What are the Choices in Stretch Mark Surgery?

Stretch marks develop for a multitude of reasons, including fluctuations in weight (both loss and gain); physical changes associated with puberty; pregnancy; and even body building. If you haven't had good results in attempting to eradicate these unsightly scars from your body, you may be thinking about stretch mark surgery as an option. If surgical correction of your stretch marks is appealing to you, there are several methods to choose from.

Chemical Skin Peels and Dermabrasion: These two types of stretch mark treatment are the least invasive. The process involves removing the damaged top layer of skin, thus leaving behind fresh, rejuvenated skin. When undergoing chemical skin peels, alpha hydroxy acid is applied to the affected area to remove the top layer of skin. Dermabrasion involves using a high speed, rotating brush to slowly rub off the layer of exterior skin.

A benefit to both of these treatments is that they can be done on an outpatient basis; a local anesthetic is all that is required. Surgical recovery is approximately one week, however due to the nature of the procedure, the skin can remain hypersensitive and red for far longer. Unfortunately, both of these therapies give only a minimal change in the appearance of the stretch marks.

Laser Surgery: As skin treatments using laser have progressed, this has become a more popular alternative. Special lasers are applied to resurface the skin and remove marks, a process which does not require as much recovery time as dermabrasion or chemical peels. Laser stretch mark surgery is effective because the site heals from the inside out. By healing in this manner, it promotes the production of collagen thereby giving a more youthful appearance and lessening the look of the stretch mark scars. A further advantage of laser surgery is that this form of therapy can remove dead, injured skin cells and seal any blood vessels that have broken, thus providing a natural filler for these unsightly scars.

Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty: This is the most invasive, yet most effective, form of stretch mark surgery. This surgical procedure involves the removal of excess skin and reattachment of the newly formed edges. Due to the nature of this operation it is usually performed by a plastic surgeon and requires a considerable amount of recovery time. The complete removal of the affected skin makes this the most effective type of stretch mark treatment at this time.

The scars produced by stretch marks can cause psychological stress, leading to feelings of self consciousness. Fortunately, for those suffering from them, there is hope: a range of therapies is available to meet your individual needs.