How to prevent stretchmarks
Stretchmarks are a common concern and can appear on various areas of the body.
Stretchmarks often appear on the surface of the skin after the skin has rapidly expanded. They are a common occurrence after pregnancy and rapid weight gain, and can also occur after a normal growth spurt during the teenage years. Stretchmarks are completely harmless — in fact, they are simply visible evidence of scar tissue following the natural healing process of overstretched skin. They can appear in many areas of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, hips, and stomach; and can appear red, purple, or pale in appearance. Although some people are more susceptible to stretchmarks than others, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them, or at least reducing their appearance. Read on to find out what you can do to prevent or treat stretchmarks…
Maintain a stable body weight
Stretchmarks often occur when the skin pulls apart as the result of rapid weight gain or loss. Those who have been through pregnancy, sudden weight gain or rapid growth spurts may notice stretchmarks forming on their skin. For this reason, one of the best ways to prevent stretchmarks is to try and maintain a healthy and stable body weight. To do so, it is advisable that you stick to a healthy, balanced diet and that you exercise regularly. If you continue to struggle with rapid weight loss or gain even after making these lifestyle changes, it is advisable that you see your doctor for more information and advice and to determine if you have an underlying health condition that may be contributing to the issue.
Be mindful of your diet
In some cases, stretchmarks can appear as the result of certain nutritional deficiencies. Try to eat foods that promote overall skin health — some good options are foods that include vitamin C; vitamin D; vitamin E; zinc; and protein.
You may also find it helpful to drink plenty of water every day. This will keep you hydrated and ensure that your skin remains soft and supple. Stretchmarks tend to develop in dry skin much more easily than in soft skin — try to drink around two litres of water a day and enjoy caffeinated beverages in moderation only.
Seek treatment as soon as possible
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent stretchmarks, so if you do notice them developing on your skin, it is a good idea to have them treated as soon as possible. By addressing the issue early, it is often possible to minimise their appearance so that they are not too noticeable in the long-term. If you notice new stretchmarks that are bothering you, make an appointment with a professional so that you can learn more about your treatment options. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which the appearance of stretchmarks can be visibly reduced.
How can we help?
If you are struggling with stretchmarks after pregnancy, rapid weight gain or a growth spurt during the teenage years, you are not alone. Many people experience the issue, but the good news is that although stretchmarks cannot be completely removed, their appearance can be reduced so that they blend in better with the surrounding skin.
At Ada Aesthetic Medicine, we offer a number of treatments to reduce the appearance of stretchmarks. The treatment that is most appropriate for you will depend on the type of stretchmarks that you have. In the case of red stretchmarks, we usually recommend treatment with vascular lasers, while pale stretchmarks are usually better resolved with the help of fractional lasers. We also offer fractional radiofrequency (RF) for the reduction of stretchmarks, as well as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) either on its own or in combination with medical micro-needling or fractional laser.
If you would like to find out more about stretchmark treatment at Ada Aesthetic Medicine, please have a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 02 9552 1442.
