women's health @ radium
Stretch Marks Treatment
Fade Stretch Marks, Reclaim Your Confidence
Postpartum stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are a common and natural occurrence for many women after childbirth.
These marks develop when the skin stretches rapidly to accommodate a growing baby, leading to the tearing of the collagen and elastin fibers beneath the surface. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also play a significant role, as they affect the skin’s elasticity and ability to adapt to rapid changes in size. Factors such as genetics, skin type, and weight fluctuations can further influence the likelihood and severity of stretch marks.
While they can be a source of concern for many women, understanding their origin is an important step in embracing the transformative journey of motherhood.
Understanding Post-Partum Stretch Marks
Postpartum stretch marks appear as lines or streaks on the skin, primarily on the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Although they are not a medical condition that must be addressed urgently, these can affect one’s self-confidence.
They develop when the skin is subjected to rapid stretching, often due to significant changes in weight or size. The following factors contribute to the formation of postpartum stretch marks:
RAPID SKIN STRETCHING As the belly expands, the skin stretches quickly, which can lead to the tearing of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.
HORMONAL CHANGES Pregnancy hormones affect the skin’s elasticity and collagen production, making it more susceptible to stretch marks.
GENETICS A family history of stretch marks can increase the likelihood of developing them during and after pregnancy.
SKIN TYPE AND COLOUR Individuals with darker skin tones may experience stretch marks differently, and their visibility can vary based on skin pigmentation.
Treatments for Post-Partum Stretch Marks
Why Skin Resurfacing Lasers Work?
At Radium Medical Aesthetics, we offer a range of lasers to improve the overall texture of the skin. In particular, SmartXide CO2 laser can effectively reduce the appearance of post-partum stretch marks.
SmartXide CO2 laser is a fractional laser treatment that utilises carbon dioxide technology to target deeper layers of the skin. The laser creates micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and promoting collagen and elastic production.
After several sessions, you should see visible improvement in skin texture and elasticity, effectively reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
How Do Microneedling Help Stretch Marks?
Microneedling, particularly devices like GENIUS, can be a highly effective device for treating stretch marks.
GENIUS utilises ultra-fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. During each shot, GENIUS delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin, which heats up the deeper layers of the skin. This transfer of heat energy causes existing collagen fibers to contract, which results in skin tightening and improvement in skin texture.
GENIUS microneedling typically has some downtime. You may experience some redness and swelling, but these effects usually subside quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities soon after treatment.
Plinest Injectable for Stretch Marks
Plinest injectable is an option for reducing stretch marks with minimal downtime as compared to the other 2 options.
The hyaluronic acid in Plinest helps to restore moisture and improve skin elasticity, which can enhance the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
When used on areas with stretch marks, Plinest may help to hydrate the skin, promote collagen production, and improve its firmness, potentially reducing the visibility of stretch marks over time.
What to Expect During Treatment Process
CONSULTATION One of our felame doctors will discuss and propose a personalized treatment plan after understanding your symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals.
CUSTOMISED TREATMENT PLAN Our doctor will create a tailored treatment plan that outlines the number of sessions required for optimal results.
PROCEDURE The procedure is performed in a comfortable setting, and our team will ensure your comfort throughout the process. While some patients may experience mild discomfort, it is generally well-tolerated.
POST-TREATMENT You may experience some mild redness and discomfort immediately after the treatment, these side effects should subside in a matter of hours or within 1-2 days. Do note that the purpose of the treatment is to stimulate collagen production in your skin. Hence, it may take several sessions to see improvement.