Stretch marks: is it really possible to do something about them? We ask the experts

Previously it was believed that the appearance of stretch marks and scars on the body was for life! But thanks to the innovative combination of laser and needle RF lifting, you can return the skin not only to its original smoothness, but also stop time, making the body silhouette clearer and more attractive. Only the LazerJazz clinic offers all 5 types of laser resurfacing and needle RF lifting. Doctors will individually select the device and their combination to achieve maximum effect. The procedure can be performed from 18 years of age.

What are stretch marks?

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Elena Sibrina, chief physician of the Vitaura clinic : “Stretch marks or stretch marks are, in fact, a rupture of the skin to its entire depth.”

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Marina Miusova, Lazerjazz clinic: “There are two forms of stretch marks: red (initial inflammatory phase) and white (atrophic scars - the final phase, when a defect is formed in all layers of the skin due to pathological collagen).”

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Tatyana Al Sabunchi, chief physician of the Tori clinic: “At first, stretch marks are red because they are filled with blood vessels. While stretch marks are forming, this is not scar tissue yet, but fiber disintegration, thinning of the skin. It becomes looser in this place. Then the vessels become empty, collagen production increases, a scar forms - and the stretch marks turn white and become less noticeable.”

Model with stretch marks in the Boohoo store catalog

Coral peeling

If we try to schematically divide all cosmetic procedures into chemical and mechanical, then coral peeling will take an intermediate position. The mixture for this purpose includes: crushed coral powder, mineral salts, essential oils and plant extracts.

Mechanism of the procedure:

• solid particles play the role of an abrasive, removing the top layer of skin, herbal extracts penetrate into the skin, nourishing and cleansing it, and essential oils stimulate metabolic processes; as a result, it is possible to refresh the upper layers of the epidermis to the dermis;
• With the help of coral peeling, you can immediately remove all superficial stretch marks. To eliminate deeper stretch marks, you will have to resort to several sessions.

After such a serious dermatological procedure, rehabilitation is needed. Until tissue restoration is complete, you should not sunbathe, take a bath, or visit the sauna or solarium. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to the formation of deep scars and areas of hyperpigmentation.

Applying special creams, taking vitamins and microelements significantly reduce the duration of the recovery period.

Why do they even appear?

Elena Sibrina : “The main reason is the imbalance of hormones and its effect on connective tissue. This imbalance occurs during adolescence and pregnancy. Plus excessive stretching of the skin (with rapid growth, sudden weight gain).

"Stretch marks can also be a side effect of taking steroid hormones - those used to quickly gain muscle mass."

Stretch marks are also accompanied by some diseases, for example:

• hypercortisolism (including juvenile) - when the adrenal cortex synthesizes too many hormones - Cushing's disease and syndrome,
• Marfan syndrome is a hereditary disease associated with connective tissue pathology,
• Adrenal hyperplasia is a genetically determined disorder in which cortisol production is reduced.

Contraindications

Please note the contraindications to the fractional grinding method, which include:

• epilepsy;
• oncology;
• atopic dermatitis;
• inflammatory processes (neurodermatitis, psoriasis) in areas of the skin that are planned to be treated with a laser beam;
• acute infectious diseases;
• fresh herpetic rashes;
• mechanical dermabrasion, less than a week has passed since its completion;
• recent medium or deep chemical peel;
• pregnancy period, lactation;
• allergic reaction to lidocaine (is a relative contraindication).

How are stretch marks formed?

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Elena Selivanova, Petrovka-Beauty clinic : “Stretch marks occur at the level of the dermis. The synthesis of collagen and elastin is reduced, and enzymes that destroy collagen are produced as usual. As a result, the integrity of the epidermis is maintained, but gaps occur in depth.”

Elena Sibrina : “The adhesion between collagen fibers decreases, elastin fibers break, capillaries are destroyed. The skin becomes vulnerable, a “failure” is formed. Healing of such microtraumas occurs through scarring. That’s why we say that stretch marks form like a scar and, like a scar, can become hypotrophic (minus tissue), hypertrophic (plus tissue) or turn into a keloid.”

