Stretch Mark Removal Procedures

Stretch mark surgery seems like an extreme reaction to something that has no ill health effects. However, many women are self-conscious about their stretch marks. It is an embarrassment to them. While there are many less invasive options available, they do not show quick results. At this point, some women look into stretch mark surgery.

 

There are several procedural options women may consider when deciding which surgery is best for them. These options include chemical peels, laser surgery, and tummy tucks. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

 

Chemical peels are a very simple treatment in which a thin layer of acid and chemicals are applied to the skin. These chemicals slowly into the skin’s deepest layers. A chemical peel will damage your skin tissues, which then triggers healing.

 

The chemical mixture thins out and weakens the skin, slowly removing the top layer completely. The healing process then activates the production of collagen and boosts cell renewal producing a fresh layer of skin after a few weeks.

 

After a chemical appeal, you must clean the skin twice a day, moisturize your entire body for two weeks, and avoid exposure to the sun as often as possible. The keeps the skin nourished and may help it heal better.

 

It may take two or three weeks to see a difference because the skin needs time to heal. Chemical peels can cost as little as $75 or as much as $600 and may require multiple treatments. You may feel a stinging or burning sensation during the peel.

There could be temporary redness, crusting and skin irritation, and flaking and peeling. All these are usually temporary. A more concerning effect is a change in skin color. This may only be temporary.

 

 A second option is laser surgery. Laser removal works by using a concentrated beam of light that runs along the stretch mark removing extremely thin layers of skin. Naturally, as those layers of skin are removed, the layers of scar tissue are also removed. At the end of treatment, the skin heals with newly formed pristine skin.

 

Laser stretch mark treatments can take as short as ten minutes or as long as an hour, depending on how bad the stretch marks are, and where they are located. You may have to attend multiple sessions. Thanks to advances in laser removal pain is minimized. You should feel no more than a pinching sensation.

 

A single treatment could cost from $400 to $1500. Multiple treatments may be required. Some side effects are scarring, blistering, bruising or scarring. These effects may last up to a few weeks, but are only temporary. Sometimes the skin will change color, but within a few weeks, your normal skin color will return.

 

A third option is a much more invasive procedure, but it is guaranteed to work. This is the tummy tuck, where portions of your skin are removed from your body completely.

 

Tummy tucks are far more expensive as well, costing from about $3,000 to $10,000. There will be some scarring from the procedure but this can usually be hidden. There are also bigger risks in this procedure including bleeding, infection, and drug reactions.

 

Whichever stretch mark surgery option you choose, be sure to consult your doctor and discuss it.