly stretch marks fade depends on your age and fairness of skin. The younger and fairer you are, the slower the process.
If you're concerned about stretch marks, several treatments are available. Keep in mind, the following treatments only serve to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and not preclude them.
What are the treatment options?
Topical Treatments
Lotions marketed as stretch mark treatments are typically alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) formulations or topical vitamin solutions. AHA removes the top layer of skin cells, allowing newer, healthier skin cells to surface. This also allows moisturizers to better penetrate, further softening and smoothing the skin. These lotions work gradually, therefore it is important to routinely apply them. Although your skin may initially feel rough and dry, it will feel more pliable over time. However, if you discontinue the treatment, the effect will be lost.
Many vitamin-based lotions repair the damage caused by free radicals (i.e., atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons). Free radicals have been implicated in a host of health problems, including aging and sun-damaged skin. By reversing the damage caused by free radicals, vitamins A, C and E topical formulations smooth the skin, thus diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
Surgical Treatments
To reduce the depth of stretch mark scars, doctors can employ surgical procedures that scrape or peel off layers of skin. For example, microder-mabrasion blasts away the top layers of the skin with fine, sand-like particles. Similar results can be achieved through chemical peels and laser techniques. In all cases, the limitation in stretch mark treatments is the depth to which skin can be removed without leaving a scar.
When stretch marks are in their pink or purple stage, pulsed dye lasers can eliminate the coloration, though they won't change the depth of the scar. Due to the risk of permanent discoloration, this technique is not recommended for dark-complexioned individuals.
Nutrition and Exercise
Improving muscle tone and reducing body fat will firm areas affected by stretch marks and reduce their visibility. However, "Dieting for weight loss can adversely affect your skin's health by depriving the body of nutrients," says Janee Steinberg, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based dermatologist. Steinberg recommends a diet rich in vitamins A, C (i.e., fruits and vegetables), D (i.e., milk and cheese) and zinc (i.e., meat, fish, nuts and beans)--all nutrients that promote healthy skin.
Proper hydration is also important. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will keep skin pliable and resistant to damage, such as stretch marks. Remember, soups, juices and seltzers also count toward this quota, but coffee, tea and cola consumption should be limited.
By: Michael Billings
Adding to the confusion surrounding stretch marks are the inflated treatment claims of products on the market. Medical researchers do not know exactly why people develop stretch marks. Thus, any product claiming to prevent or eliminate stretch marks is fueling unrealistic expectations. However, there are a number of treatments available to minimize their visibility if you already have them, says David Pollack, who studies stretch marks and ways to treat them at Clinical Results, a Fort Worth, Texas-based contract laboratory.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are scars. Although their cause is unknown, it is thought that a lack of support in the dermis, the skin's middle layer, leads to a collagen build-up in over-stretched tissue. The results are pink or purple lines that fade over time and become shallow white scars. This transition is important since older scars are more difficult to treat, according to Dr. Candido Fuentes-Felix, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Huntington, New York. How quickly stretch marks fade depends on your age and fairness of skin. The younger and fairer you are, the slower the process.
If you're concerned about stretch marks, several treatments are available. Keep in mind, the following treatments only serve to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and not preclude them.
What are the treatment options?
Topical Treatments
Lotions marketed as stretch mark treatments are typically alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) formulations or topical vitamin solutions. AHA removes the top layer of skin cells, allowing newer, healthier skin cells to surface. This also allows moisturizers to better penetrate, further softening and smoothing the skin. These lotions work gradually, therefore it is important to routinely apply them. Although your skin may initially feel rough and dry, it will feel more pliable over time. However, if you discontinue the treatment, the effect will be lost.
Many vitamin-based lotions repair the damage caused by free radicals (i.e., atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons). Free radicals have been implicated in a host of health problems, including aging and sun-damaged skin. By reversing the damage caused by free radicals, vitamins A, C and E topical formulations smooth the skin, thus diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
Surgical Treatments
To reduce the depth of stretch mark scars, doctors can employ surgical procedures that scrape or peel off layers of skin. For example, microder-mabrasion blasts away the top layers of the skin with fine, sand-like particles. Similar results can be achieved through chemical peels and laser techniques. In all cases, the limitation in stretch mark treatments is the depth to which skin can be removed without leaving a scar.
