To carry and birth a child is a privilege that most women we meet express gratitude for. At the same time, the physical changes brought on during pregnancy sometimes leave a mark that a woman doesn’t love. Many of the unwanted effects of motherhood are corrected with surgical procedures such as a breast lift or augmentation, liposuction, or abdominoplasty. The Mommy Makeover sometimes includes all of the above. But what if the primary concerns after pregnancy are only skin deep? Stretch marks are a common problem that may not warrant surgery – and that’s great news!
How Do Stretch Marks Form?
Stretch marks indicate that the skin has been stretched beyond its ability to retract fully. Pregnancy is not the only reason a person may develop these pink or silver lines on the body. Stretch marks are a prevalent piece of evidence of “growing pains,” occurring when one’s height or weight increases substantially in a short period. This means that stretch marks are also not relegated to the abdominal area. These lines may be seen on the arms, back, thighs, and other areas.
It’s a Big Deal, Really
Talk to anyone, and you will hear that stretch marks are not a big deal – they are only cosmetic. Well, we think that’s a big deal! It isn’t only women that lose confidence to wear certain types of clothing because of the appearance of stretch marks; men may also avoid taking off a shirt, or wearing a tank top, to keep lines under wraps. If stretch marks are dictating how you live, they are a big deal. Fortunately, getting them treated is not.
Treating Stretch Marks with Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing has been performed for years as a way to regenerate facial tissues for a younger appearance. Over many years, techniques have been refined to improve patient outcomes. One of the most popular resurfacing methods used today is fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.
Fractional laser therapy is gentler ablation than full CO2 laser resurfacing. This treatment forms microchannels in the skin, made by pinpoint dots of laser energy. Small sections of skin in between these points remain undisturbed, primed to foster collagen rebuilding.
Are stretch causing summertime self-consciousness? Call our Williamsburg office to see how we can help. (757) 345-2275
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