Stretch marks after pregnancy are the most aesthetic problem. Approximately 80% of women worldwide have stretch marks, and 50-70% of women develop stretch marks during their first pregnancy. What are the ways to prevent and eliminate stretch marks offered by aesthetic medicine?
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are bands of skin that look like scars and appear as atrophic tissue damage. As a rule, stretch marks appear on the chest, thighs and abdomen.
Skin layers
The skin is made up of three different layers:
1. The epidermis performs a protective function and protects against external damage.
2. The dermis, which is 70% water, maintains the skin's firmness and resistance thanks to collagen fibers and its softness thanks to elastin fibers. This layer of skin also contains nerve endings that transmit information received by the skin (touch, pain, temperature), as well as blood vessels that nourish the epidermis and regulate body temperature.
3. The hypodermis is made up of fat-rich cells (adipose tissue). Blood vessels are “laid” through it, sweat glands are also located in it, as well as the roots of long hairs of the skin.
Histology and stretch marks
In the early stages, the skin becomes inflamed, resulting in swelling. In later stages, the affected skin is more depressed and thinner than healthy skin. The most susceptible to such changes is the dermis layer. The papillary layer of the dermis becomes very thin, and in some cases disappears altogether. Collagen fibers are arranged parallel to the skin, while in healthy skin they are perpendicular. The number and density of collagen fibers is significantly reduced. Elastic fibers are destroyed, and their density increases (as with skin aging). Fibroblasts become inactive and fiber production stops.
There are two types of anomalies: a decrease in the number of fibroblasts and degeneration of collagen and elastin fibers.
Causes of stretch marks
1. Genetic and Mechanical Causes: Physical stretching simply acts as a catalyst for stretch marks in people who are genetically predisposed to stretch marks. Studies have shown that stretch marks appear due to fibroblasts not working properly, which leads to loosening of the skin in people who are predisposed to such an anomaly.
2. Hormonal Causes: Stretch marks can also occur due to adrenal hyperactivity (pregnancy, obesity, puberty, Cushing's syndrome).
Risk Factors for Stretch Marks Associated with Pregnancy
Stretch marks usually appear in the third trimester due to overactive adrenal glands. The risk of stretch marks increases if the mother has gained excess weight during pregnancy (more than 15 kg), is expecting twins, while breastfeeding, as well as in overweight women whose skin is constantly in a taut state. The heavier the baby, the more likely the mother is to develop stretch marks. The lack of protein in the diet also affects the insufficient development of supporting tissue.
Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
1. Try to limit weight gain to 9-12 kg.
2. Wear a comfortable wire-free bra day and night during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
3. In the last three months of pregnancy, support your belly with a special elastic maternity belt.
4. Massage around areas prone to stretch marks, especially during the third trimester.
Also, to strengthen the skin during pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe certain drugs, vitamins, various oils.
What effective methods for removing stretch marks exist today?
Laser treatments and microdermabrasion have little effect on stretch marks. Rollers, mesotherapy and peels are effective methods of getting rid of stretch marks, but the use of such procedures alone limits the effect.
LED treatments are the most recommended. LED radiation stimulates the energy centers of cells - mitochondria, which produce collagen and elastic fibers. LED therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as radio frequency therapy, i.e. exposure to radio waves on the dermis through a needle. This stimulates the activity of fibroblasts and promotes the gradual healing of stretch marks.
Source estet-portal.com
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