Model with stretch marks in the Boohoo store catalog

Superficial chemical peeling AHA

When talking about superficial chemical peeling, we primarily mean peeling with AHA, or fruit acids.

The first mention of cutaneous use of AHA dates back to 1974. Van Scotch and Yu, studying the effect of various drugs for ichthyosis, found that glycolic acid is able to control the processes of keratinization of the epidermis, weakening the adhesion between corneocytes. Subsequently, the therapeutic effectiveness of ANA was established for all forms of hyperkeratosis.

The AHA group includes: glycolic, lactic, apple, tartaric, lemon

Is it possible to predict the appearance of stretch marks?

Four genetic markers have recently been discovered that may indicate a susceptibility to stretch marks. In the presence of these markers, the skin produces less protein proteins (in particular, fibronectin), responsible for elasticity and regeneration.

Elena Sibrina : “Heredity and other genetic factors play a role. Knowing that the patient has genetic polymorphisms of the corresponding genes, we will not prescribe procedures with dosed tissue damage (ablative laser and the like).”

Marina Miusova : “There are genetic tests that indicate possible connective tissue pathologies. These are indirect indicators that can be used to predict the likelihood of stretch marks.”

In any case, it is important to maintain a stable weight and take preventative measures during pregnancy. “These are not only creams, but also soft massages, contrast showers, and supportive underwear,” says Elena Sibrina. “It’s good to use products with centella, with algae, including algae wraps (for pregnant women - without heating). They saturate the skin with microelements,” adds Elena Selivanova.

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  Models with stretch marks in the Asos store catalog

• 
  Models with stretch marks in the Asos store catalog

Contraindications to laser procedures

If you want to get rid of stretch marks and stretch marks on the body using a laser, it is customary to take into account the following contraindications:

• The presence of possible allergic rashes, injuries, skin diseases at the site of exposure.
• Presence of cancer.
• The procedure for removing stretch marks with a laser is not performed on pregnant women and nursing mothers.
• Laser stretch mark removal is not recommended for people suffering from various stages of epilepsy.
• Laser resurfacing of stretch marks is not carried out on areas with a fresh tan.

If stretch marks are tears at the level of the dermis, is it possible in principle to get rid of them?

Elena Sibrina : “With the help of hardware and injection techniques, oral and external agents, you can reduce the severity of stretch marks. But the formed deep stretch mark will not recover to healthy skin. It's important to accept this fact."

Marina Miusova : “Like scars, stretch marks cannot be completely removed. You can adjust their thickness, color, and improve the density of the fabric. Then they will look like highlighted thin stripes.”

Tatyana Al Sabunchi: “Every girl who goes for procedures should understand: the skin will become better. In some cases - much better. But this is not one procedure, and traces will still remain.”

Post-procedure care

During the recovery period after resurfacing using the Fraxel laser, you must follow simple rules:

• You need to make sure that the treated areas are not exposed to direct sunlight. You cannot stay in the sun for a long time, sunbathe or visit a solarium. For 2–3 months, it is necessary to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection against ultraviolet rays;
• do not use scrubs and peels for 1–2 weeks;
• Be sure to use a light moisturizer. It should be applied with gentle movements to the skin every day for two weeks.

Medical is located next to the Skhodnenskaya metro station and is open seven days a week. To make an appointment with a cosmetologist and undergo facial skin resurfacing using a fractional laser, use the form below. You can also find out more about the procedures and costs in the online chat, by calling the contact number or by ordering a call back.

Can stretch mark creams help?

Elena Sibrina : “Creams against stretch marks are not a panacea, but I wouldn’t call them complete profanation either. In moisturized skin with a good lipid balance, regeneration processes are better.”

Marina Miusova : “With formed white atrophic stripes, creams do not help. But they can be used as adjuvant therapy in addition to procedures.

