Stretch marks are a common concern for many people. These hard-to-erase marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin, which can happen during puberty, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or bodybuilding. Stretch marks are not harmful but can be a cosmetic concern for both women and men (although more women are affected by them than men).
The good news is that they are neither dangerous nor a sign of aging or poor health. Although many people find them bothersome, stretch marks are simply a normal part of life for many. And while there is no guaranteed way to prevent them, at Coastal Aesthetics, we help our clients ease the look of them with effective treatments that yield dramatic results.
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. This quick stretching damages the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, hence their name, “stretch” marks.
The appearance can vary depending on the individual’s skin type and the severity, location, and age of the stretch marks. New ones are often red or purple, while older ones are silvery or white. They can also be indented or raised.
Stretch marks are most common in areas of the body prone to rapid growth or weight gain, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks. They can occur during puberty, pregnancy and bodybuilding. No skin tone or skin type is immune to them.
Collagen and elastin fibers are responsible for giving the skin its strength and elasticity. But when these fibers are damaged, the skin loses its ability to stretch and return to its original shape, leading to their formation.
Coastal Aesthetics is pleased to offer two cutting-edge treatments that are highly effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks, Opus Plasma-RF and Alma Hybrid.
Both laser treatment platforms use heat energy to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. This helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance.
Opus Plasma uses fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology to deliver heat energy to the skin. The RF energy is delivered in small, precise pulses, which helps to minimize the risk of side effects. Alma Hybrid combines CO2 and 1570nm lasers to provide heat to the skin. The CO2 laser removes the top layer of skin, while the 1570nm laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin.
Alma Hybrid is a fractional laser system that combines an ablative CO2 laser, a non-ablative 1570nm laser, and ultrasound technology to treat various skin conditions, including stretch marks.
The ablative CO2 laser refreshes the top layer of the skin and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin. The non-ablative 1570nm laser works by heating the deeper layers of the skin, which also promotes collagen production. Ultrasound technology helps deliver the laser energy effectively and evenly, which results in better results.
The combination of these three technologies makes Alma Hybrid a very effective treatment. The ablative CO2 laser rids the skin of old, damaged cells, making it easier for new collagen and elastin to grow, while the non-ablative laser helps to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. Together, with ultrasound, this improves the overall appearance.
Opus Plasma by Alma Lasers is a fractional radiofrequency (RF) treatment that uses a unique combination of RF energy and plasma sparks to help ease the look of stretch marks. It is the first and only unipolar radiofrequency treatment of its kind.
RF energy is a type of electromagnetic energy that can heat tissue. When RF energy is applied to the skin, it forces existing collagen and elastin to contract and produce new collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of them. Opus Plasma uses metal pins that are supercharged with high voltage that, when close to the skin, react to atmospheric pressure in the air.
Opus’s “plasma” component is a state of matter that is created when gas is ionized (plasma). When plasma sparks are made in the skin, they create micro-thermal zones of fractional skin injuries, which helps to deliver RF energy more effectively and evenly. The natural healing process jumpstarts collagen production through a wound-healing response, similar to microneedling. However, Opus Plasma uses radiofrequency and microplasma instead of needles.
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Yes, although stretch marks are permanent, they can fade over time, especially with aesthetic intervention. The severity of the stretch marks and your skin type will determine how much they fade. As the skin heals from being rapidly stretched, the collagen and elastin fibers begin to repair themselves. This process can take several months or even years. The stretch marks will fade as the collagen and elastin fibers rebuild.
In the early stages, stretch marks typically appear as raised, reddish or purplish lines or indentations on the skin. They may have a slightly glossy appearance to them. Over time, as stretch marks mature, they can become lighter in color, ranging from pink, white, or silver. The texture of stretch marks can also vary as well, with some individuals describing them as slightly indented or depressed in the skin.
While it may be difficult to prevent stretch marks, you can minimize them from appearing on your skin. Keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated helps make it more pliable and resistant to collagen damage. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding rapid weight loss or weight gain is also helpful.
Patient satisfaction is our number one priority at Coastal Aesthetics
At Coastal Aesthetics, Kimberlee Smith understands the frustrations with the appearance of stretch marks and how much it can negatively impact your self-confidence.
Together with the Coastal team, Kimberlee will help you feel comfortable designing a customized treatment plan based on your body and aesthetic goals. If you are ready to see what a difference Coastal Aesthetics can make for you, we invite you to book your consultation online and start your journey to a better you today!
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