Scars and scars can seriously complicate the life of the most confident person in his own attractiveness. Skin damage that does not go away over time does not affect health - a person with traces of acne on the cheeks or with scars from abdominal surgery may have ideal tests and well-being - but they do affect psychology.
Scars attract attention, distinguish us from other people, and prevent us from enjoying our own reflection in the mirror or wearing revealing clothes. That is why at the Cleo Line clinic we use modern methods of laser and other therapy to get rid of scars and scars and restore the skin.
What are scars and scars?
Scars are connective skin tissue that forms after healing of burns, injuries, surgeries, and inflammatory processes. Varieties of scars also include stretch marks (striae) - narrow wavy stripes with grooves of atrophied tissue, which can be white or red-violet. Striae appear in places of greatest stretching of the skin - for example, on the stomach of pregnant women or people who have gained a lot of weight in a short time, on the hips and armpits of teenagers who have sharply increased in height in a short period of time.
Why do stretch marks appear on the skin?
Stretch marks (striae) are a rupture of the dermis due to stretching of the skin. Theoretically, they can occur in any part of the body, but in most cases they are formed in those places where a person has the greatest concentration of subcutaneous fat - the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In people who are actively involved in sports, stretch marks can also appear on the inside of the arms, since during intense training these areas of the body significantly increase in volume. In rare cases, such skin lesions can form on the face, neck, back and other parts of the body.
At their core, skin stretch marks are nothing more than microtraumas. The skin is not able to stretch due to rapid changes in body volume, and is therefore injured from the inside. The body, trying to “sew up” the wound, fills the area with connective tissue, which differs in properties from the skin. In addition, the cause of stretch marks can be certain hormonal drugs, in particular corticosteroids, which are used primarily to eliminate certain inflammations.
Stretch marks also occur in adolescents during puberty. 60% of the fair sex encounter this skin defect after the birth of a child and the period of breastfeeding. Athletes who radically revise their diet or use anabolic steroids also experience stretch marks.
Actually, it’s not even the diet itself or the use of any drug that plays a role, but the fact that this is followed by sharp changes in weight, both in one direction and the other. That is why the problem of stretch marks is relevant for bodybuilders, whose training process involves gaining muscle mass, or, on the contrary, losing extra pounds. If these processes are accompanied by taking various hormonal drugs, the risk of skin stretch marks increases significantly. Excessive loads after a long break or abrupt cessation of exercise can also lead to stretch marks.
Sometimes the cause of stretch marks can be determined by the nature of their location. Typically, horizontal striae are observed with hormonal imbalances, and vertical ones with rapid weight gain or fluctuations and after childbirth.
Types of scars
Normotrophic scars are most often located at the same level with the skin, they are less noticeable, easiest to correct and differ mainly in shade - they are somewhat lighter than the skin.
Atrophic scars occur after an inflammatory process or injury; they are not as elastic as normal tissues and have a concave surface. A typical example of atrophic scars is stretch marks and post-acne.
Keloid scars can have different shapes; they are elastic, dense, usually with a smooth surface. The appearance of keloid scars can lead to unpleasant sensations: burning, itching, even pain. Typically, such formations protrude above the surface of the skin. They have clear boundaries. Keloid scars can grow and appear again after removal. Most often they form on the outer surface of the shoulder, in the sternum and upper torso. Difficult to correct.
Hypertrophic scars protrude above the surface of the skin. Most often they have a pink tint, and are formed due to the large area and depth of the wound, contamination of the surface or other unfavorable conditions for the healing of damaged tissue. It is mature connective tissue covered by a layer of epidermis. Within six months after its appearance, hyperkeratosis gradually disappears, and the progression of the scar stops.
What color are stretch marks?
The color of stretch marks depends on how long ago they formed. Fresh stretch marks have various red-violet shades. Over time, the stretch marks lighten. This happens about a year and a half after the formation of stretch marks.
The connective tissue that makes up striae has a reduced ability to form melanin. That is why, when tanning, areas of skin with stretch marks tan less than the surrounding skin area and become much more noticeable. Only sometimes, with a certain skin phototype, tanning can make stretch marks less noticeable. But even in such cases, ultraviolet rays do not have a therapeutic effect, but only smooth out the existing cosmetic defect.
Treatment methods
Apart from surgery, there are several ways to treat scars: cryotherapy, wearing compression garments, using silicone preparations, enzyme injections and hormone therapy. But the most effective, safe for the patient and widespread method is laser therapy.
The laser has a highly precise impact with controlled depth, allowing it to avoid damaging healthy tissue. The procedures cause virtually no discomfort, and the recovery period is minimal. The laser removes “extra”, that is, scar tissue and stimulates the production of collagen - the irradiation site heals, and after several procedures not even a trace remains of the scar. The number of procedures is individual, depending on the age of the scar and your characteristics.
To enhance the effect of the laser and stimulate the smoothing of skin relief, plasma lifting is used. The patient is injected with plasma from his own blood into the scar area. This procedure allows the skin to recover faster and stimulates the production of natural collagen and elastin. Plasmolifting is also effective in the treatment of acne. The second option for injection “assistance” with laser is mesotherapy. We use only drugs that are approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and have all the necessary quality certificates.