There are also retinol preparations that are used in the treatment of various collagenoses, including stretch marks. They are effective at the first – “red” – stage of formation. But these drugs have many limitations and must be prescribed by a doctor.”

Tatyana Al Sabunchi: “If you smear your stretch marks with anything, even sour cream, they will still eventually turn white.
And we can say that the sour cream helped. But I haven’t seen a single cream that could prevent or remove them. But if the skin is thick, elastic and elastic (the cream can contribute to this), the stretch will be narrow and not very noticeable.”

Expert commentary

Tatyana Saidova, dermatologist

Tatyana Saidova – dermatologist, cosmetologist, trainer at the Academy of Cosmetology “Premium Aesthetics” clinic talks about the types of lasers used to remove stretch marks:

“At the Premium Aesthetics Academy of Cosmetology, stretch marks are removed using various methods. We have lasers that create small changes in tissue, and rehabilitation after such therapy is almost invisible. There are devices, for example, like AcuPulse, which carry out deep laser resurfacing of stretch marks. They are more aggressive, but their performance is higher. Lasers that work without strong ablation, Fraxel and ResurFX (M22 device module) make it possible to correct stretch marks gradually and comfortably. Stretch marks are not erased from the skin like an eraser. But we can influence them so that the skin evens out its color and texture, and the stretch marks become invisible.”

To understand which procedure will be most effective in each specific case, a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist and a skin diagnosis is necessary. What excites patients the most is how stretch marks look before and after laser. The laser not only corrects stretch marks, but also improves the quality of the skin, helping to restore its collagen-elastin matrix. The price of laser stretch mark removal varies depending on the type of laser and the number of treatments.

Is there a correct professional regimen for getting rid of stretch marks?

Marina Miusova: “At the first stage, we use injection and physiotherapeutic methods - plasma therapy, mesotherapy with peptide regulators and venotonics. The goal is to reduce inflammation in the damaged area and improve microcirculation. This helps avoid the formation of defective collagen.

At the stage of an atrophic scar, it is necessary to tighten the tissue and reduce the width of the scar. For this purpose, soft laser resurfacing, radio wave therapy (thermage, needle RF), injections of collagen, plasma fibrin, polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, Radiesse are used. If the width of the striae is 8 mm or more, thread methods to bring the edges of the defect together.

Elena Selivanova : “The course usually consists of mesotherapy (low molecular weight hyaluronic acid plus amino acids or peptides) and laser resurfacing (ablative laser or non-ablative - depends on the severity of stretch marks), and then plasma therapy. The laser is done once a month, with injections in between. It may take 5-7-10 cycles of laser and injections - it’s difficult to predict. Flabbiness and unevenness of the skin in the area of ​​stretch marks become smaller, and they themselves become flatter.

Previously, instead of a laser, we did TCA chemical peels, but now we don’t use them, since the damage, unlike lasers, they create is strong and uncontrollable.

Retinol works well - it can be used at home, but only after pregnancy and breastfeeding are completed. Retinol can be taken at 1% from professional brands (Obagi, Rejudicare), or it can be from a pharmacy - for example, klensit, effezel, differin (the chemical is adapalene). Apply for at least 3-6 months.

You can also use dermal rollers with hyaluronic acid or growth factor serums. And reinforcement with collagen stimulants (polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite) - once every 3-4 months, usually 2-3 procedures are needed.”

Tatiana Al Sabunchi : “We use hardware methods related to heating. How it works? Example: I once explained to my son what stretch marks are. She took a plastic bag, stretched it with her fingers, and let go - the bag sagged in this place. My son blew hot air from a hairdryer onto this area and the bag came together. To put it very roughly, this is how hardware methods work on the skin. Thermal methods - resurfacing and radiolifting - promote skin contraction and even out texture.

And yes, sometimes injections are needed into the area of ​​stretch marks (this also applies to scars) - either plasma therapy or mesotherapy, this improves tissue nutrition and regeneration.”

