Stretch Mark Reduction: Thrive Portland

26 January 2012, admin on the topic of Featured Services, Stretch Mark Reduction

When our skin expands suddenly, such as during an adolescent growth spurt or pregnancy, the elastin in the underlying layer of skin (the dermis), stretches which then leads to stretch marks. Advice abounds about how to prevent these scar-like striae from forming, but very little has been shown to effectively prevent them. What’s more, some treatments aren’t safe for use during pregnancy, which is one of the most common reasons for stretch marks to appear.

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for stretch marks include:

• Being female; women are more likely to experience the types of life events that lead to stretch marks

• Pregnancy, especially if the child is larger-than-average or if you’re very small

• Rapid weight gain or weight loss

• A family history of stretch marks

• Using medication that include corticosteroids, which can reduce skin elasticity

Stretch mark reduction can be facilitated through a number of proven treatments. Dr. Maddox and the team at Thrive use fractional laser therapy to fade these scar-like marks. Fractional photothermolysis uses wavelengths of light to stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Unlike some treatments, fractional laser therapy does cause some minimal, superficial damage to the top layer of skin (the epidermis), but healing time is short because the affected areas are so small.

Treatments are generally more effective the newer the stretch marks are, but even decades-old marks can be minimized with laser therapy. Whether yours are from a pubescent growth spurt many years ago, weight gain, or a pregnancy, Thrive can help you heal. Visit our website or call 503-241-3579 for more information or to schedule an appointment.