Stretching the limits with laser treatment

Hyderabad: It is an amazing feeling to reap the benefits of laborious hours spent in the gym and the strict diets. The sense of pride that comes when fab replaces flab and when you can fit into that bodycon dress to show off that perfectly shaped body is unprecedented. However, there is one problem that might come knocking on your door, stretch marks, a problem that plagues many. Adding to that, it is estimated that 90 per cent of women will eventually get stretch marks, especially during pregnancy.

The stretching of the skin causes a break in the elastic fibres making the skin appear scarred with a pinkish or whitish discolouration. It is not a pretty sight and those affected by it try hard to cover or camouflage it. Take reality star Kim Kardashian for instance. Though she refused to admit to any procedures done to her derriere, it is rumoured that once she got to know about laser treatment for stretch marks, she wanted to get it done on her breasts and tummy after she had baby North West.

There is no sure fire methodology to prevent stretch marks. However, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised helps. Also, gels with Hyaluronic acid and onion extract are known to help heal or decrease stretch mark appearance when used in the early or pink stages.

So, what does one do? The answer lies in the advancements of laser technology. The use of PRP obtained from your blood, in conjunction with laser devices like fractional radiofrequency, can be effective stretch mark treatments. This is a combination of various laser technologies used to tighten the tissue, stimulate new collagen and improve the surface appearance. The laser works by shooting pulses of micro-fine laser light that reaches deep into the sub-layers of the skin.

This process affects the cells and tissues of the stretch marks. With time, the body’s natural healing process rebuilds the older damaged tissue with fresh, new collagen and elastin, which constructs the smooth skin. The new collagen smoothens over the stretch mark texture and also normalises the skin colour. The infusion of growth factors increases the skin tone and speeds up the new cell regeneration.

Previously, only new stretch marks were treated; now even old ones can be treated. Results are seen three to four months after starting the programme and the results are permanent.