Elena Sibrina : “I note that all these methods are used only when you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, and also do not have endocrine pathologies. And I’ll add that sometimes it makes sense to use photo- and bukki-therapy (exposure to Bukki’s borderline X-rays) - if we see excessive growth of blood vessels or suspect that a keloid is forming.”

Best Ways to Remove Stretch Marks

Peeling is the effect on the skin of a special composition of fruit and other acids (salicylic, lactic), retinol, resorcinol and other components. To eliminate stretch marks, superficial, medium or deep peeling is used. As a rule, chemical peeling is used in the early stages of stretch marks, but there are formulas that most effectively eliminate stretch marks of the middle and even late stages of development. Such peelings not only exfoliate the surface layer of the skin, but also promote its regeneration at medium and deep levels.

Fraxel – this method is also called laser resurfacing or laser peeling. The effect of the procedure is achieved due to the effect of laser radiation on the connective tissue cells that form stretch marks. When absorbed, the laser radiation is instantly converted into heat, which vaporizes these cells. Their place is taken by healthy, new cells. Thanks to this, the skin structure is restored and stretch marks disappear.

Fractional laser consistently affects tiny areas of the skin, which allows you to eliminate stretch marks with great precision, without damaging the surrounding tissue at all.

Dermal radiofrequency thermolysis (DROT) is actively used to eliminate stretch marks at any stage, from new to the most old.
The exceptional effectiveness of this procedure is explained by the combination of laser and radio wave RF lifting. Laser radiation evaporates connective tissue cells from which stretch marks are formed, and radiofrequency radiation heats the tissue, activating the production of new collagen. This achieves not only the removal of stretch marks, but also an impact on the cause of their formation, which ensures lasting positive results. Thanks to A-Clinic procedures, dead connective tissue cells are completely removed and their place is taken by living, healthy skin cells, stretch marks disappear and skin color is evened out.

Is there any hope that there will be a medicine that will get rid of stretch marks 100%?

Elena Sibrina : “In a study published in the journal Science in 2021, scientists claim that it is possible to influence skin regeneration so that it does not scar. The secret turned out to be in the hair follicles.”

The journal Nature writes about this study: “Scientists conducting studies on the formation of scars in mice noticed something strange: hair grew in the wounds on the backs of the mice. What was even stranger was that the skin around these hair follicles regenerated to normal, and a layer of fat cells formed underneath—and fat cells don't usually form under scar tissue. In 2021, a team of scientists led by George Cotzarelis, a dermatologist at the Perelman School of Medicine, demonstrated in mice that new hair follicles produce growth factors called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) that can transform fibroblasts into fat cells. “And the cool thing,” says Cotzarelis, “is that when you have a hair follicle, it normalizes the skin around it.” Human fibroblasts also seem to be able to turn into fat cells when exposed to BMP. But human treatment protocols are still a long way off, the team admits.

HOW OFTEN TO DO

Using the procedure too often will cause new micro-tears in the skin, which will only worsen the problem of stretch marks. Therefore, for the procedure to bring a positive effect, it is advisable to adhere to the following schedule:

The frequency of sessions and courses depends on the size and age of stretch marks, the types of peeling used and is determined by a specialist.

TOP 8 HOME RECIPES

To prevent and remove small young stretch marks, you can peel stretch marks at home using available ingredients.

Coffee

Coffee is a product with vitamin PP, magnesium and phosphorus, which are responsible for cell regeneration. A safe scrub is recommended even in the most delicate situations, for example, after childbirth, and its frequent use is allowed.

The low-fat cream is combined with finely ground coffee (2 tsp) and mumiyo (4 g). Next, this mixture is applied to steamed skin and rubbed with a peeling washcloth in a circular motion into the problem area.

Citric

Lemon contains useful acids, vitamins A, C and B9, which are involved in the development and restoration of tissues, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. Peeling is suitable for normal and oily skin and is often used to prevent and remove stretch marks on the abdomen. (Dry and sensitive people may react with irritation.)