Chemical peeling will also help smooth out small scars - it is effective in working with small atrophic scars. A series of peelings allows you to even out the texture of tissues and skin color.
Special medications can be used to treat keloid scars. They are prescribed only by a doctor - consultation is required!
Laser stretch mark removal
Laser stretch mark removal is considered the most versatile, effective and safe method.
At A Clinic, stretch marks are removed using the American Fraxel laser and the Italian technology of Dermal Radio Wave Optical Thermolysis (DROT-therapy).
Fraxel
is capable of destroying scar tissue at a depth of up to 1.5 mm and stimulating the growth of normal tissue at this site. In this case, the surface of the skin is not affected. The Fraxel laser safely removes stretch marks from any area of the body, including the chest and inner thighs.
DROT
is the combination of laser and radio wave energy in one device. The device on which DROT is performed makes it possible to work with “hot”, “cold” pulses, as well as a classic CO2 laser pulse. At the same time, radiofrequency exposure, working simultaneously with all impulses, significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment, deeply remodeling the tissue. The “impulse shape design” technology allows you to select optimal treatment parameters for each patient. This helps to reach all layers - from superficial to deep.
The laser system pulses generate microthermal damage zones that destroy scar tissue. In areas subjected to fractional exposure, regeneration processes are launched, and new healthy tissue is formed without aesthetic defects. The number of sessions required to improve skin texture is determined individually depending on the patient’s skin condition.
Care and recovery
After laser resurfacing, the skin recovers quite quickly. However, in the first few hours after the procedure, redness and discomfort may appear. If they cause you discomfort, you can apply a cooling compress to the treatment area.
For 3 days after the removal procedure, you should not wipe the treated areas of the skin with alcohol-containing substances. It is prohibited to visit the sauna and swimming pool, take a hot bath, or sunbathe.
The skin needs to be moisturized. Or use special medical gels and creams that your doctor will prescribe for you.
Each patient at Cleo Line is given detailed care recommendations after the procedure.
What are the benefits of laser stretch mark removal?
- Almost any stretch marks can be removed. The laser acts at a certain depth, which is set individually, depending on the age of the stretch marks.
- During the procedure, healthy tissues are not affected and burns are avoided.
- Suitable for sensitive areas. The laser can be used in the most sensitive areas - on the chest, abdomen, inner surfaces of the arms and thighs.
- There is no rehabilitation period. The maximum that may appear after laser exposure is slight redness. It goes away within a day. The skin recovers quickly.
- In most cases, the procedure is carried out immediately after the initial consultation.
Stretch marks after childbirth
But after giving birth, the problem of stretch marks will not end; it will remain relevant until the end of the lactation period, especially if you did not take any preventive measures during pregnancy (special tightening underwear, oils, creams, etc.).
Unfortunately, after childbirth, the skin will not return to its original position; it will need time to recover. A means to completely get rid of stretch marks has not yet been invented, but there are many ways to make them almost invisible.
Women are especially concerned about stretch marks on their breasts, which arise due to their natural increase during pregnancy and with the onset of breastfeeding.
The fact is that the skin in this area is very delicate, and changes in its size are especially significant, so there are often many stretch marks and they are pronounced. Moreover, they will become even more noticeable after the end of the lactation period and the breasts return to their normal size.
Stretch mark treatment and prevention
Considering the complexity of dealing with skin stretch marks, a much better solution would be timely prevention of their manifestation. However, some of its points can also be successfully applied for the purpose of getting rid of existing stripes, and therefore we will consider them simultaneously in both cases. So, to prevent and get rid of stretch marks, it is recommended:
- smear problem areas of the skin with special creams and oils;
- maintain optimal water balance in the body by drinking at least 2 liters of water per day;
- try to eat as little food as possible containing salt and preservatives;
- pay attention to the required concentration of vitamins and minerals in your diet.
We are talking, in particular, about components such as zinc, copper, vitamins C, B5 and E , since these substances increase the production of collagen. Products where they are contained in the greatest volume are: avocado, liver, green peas, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, whole grains. Protein, which is already the main component in a bodybuilder’s diet, also helps restore tissue and prevent its rupture;
- essential oils or plant extracts are substances that stimulate blood circulation in the body.
The best thing is to add them directly to the water when bathing. Or rub it into the skin while bathing. You can use either one oil or a combination of several at once. In the second case, you should choose one of the oils as the main one, it is best if it is an oil rich in vitamin E, for example, almond or olive. For one tablespoon of this oil, dissolve a few drops of essential oil (geranium, lemon, orange, mint, rosewood, etc.). Rub the resulting composition into the skin with massage movements. You can also use a combination of pure essential oils, mixing them in a ratio of 2 drops each.
- do a pinch massage.
The last two tips are most often used by girls, but this does not mean that tough male bodybuilders should neglect them. These recommendations are effective and universal.
For the prevention and direct treatment of stretch marks, you can also use various types of exfoliating scrubs. Moreover, their recipes are quite simple, so you can prepare the scrub as follows:
1 cup salt + 1 cup sugar + 0.5 cup oil (ideally palm oil). During water procedures, thoroughly wipe the problem areas with the resulting mixture, and after taking a shower or bath, lubricate these areas with cream.
Also for water procedures - to prevent stretch marks, a contrast shower is very useful, strengthening both the skin itself and the smooth muscles located under it.
