Stretch Marks: Prevention and Treatment

I'm a list maker: to do, grocery, gift... You name it, I have one. Including a list of all the things I wish my mother had told me - dare
I say warned me about - before experiencing on my own. Way I see it, this withheld information may have better prepared me for some of the cruel surprises that come with age, if not spared me from a not-so-small kiddy pool worth of embarrassing moments. Yep, if only mom had sent me a pair of really good tweezers on my 29th birthday, along with a handwritten note that read: "In the event you're out on a date, in the restroom, and look in the mirror only to discover your first rogue hair sprouting out from your chinny-chin-chin. Happy Birthday - Mom." Ahhhhh.... if only. I'll spare you the details of what I now know she didn't tell me about sex, and skip down to bullet number three on my "mom forgot to mention" list: the ugly truth about stretch marks.

According to Wikipedia, Stretch marks "result from overstretching of the skin, which disrupts the normal production of collagen, causing a scar." They're most often associated with pregnancy, but can also be the result of a quick growth spurt or rapid weight gain. I have some long legs on me. Unfortunately, these legs - my legs - sprouted like two steroid soaked seeds when I was in middle school. I lengthened a good two or three feet practically overnight. My shape changed so rapidly, that my first unsightly scars began to surface around my hips pre-adolescence. The others, I'm afraid, are the harsh reminders of years spent abusing my own body, using food (or lack thereof) to transform my outsides in such a way that would perhaps mirror my insides at the time: a roller coaster of a mess. Up, down, up, down. Fat, too thin, fat, too thin.

In retrospect, it's clear that my skin, the stretch marks, were my body's way of saying, Get some control, Woman! Find a happy middle ground. If only I had listened...

At thirty-one, I still struggle with body image issues, and would sell my sister to have some of the physical scars from years past removed. Okay, well, maybe not "sell," but certainly rent out for a bit. With all of the research that I've done, there still appears to be no miracle cure or surgery for the removal of stretch marks. There are, however, a number of options that may lessen the appearance of existing scars, as well as prevention tips for those determined to preserve their smooth, stretch mark free skin.

PREVENTION AND NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Between seventy-five and ninety percent of all women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy. While genetics do factor into the equation, the more hydrated you keep your skin, the less likely it is that stretch marks will occur. Creams and lotions containing Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), can also help prevent scarring as well potentially improve the looks of existing marks. Tretinoin is "a topical form of Vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself." It is sold by prescription only. Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin, are most commonly used for acne. The Renova brand, however, while marketed more as a treatment for brown spots and
coarse wrinkling, is also often prescribed by dermatologist to help reduce visible scarring.

SURGERY

Abdominoplasty (otherwise known as the Tummy Tuck) is a surgical option that removes excess fat and skin around the stomach, and removes stretch marks below the belly button at the same time. Throw a little liposuction into the mix, and the results can be pretty
eye popping. For a few Before and After pics, click HERE. Now don't whip out the credit cards just yet. Among the list of negatives - and there are a Bible's worth - the price tag for such a procedure is usually a hefty one, and recovery time may be as long as
two weeks. Possible complications include infection, necrosis (dead skin), hematoma (bleeding under the skin), seroma (fluid collection
under the skin), and death. Those who suffer from poor circulation are more likely to experience any of the above, and final results may take up to a year.

LASER TREATMENT

As for laser treatments, it appears that the general consensus among doctors is one of doubt, since a laser's primary function is to break down tissue, instead of repairing what's already been torn. Regardless, different types of laser treatments are being offered, and the type of laser used is based on the color and age of the scar. For the record: the younger the stretch mark, the greater the result of laser treatment. Microdermabrasion, a cosmetic procedure "in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion," and Chemical peels, which stimulate collagen, have also been proven effective non-surgical
options. For more information, I suggest contacting a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist in your area for more information.