There are several recipes for lemon peeling:

1. Mix the grated zest of one lemon and 100 g of sour cream, add 2 drops of rosemary essential oil. Rub the mixture into the desired area of ​​skin, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse.
2. Combine equal parts lemon juice and water, apply to skin and rinse after 15 minutes.

After the procedure, it is important to use a moisturizer: lemon juice can dry out the skin. Use no more than once every 1-2 weeks.

With badyaga

Badyagi contains silicon, which, when it gets on the skin, stimulates blood flow and elastin production.

We recommend: SALICYL FACIAL PEELING: brightening, tightening, cleansing

Bodyaga “works” in tandem with 3% hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio. Problem areas of the skin are wiped with the mixture and left to act for 15 minutes. Usually 10 sessions are enough for daily use.

Before using this peel, it is advisable to conduct an allergy test. In addition, badyaga is contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy.

Almond

Gentle almond peeling for stretch marks is suitable even for very sensitive and thin skin and is approved for frequent use. Mandelic acid gently exfoliates, has a lifting effect and does not dry out the skin.

Almond kernels and oatmeal are ground to a powder and mixed. This mixture is then combined with mandelic acid and aloe juice. The scrub is rubbed into the skin for several minutes and washed off.

BIO OIL, 23€ MAMA MIO, 52€ PALMERS, 5€

With iodine

Iodine peeling for stretch marks must be used with caution, since iodine can cause severe burns. The method is also contraindicated for sensitive skin and during pregnancy and lactation.

For stretch marks on the skin, a 5% iodine solution is used, which is applied to problem areas 4 times a day for 3 days. As a result, the roughened, burned tissue begins to peel off and is replaced by new, scar-free tissue. However, it is highly undesirable to use iodine peeling more than once every 2 months.

Soda

Baking soda cleanses well, brightens and gently exfoliates. To prepare a soda scrub, mix baking soda and finely ground salt in 1:1 proportions. Next, the mixture is rubbed into the skin with gentle movements for 1-12 minutes, after which it is washed off. After peeling, you need to apply a moisturizer. Use no more than once a week.

Phytopilling

Phytopilling uses only plant components, and its ingredients can be combined at will. Any ingredients can be added to the mixture: sea salt, lemon juice, badyaga, extracts of flax seeds and eleutherococcus, etc.

The resulting composition is applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes, or rubbed in for 1-2 minutes if solid particles are present.

With seaweed

Algae contain iodine, vitamins A, B, C, are used in medicine to improve tissue regeneration and are sold in pharmacies.

The wrap is done as follows: the seaweed is soaked in water for 20-30 minutes, then applied to the skin that has been previously cleaned with a scrub. The treated areas are wrapped in film, then warm clothes are put on top and left for 1 hour. After which the composition is washed off.

Text author: Alexandra Gribovskaya

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Cost of laser resurfacing of stretch marks

How much laser resurfacing of stretch marks costs depends on whether they are specifically removed or whether the entire body area is treated. For selective removal, the price is 700 rubles. for 1 cm (plus the cost of anesthesia). Below we provide information on treating body zones.

Prices do not include current discounts

The price in Moscow for laser resurfacing of stretch marks depends on the equipment and qualifications of the doctor. Please note that the procedure can only be performed by a specialist with a higher medical education. This will protect you from burns and other unpleasant consequences and will allow you to get the skin you dreamed of.

If you want to know the cost of the procedure in your case, you can send us your photos (not selfies) on WhatsApp: +7 (985) 644-92-32

. Information about the length of the stretch marks will also be useful.

After removing stretch marks, you may want to restore overall firmness to your skin. For these purposes, we offer a wide range of hardware, injection and laser techniques. The doctor will advise you on issues related to improving skin tone.

You can find out the cost of the procedure, ask all your questions and make an appointment by calling
+7
in Moscow or using the form on the website.