Stretch marks are scars that form in different parts of the body in a short period of time as a result of sudden stretching of the skin. Although these cracks, which cause aesthetic concerns, do not pose a health threat on the skin surface, they cause cosmetic problems that make people unhappy due to their appearance. Skin deformations in various parts of the body can occur for different reasons. Stretch marks are one of the most common skin deformities, colloquially known as “striae”. Body stretch marks usually occur on the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, inner thighs, inner legs, inner arms and back.
Formation and Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a type of scarring that occurs on the skin and is caused by the rupture of the dermis layer due to sudden stretching. The appearance, color and location of stretch marks may vary. The main reason behind the formation of these stretch marks is hormones, which is why they are more common in women than in men.
Stretch marks usually occur when the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, tears due to excessive stretching during periods such as rapid weight gain and loss, pregnancy or during periods of rapid growth during childhood. Such conditions cause the skin to overstretch due to hormonal changes, resulting in stretch marks.
The skin has a multilayered structure consisting of three different layers from top to bottom: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The dermis layer forms the middle layer of the skin and contains elastin and collagen fibers that keep the skin looking firm and healthy. Factors such as hormonal changes damage the elastin and collagen structure and lead to its weakening. This can lead to aesthetically unpleasant skin problems such as stretch marks.
Stretch Mark Treatment: Definition and Methods
Stretch mark treatment aims to reduce the discoloration of the skin surface and restore the skin’s elasticity. This is achieved by repairing elastin and collagen fibers and producing new fibers. Different stretch mark treatment methods are applied to achieve these goals.
Stretch mark treatment includes medical treatment methods, laser, vacuum and needle systems that create a controlled tissue damage under the skin. These treatments increase collagen and elastin production by creating a controlled damage to the dermis layer, thus triggering the skin’s self-renewal process. This process also leads to the disappearance of stretch marks on the skin.
Commonly used methods to improve the appearance of stretch marks include laser treatments, mesotherapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), skin regenerating creams and natural treatments. However, current methods cannot completely correct the appearance of stretch marks.
People who start stretch mark treatment should know that stretch marks will not return to their old state. Only a visual improvement is achieved with the applied stretch mark treatment.
Stretch Mark Treatment with Fractional Laser: Methods and Effects
There are many different approaches to treating stretch marks. In this context, Fractional Laser treatment is one of the effective methods that stand out in the treatment of stretch marks. This is accomplished through the use of laser lights that penetrate the dermis layer under the skin.
Fractional Laser devices, which have an advanced technology, affect the dermal areas where elastin and collagen fibers are located by means of laser beams directed under the skin. This effect starts the process of tissue repair and increases collagen production. This improves the appearance of scars and stretch marks on the skin surface. Fractional Laser treatment not only removes scars and stretch marks; it also promotes skin regeneration by tightening the skin.
The effect of this treatment is more visible on stretch marks that fade and fade over the years. However, no one treatment method provides a definitive result in the complete correction of stretch marks.
Stretch Mark Treatment with Radiofrequency (Golden Needle):
Radiofrequency is another method that provides highly effective results in the treatment of stretch marks. The radiofrequency method, also called Golden Needle application, aims to increase collagen production and repair damaged tissues. Radiofrequency energy is delivered under the skin through a device equipped with micro-needles.
Gold needles of different sizes in the head of this device can transmit radiofrequency waves that penetrate down to the dermis layer of the skin. These waves trigger collagen production and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. The number of sessions required for stretch mark treatment with radiofrequency may vary depending on the damage to the skin.
Stretch Mark Treatment with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma):
PRP method is also an approach that can achieve highly effective results in the treatment of stretch marks. PRP is an application that supports the natural rejuvenation process. This method generally works by stimulating collagen and elastin fibers and provides successful results in the treatment of stretch marks.
PRP treatment starts by first taking a blood sample from the person. This blood is centrifuged to produce a platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is injected into the areas with stretch marks with the help of fine needles. This triggers the skin’s own regeneration process and reduces the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Stretch Mark Treatment with Mesotherapy:
Mesotherapy is an aesthetic application that gives effective results for stretch mark treatment. The application is carried out by injecting a mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids under the skin. These ingredients are tailored to the needs of the skin and support cellular regeneration.
This process allows the skin to repair damaged tissues by strengthening broken or weakened elastin and collagen fibers. Usually at least 6 sessions are required for mesotherapy treatment to be successful. Mesotherapy is a method used for many aesthetic purposes other than stretch mark treatment.
