Your Skin and Stretch Marks

Skin doesn’t always bounce back if it’s been stretched by pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks. Both men and women of course are horrified to find these marks anywhere on their bodies, and try many methods to have them removed.

These stretch marks show up on several areas of the body, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, or lower back.

Treatment for Stretch Marks

There are several treatment options for stretch marks although none of them are very effective. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone, and even your diet. Treatment options for stretch marks include:

• Surgical methods. Dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser surgery can be used to address unwanted stretch marks.
• Lotions and creams. Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments are available but are usually of little benefit. If you are pregnant, discuss your concern with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy, before stretch marks develop, so that preventive treatment can be considered.

It’s best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.

Insurance Coverage for Stretch Mark Treatment

Insurance may not cover stretch mark treatment because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are severe). Talk to your particular provider to see what is covered under your plan.

Of course the problem of stretch marks, have existed in varying degrees as long as humans have populated the earth. In the past, the presence of these blemishes or scars tended to be downplayed or overlooked as nobody could find a way to remove them. However, in the appearance-conscious society of today where image tends to be everything, ignoring the problem is no longer a viable option.

Thus, modern society has witnessed the rise of various treatments designed to alleviate this condition and thereby dramatically improve the appearance of the skin. Choosing the correct treatment will require some research on the part of consumers as this issue has been and is being addressed in a variety of ways. Make the choice that is best for you.

With regard to stretch marks treatments, there are many competing schools of thought. Some remedies hail from the old days and were fashioned by women in their homes. Many of these contained types of plant derivatives or oils and herbs. The concoctions were passed down through generations by word-of-mouth. Fortunately, many of these formulations have been replaced by more sophisticated and safer approaches which can be of enormous benefit to the skin and its health.

Trilastin-SR is one of the more acclaimed products on the market today for erasing imperfections and toning the skin. It incorporates a virtual patch technology which promotes healing at the site and a “Filling Spheres” innovation which wears away and eventually eliminates furrows. Trilastin promises visible results in three weeks or less and its claims are bolstered by a 60-day money back guarantee. Users of the product are effusive in their praise.

Maderma is another brand which has carved out a successful niche in the stretch marks treatment arena. It is an often recommended product by dermatologists and pharmacists to eliminate the appearance of striae and to encourage healing of the skin. This formulation promises a marked improvement in the overall toning and conditioning of the dermal layers and users can expect to see results in one to three months. It is lauded as a highly successful product.

Still other avenues regarding stretch marks treatments are available to consumers with less budgetary restrictions; for instance, laser surgery and prescription remedies present attractive alternatives. A prescription cream named Tretinoin has proven very effective in trials and reportedly improves the appearance of acne and greatly reduces wrinkles and scars. These options, of course, should only be pursued while under the care of a medical professional. Dermabrasion, too, still merits mentioning as it has proven to be effective as a skin treatment aid down through the years.