'Pinoy MD:' How to get rid of stretch marks

Stretch marks, also known as striae, happen when your skin changes shape rapidly due to growth or weight gain.

While both men and women can get stretch marks, these little white lines around your belly, armpits, thighs, and legs aren't a sign that anything is wrong with your health.

In total, there are seven types of stretch marks, according to type and how it occurred, namely:

Striae atrophicans--These are stretch marks associated with overuse of steroids and corticoid but can also appear on persons suffering from Cushing syndrome.

Striae gravidarum--These are stretch marks caused by pregnancy that appears around the 24th week onwards

Striae distensae--These are regular stretch marks that are caused by a quick weight loss or weight gain

Striae rubra--These are newly formed stretch marks that are characterized by its red or pinkish color

Striae alba--These are matured stretch marks that are usually white and are shiny; and

Striae nigra and caerulea--These are stretch marks that are rare and develop within people that have dark skin. The reasons are not clear, but studies suggest that these types of stretch marks are caused by Hypermelanosis around the areas of the skin affected by stretch marks.

According to Dr. Jean Marquez of DARE, an aesthetics clinic based in Quezon City, getting rid of stretch marks in a completely natural way isn't likely because stretch marks go deep into the dermis although various methods have been attempted and studied.

“'Yung mga tao, umaasa na pamahid lang, makak-treat na ng stretch marks.

Actually, walang pamahid na makaka-penetrate ng ganun kalalim, to that area.”

So how do you get rid of stretch marks?

One of the most effective methods for treating stretch marks is through fractional laser therapy.

It is a relatively new form of treatment, having been introduced in the early 2000s, but it has proven to improve the appearance of stretch marks as compared with using topical creams.

The goal is to reduce its appearance on one area or “fraction” at a time by shining a specialized beam of light onto the skin thus disrupting the molecular bonds of tissue to stimulate the growth of new tissues and collagen.

Based on studies, it takes at least four fractional laser therapy sessions for clients to notice any difference in the affected area.

The second most effective method is carboxytherapy which is a common treatment for cellulite and dark under-eye circles.

Unlike fractional laser therapy, carboxytherapy has been around for ages as it originated in French spas in the 1930s.

The treatment occurs when carbon dioxide is injected in the affected area thus increasing the blood flow and allowing the healing process by restoring the circulation of the scarred tissue. It is quick, minimally invasive, and involves no downtime. And like the fractional laser therapy, it takes at least four sessions to notice any difference in your skin.

But even without treatment, research suggests that almost all stretch marks will fade over time, and rarely will stretch marks will stay as prominent as when they initially appeared.

For more information on the treatments above, watch this episode on Pinoy MD:

#BattleScars: Celebrity moms who are proud of their stretch marks

Andi Eigenmann confidently answers questions about her stretch marks