Striae, also known as Stretch marks occur when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although our skin is fairly resilient, when it’s overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. As a result, stretch marks can form. A number of causes promote the formation and appearance of stretch marks, with the main causes are Rapid weight gain or loss / Rapid body growth during puberty and Pregnancy.
A scar is formed when the skin heals after an injury. Many factors determine whether an injury will result in a scar, including one’s age, gender, and ethnicity, coupled with the severity and location of the trauma.
There are different types and degrees of scarring that can be treated :
Dark Scars and Light Scars – Scarring is a normal response from the skin when healing an injury with enough depth to extend into the dermis. Some time dermatologist call this color of the scar as PIH (Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
Raised Scars – Some wounds heal abnormally and produce scar tissue that can make scarring more prominent. This excessive scar tissue is put into two categories:
Indented Scars – Indented scars are the most common scar type after acne healed. This is caused when not enough scar tissue has formed and therefore does not match up with the surrounding skin.
Laser removal of scars and stretch marks treatment is a minimally invasive and advanced approach that gives excellent results with minimal recovery time. Laser scar and stretch mark treatment use short pulses of micro-fine laser light to reach deeply into the skin’s sub-layers, treating the support structure.
At Eudermiz, we use a variety of treatments to improve the appearance of scars and striae, including injectable corticosteroids, surgical subcision, Fractional Microneedling RF, Subcissional RF, PRP treatments. They will discuss which option is best for you.
Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin, which can break down the collagen and elastin fibers that give the skin its elasticity. Scars are caused by the body's natural healing process after an injury or surgery, which can result in the formation of excess collagen
While it may not be possible to completely prevent stretch marks and scars, there are steps that can be taken to minimize their appearance. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and protecting the skin from sun damage can all help reduce the risk of developing stretch marks and scars.
Side effects to stretch mark and scar treatment can vary depending on the chosen method. Some treatments may cause redness, swelling, or mild discomfort, while others may have more serious side effects such as scarring or changes in skin texture. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before proceeding.
The length of time it takes for stretch mark and scar treatment to work varies depending on the type and severity of the stretch marks or scars, as well as the chosen treatment method. Some treatments may show results in as little as a few weeks, while others may take several months to show noticeable improvement.
Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that form over a wound or injury as the body tries to heal itself. They can be raised, flat, or indented and may be a different color than the surrounding skin.