Stretch Marks

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Almost everyone has stretch marks. Unfortunately, no one likes the way they look — even if they’re a "badge of honour" for women who’ve survived pregnancy, or a telltale sign of an adolescent growth spurt. Considerable energy has been invested in efforts to get rid of stretch marks, with less than satisfactory results. Topical creams, the most popular conventional treatment, have left most people wondering, "Why did I bother in the first place?"

There are two basic varieties of stretch marks: white and red. Older, mature stretch marks are commonly white or silver-coloured; newer stretch marks tend to be reddish or purple in colour. State-of-the-art technologies are now available to treat red & purple stretch marks non-invasively, allowing them to gently fade into memory — where most people think they belong.

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What are Stretch Marks?

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Stretch marks closely resemble scars. In fact, stretch marks are the most common types of skin lesions. About 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks. They also affect 70% of adolescent females and about 40% of young males. In medical terminology, stretch marks are called striae. Mature stretch marks are devoid of colour, and newer stretch marks are often red or purplish in colour.

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Stretch marks develop when the skin is excessively stretched, damaging the collagen fibres and proteins in the underlying skin layer called the dermis. Scientists believe that shattering of collagen leads to dilation of small blood vessels (called capillaries) that results in red or purple-coloured early stretch marks. Inflammation and collagen remodeling may lead to the loss of pigment-producing, melanocyte cells or obscuring of melanin pigment. Over time, this lack of pigment results in the white or hypopigmented scars that most people associate with mature stretch marks. Stretch marks are a form of leukoderma.

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Growth spurts and sudden or excessive weight gain cause stretch marks to form in young people. Young women commonly get them on their breasts, thighs, hips and buttocks. Young men often develop stretch marks from participating in certain body-altering sports such as weightlifting or from the use of dangerous bodybuilding steroid drugs. Women commonly develop stretch marks on their lower abdomen in the last months of pregnancy. Consuming plenty of Essential Fatty Acids prior to, & especially during pregnancy, or during a growth spurt, can help tremendously. Customized creams and lotions will ease the itchy sensation associated with stretch mark formation, but they won't always keep them from forming.

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Typical Treatments

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For years topical creams have been used to treat the appearance of stretch marks; unfortunately they have yielded less than satisfactory results.

Topical formulations containing retinoids (vitamin A-derivatives) can be helpful in diminishing early, red, inflammatory stretch marks, but they have proven to be ineffective in improving the appearance of mature stretch marks.

Both early and mature stretch marks have responded well to Radio Frequency, Electro Mesotherapy & Deep Herbal Peel technologies, providing non-invasive, gentle treatments that can help affected skin more closely match its natural texture & colour.

 

Deep Herbal Peels

 

Plant based formulas with vitamins, minerals, herbs and algae are applied using specialized techniques. The micro-fine particles gently smooth away the topmost layers of the skin thus stimulating the production of new skin cells. Blood circulation is boosted to the area and carries with it more oxygen. Within 5-6 days of application, the outermost layers of the skin start to shed, revealing newer & firmer skin.

Depending on the colour & age of the stretch marks, a series of 2-4 may be required at least 30 days apart.

 

New Technology To The Rescue!

 

Diathermie RF

 

A 3rd generation Radio Frequency aesthetic device for skin tightening & body contouring. This safe and effective treatment enables you to experience results focused solutions without any of the discomfort and lack of results often found in 1st & 2nd generation devices, such as Thermage.

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Diathermie uses the synergy of Capacitive Electric Transfer (CET) and Bi-Polar Radio Frequency technology to deliver controlled heat (from 39- 41 degrees Celsius) to deep dermal tissues without causing damage or discomfort to the epidermis. This deep heat tightens tissue (stretch marks & loose skin), melts fat and stimulates collagen production.

 

Electro Mesotherapy

 

A series of Electro Mesotherapy treatments can effectively reduce the fat in specific areas & tighten lose, stretched tissue, therefore smoothing out the skins surface. Utilizing a blend of reparative homeopathic remedies, these can be infused into the skin using an electroporation technology.

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Why A Customized Protocol?

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Depending on several factors, discussed and assessed during your consultation, a customized treatment protocol will be recommended that may utilize one or several different modalities to insure the best possible outcome.

 

To Find Out Your Options, Call or Text Today

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