Understanding Stretch Mark Surgery

Stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body, including the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and abdominal area. People have stretch marks for various reasons, one being pregnancy.

Rapid weight loss or weight gain can also cause stretch marks to appear on the body, so women aren’t the only ones who are susceptible to stretch marks.

Stretch marks appear on some people during puberty due to the changes that occur to the body during that time. These marks appear because the skin is stretched pasts its normal limits. The exterior of the skin then becomes damaged, leaving marks behind.

Once the skin is damaged and stretch marks appear, they are usually red or purple in color. As they fade they become a silvery white, sometimes barely noticeable. For the most part, stretch marks are considered to be unattractive and many people seek methods of removing them completely through  stretch mark removal surgery. There quite a few methods of surgery to remove stretch marks, some more intensive than others.

The Tummy Tuck

One of the most invasive methods of stretch mark surgery is called a tummy tuck. It also happens to be considered one of the most effective methods of removing stretch marks from the abdominal area. This method is invasive, however, because it requires part of the skin to be cut away. The remaining skin is stretched taut. This type of stretch mark removal is considered to be plastic surgery for stretch marks and is usually performed by a cosmetic surgeon. Unfortunately, this procedure also requires the longest recovery time.

Chemical Peels and Dermabrasion

Quite possibly the least invasive options for stretch marks surgery includes both chemical peels and dermabrasion. A chemical peel is a type of stretch mark surgery in which alpha hydroxy is applied to the skin to remove the outer most layer of the skin. The skin underneath then flourishes which leaves a smoother, softer and blemish free layer of skin.

Dermabrasion also employs the method of brushing the skin to remove the outer skin so that a new layer replaces it. These surgeries are considered to be less invasive because it is performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring only local anesthetic. The recovery time is about a week. The person can experience initial redness and even sensitivity to the sun. Unfortunately, these two treatments are more effective for age spots and other blemishes rather than stretch marks. They usually only reduce the appearance of stretch marks instead of removing them completely.

Laser Surgery

The next option for surgery for stretch marks is laser surgery. The concept behind stretch mark laser surgery is that it actually increases the production of collagen, which is responsible for healing the skin and minimizing the appearance of blemishes and stretch marks. This option is gaining popularity because it requires significantly less recovery time than a tummy tuck and even less recovery time than dermabrasion and chemicals peels.

Laser surgery stretch mark removal may not completely remove all stretch marks though, but will considerably diminish them. This therapy could however remove some stretch marks completely, depending on how deep they are. Laser surgery for stretch marks removes dead and damaged skin cells while sealing broken blood vessels. Initial redness will occur but only lasts a few days, leaving newer skin in place of the old damaged skin.

Whether you choose stretch mark plastic surgery or stretch mark laser surgery, these methods are generally considered to be the most expensive. There are some at inexpensive creams and lotions to use at home that can be used to diminish stretch marks but usually only reduce the appearance instead of removing them completely. This is especially true for larger and wider stretch marks that normally require more extensive removal options. If you are uncomfortable with your stretch marks, consider researching each option for stretch mark removal to see which one best fits your budget and needs.