Discover Stretch Mark Reduction Therapy in Kansas City Metro Area
Stretch marks, medically termed striae distensae or simply striae, emerge from the skin stretching quickly beyond its flexibility limit, leading to micro tears beneath the surface.
These micro tears allow underlying blood vessels to become visible, initially giving stretch marks a red hue. Over time, without sufficient collagen production for repair, these marks may darken.
Common causes include pregnancy and swift weight fluctuations, affecting both men and women due to rapid skin expansion. Factors like puberty, hormonal changes during pregnancy, hormone replacement therapies, or muscle building can also contribute to the formation of stretch marks.
Other Underlying Causes of Stretch Marks
While stretch marks are commonly attributed to skin expansion, their roots run much deeper, with hormonal fluctuations playing a crucial role.
Individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances face a higher likelihood of developing these marks.
This includes teenagers undergoing puberty, pregnant women, and those with conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or adrenal disorders.
Additionally, the use of corticosteroid medications can also contribute to the risk of acquiring stretch marks.
Weight Changes in Adolescence
Adolescence is a period marked by significant hormonal shifts that can lead to abrupt weight changes, impacting the skin’s elasticity.
This overstretching disrupts collagen production, which is when stretch marks commonly emerge.
This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to females; males experience it as well, though the locations of these marks can vary.
As these marks often result from the body’s rapid hormonal changes and corresponding weight fluctuations, they are considered a normal aspect of puberty.
Understanding Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Pregnancy often brings with it significant hormonal shifts and weight gain, primarily affecting the abdomen, which can lead to the development of stretch marks.
The skin’s elasticity is challenged, impacting the production of proteins crucial for connective tissue health, resulting in scar-like marks in the dermis layer that are difficult to conceal and repair.
Remarkably, between 80 to 90 percent of pregnant women are likely to develop stretch marks by their third trimester.
Recent research from 2018 to 2023 has advanced our understanding of stretch marks (striae gravidarum) during pregnancy, revealing key insights into their management and prevention.
Studies highlight the crucial role of collagen degradation in stretch mark formation, suggesting that treatments boosting collagen production could be beneficial. A 2021 meta analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers in preventing these marks by maintaining skin hydration.
Additionally, advancements in laser therapy, as explored in 2022 research at The European Journal of Dermatology, show promising results in reducing stretch mark appearance through skin regeneration. The importance of personalized treatment plans, considering individual genetics and skin type, is also noted.
Moreover, there’s an increased focus on providing holistic support to expectant mothers, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of skin changes during pregnancy. For the most current advice and treatment options, consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended
How Certain Hormones Affect Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can be influenced by corticosteroid hormones, which may weaken the skin. Research highlighted in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology in 2006 points out that these hormones can lessen the strength of the skin’s deeper layer, elevating the risk for stretch marks. This is something bodybuilders might experience due to the rapid body changes they undergo.
Understanding Conditions That Contribute to Stretch Marks
- Cushing’s Syndrome: This condition results from high cortisol levels produced by the adrenal glands, which might be due to taking certain medication or certain diseases leading to overproduction of cortisol. The rapid weight gain and skin changes associated with this syndrome can make stretch marks more likely.
- Marfan Syndrome: A genetic condition affecting the body’s connective tissue, Marfan Syndrome often leads to individuals being very tall with long limbs and fingers. This syndrome can cause stretch marks, likely due to how the body’s skeleton develops.
- Adrenal Disorders: These disorders affect hormone levels, particularly glucocorticoid hormones, leading to elevated risk for stretch marks. High levels of these hormones prevent the skin from forming collagen and elastin, essential for skin support, leading to the tiny tears that manifest as stretch marks. When the skin tries to heal these micro-tears, it can lead to the visible marks we recognize as stretch marks.
Stretch marks are not just about skin stretching; they are also deeply connected to hormonal imbalances and specific health conditions, impacting the skin’s ability to maintain its integrity.
Types of Stretch Marks:
- Red Stretch Marks: These are newly formed stretch marks that initially appear as thin red lines. Over time, they may change to purple or dark colors, depending on an individual’s skin pigmentation. The discoloration is due to bleeding at the dermal level, similar to how bruises behave.
- White Stretch Marks: Over time, red stretch marks evolve into white ones as they heal. This transition involves the scar tissue losing its pigmentation and contracting. For those with light skin, the marks become white-silvery, while for darker skin tones, they appear as a light brown, making them less noticeable.
This distinction between red and white stretch marks highlights the marks’ lifecycle and how they reflect the body’s natural healing process, influenced by skin stretching and hormonal fluctuations.
Stretch-Mark Treatments
Reducing the visibility of stretch marks can be challenging as they are already formed. Effective treatments focus on stimulating collagen growth within the skin layers to rebuild texture, level the marks, and minimize their appearance. Our non-surgical treatments significantly reduce and fade stretch marks across all areas of the body.
Invisa-RED™ technology promotes skin cell renewal by stimulating RNA and DNA production, rejuvenating the skin, and encouraging collagen growth to repair damaged areas. Most clients notice improvement after just one session but will need multiple treatments to achieve their desired results.
People with stretch marks typically need several laser therapy sessions, depending on the severity, size, and age of the marks. Unlike invasive procedures that are costly, painful, and require downtime, no other non-invasive technology or creams can fade stretch marks as effectively as invisa-RED™.
How it Works
Invisa-RED™ effectively minimizes the visibility of stretch marks by triggering three key processes:
- Heat Stimulation: Heats the epidermis to stimulate the natural production of collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts, which fill the gaps in the epidermis and lighten discoloration.
- Increased Circulation: Boosts circulation of fresh, oxygenated blood to aid in the wound healing process.
- Skin Tightening: Reduces the size and depth of stretch marks, creating a smoother, more uniform look and texture.
Will I Feel Any Pain During Treatments?
No, our treatments are quick, non-surgical, non-invasive, and pleasant.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
Treatment sessions are short, typically around twenty minutes, with collagen growth stimulation lasting for several weeks to months after each session.
Multiple treatments are necessary and recommended three times per week throughout your personalized treatment schedule.
The number of sessions will vary for each client, and during your private consultation, a clinician will provide a better estimate of how many treatments you’ll need to achieve your desired results.
Maintenance
After completing your treatment schedule, we recommend touch-up treatments one to two times per month.
Contact us for Stretch Mark Removal in Kansas City
Ready to enhance your skin’s appearance? Contact us today for top-notch stretch mark removal in Kansas City and learn about our skin tightening and body contouring services. Discover how our laser lipo in Kansas City can complement your treatment—schedule your FREE consultation now!