When stretch marks are in their pink or purple stage, pulsed dye lasers can eliminate the coloration, though they won't change the depth of the scar. Due to the risk of permanent discoloration, this technique is not recommended for dark-complexioned individuals.
Nutrition and Exercise
Improving muscle tone and reducing body fat will firm areas affected by stretch marks and reduce their visibility. However, "Dieting for weight loss can adversely affect your skin's health by depriving the body of nutrients," says Janee Steinberg, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based dermatologist. Steinberg recommends a diet rich in vitamins A, C (i.e., fruits and vegetables), D (i.e., milk and cheese) and zinc (i.e., meat, fish, nuts and beans)--all nutrients that promote healthy skin.
Proper hydration is also important. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will keep skin pliable and resistant to damage, such as stretch marks. Remember, soups, juices and seltzers also count toward this quota, but coffee, tea and cola consumption should be limited.
By: Michael Billings
Friday, May 4, 2007
5 Helpful Tips For reducing Stretch Marks
You've got stretch marks and don't know what to do about them. It's also too late to take preventive actions to avoid stretch marks in the first place. If you are in this situation, you have plenty of company. Millions of people have developed stretch marks for a number of different reasons, but reducing the stretch marks on their bodies has become a priority for them.
Your Options to Reduce Stretch Marks
There are a number of actions that can be taken to reduce the appearance of these unsightly skin defects. As you probably know, stretch marks commonly develop on certain areas of the body, such as your hips, abdomen, and thighs. To a lesser degree, they can also develop on the upper arms, sides of the breast or behind the knees.
For the most part, stretch marks cannot be totally removed without taking a more radical approach to treating the affected skin. Most individuals opt for the more practical and affordable treatment options by using various crèmes and lotions. This approach can be very effective in fading or lessening the effect of your stretch marks, without breaking your budget.
Tips for Reducing Stretch Marks
So what can you do to reduce stretch marks and their physical appearance on your body? Follow these five tips for reducing stretch marks and you should see a dramatic difference in your skin's appearance:
Avoid Sudden Weight Gain or Loss
As a preventive measure, you should avoid sudden weight gains or losses, as your skin cannot adjust quickly enough to avoid skin damage, or stretch marks. Even though your skin has elasticity properties, it really has limits. A sudden change in weight, such as pregnancy, can exceed the skins ability to stretch or flex. When this happens, tears will occur in the skin, and the resulting scarring gives the appearance of white, red, or purple lines. If you moderate the rate of weight change, your odds of reducing stretch marks are greatly enhanced.
Exercise "Smart"
If you exercise frequently, you want to be sure to exercise "smart". When you overdo and expand muscle mass, such as in weight training, you risk overstretching your skin and developing stretch marks. Take your exercise seriously, but be smart and recognize that moderation is key to avoiding stretch marks.
Apply Skin Moisturizing Lotions
You can use a good quality skin moisturizer as not only a preventative, but also as an aid in minimizing or fading existing stretch marks. Damaged skin can and will heal if given the proper care. A quality skin care product, preferably using natural botanicals and herbs, can help reduce stretch mark damage if used in a regular skin care program.
Opt For Cosmetic Surgery
A more radical approach to eliminate stretch mark damage is to opt for cosmetic surgery. Because of the risks involved with this procedure, it should only be pursued if other alternatives do not produce satisfactory results. This procedure can permanently remove your stretch marks, but is very expensive and does have inherent risks.
Get A Tan To Hide Stretch Marks - NOT
Many stretch mark sufferers believe that getting a tan at the beach or at their favorite tanning salon is an acceptable method to reduce the appearance of their stretch marks. The truth is that this option does reduce their appearance, but the amount of UVB rays that your skin will absorb can be dangerous, and ultimately cause skin cancer. This method is clearly not worth the risk - avoid it!
As you can see, with a little common sense and regular skin care, you can effectively reduce your stretch marks and their unsightly appearance. Imagine the enjoyment you will experience when you don't need to be embarrassed about going to the beach anymore, or wearing that revealing evening gown at your next special event. If you follow these five easy tips, you will be well on your way to feeling better not only about your skin, but yourself as well!
Author: Bill Wilson
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