Does it feel like you'll be stuck with your stretch marks forever? Over-the-counter creams and lotions don't always work too well to remove them. And surgery for stretch marks is too extreme and risky for many people. Luckily, there are some in-between options that are effective yet minimally invasive. Most of these options are available at a medical spa.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are more often used on the face to manage problems like acne scars and large pores. However, they can also be used on other parts of the body where you have stretch marks. In a chemical peel, your practitioner will apply a chemical solution of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to the area where the stretch marks are located. They'll leave this in place for a few minutes, and then rinse it away. The chemicals will abrade away the outermost layer of your skin — the most scarred skin. They'll also stimulate your skin to make more collagen, which is often lacking in stretch mark areas.
Your skin will look a little red and will be sore for a few days after chemical peels. However, once you heal, you should notice the stretch marks are less pronounced. Their appearance should continue to improve as your skin builds more collagen in the coming weeks. If the results are still not quite what you were after, you can have another chemical peel. Most people need a few rounds to get rid of stretch marks completely.
Laser Treatment
Another option is to have a laser treatment performed on the stretch marks. This works much in the same way as a chemical peel. The laser causes the outer layers of your skin to slough off and also triggers collagen production. The difference is in the intensity of the treatment. The laser goes deeper and does more at once. As such, the healing time tends to be longer, but you may need fewer treatments.
Laser treatment can be more expensive than a chemical peel, but it works well for smaller areas and for really deep stretch marks. Your practitioner may also recommend laser treating some areas and doing a chemical peel on others.
Stretch marks can be stubborn and hard to get rid of, but you do have options. Usually, a medical spa is going to be your best bet for stubborn stretch marks. A practitioner there can tell you which treatment is best suited to your needs.
For more information, visit a local medical spa.
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