"REVEALED: Getting Rid of Your Stretch Marks, Fast? ...

Obviously stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin that does not occur at a gradual pace, such as that seen in the skin stretching that happens during pregnancy. However, there are other factors that have a role in the development of stretch marks.

Many studies have indicated that a significant increase in a hormone which is released by the adrenal gland, known as cortisone may have some bearing on the appearance of stretch marks. Cortisone may work adversely by breaking down the fibers in the skin, thereby hindering the development of elastin and collagen which are both necessary for healthy skin.

The truth of the matter is that there is no one who is immune to the possibility of stretch marks. The good news is there are treatments and prevention strategies which can be used to lower the risk.

Clothing Which May Help Prevent Stretch Mark Problems

While this may be a shot in the dark, a lot of people truly believe that wearing close fitting clothing such as spanx will help to keep the skin firmer, especially in the case of pregnancy. In theory this doesn’t sound so incredibly off base but in reality, you would have to wear your spanx 24 hours a day from the beginning of your pregnancy up until the birth of your baby to see a real improvement.

However, with that being said, wearing spanx may help to at least minimize the development of stretch marks and that in itself makes them worth a try!

Oil Massage Can Keep Skin Supple

Whether you are a pregnant woman, a body builder or just someone who is worried about getting stretch marks, oil massages which are done consistently may help to prevent or at least significantly reduce the amount of stretch marks you develop. Keep in mind that there may also be a genetic factor involved with the cause of stretch marks but keeping your skin moist and helping to protect its elasticity is a great thing to do.

The best mixture for massage oil which can help minimize a stretch mark issues is vitamin E oil, coconut oil and sweet almond oil. The oil should be heated up to a comfortably warm temperature. You can massage your own skin or have someone else such as your significant other do the massage for you.

Use the oil generously on the troubled areas and make sure the massage lasts at least 20 to 30 minutes. The best time for an oil massage is just after taking a bath or shower as it will help to retain moisture.

Using Creams and Lotions as Stretch Mark Prevention

Since as far back as most people can remember, cocoa butter has been the most suggested cream to use for the prevention of stretch marks. However, today there are a number of different products on the market that claim to help prevent the onset of stretch marks.

These products range in price from $10.00 to $100.00 and some of them work better than others. There is no magic cream that is going to guarantee that you will not get stretch marks but taking every possible measure including the use of lotions and creams cannot hurt your cause.

If you are pregnant then you will want to begin treating your skin as early in your pregnancy as possible. If you begin treatments before you start showing then you can keep your skin more supple so that the end of pregnancy may not have as hard an effect on the elasticity of your skin.

Thermage Stretch Mark Treatments

Many people who have loose and sagging skin, or skin which is marred with stretch marks, opt for invasive procedures that are full of risks. While Thermage may not be the best choice for everyone, it is certainly a good choice for people who have mild to moderate stretch marks.

This procedure is done quite simply and offers much faster results with a shorter recovery time than major plastic surgery. The price of Thermage varies from $750 to $2500 depending on the area you live in and the location of the stretch marks you want treated.

Thermage is performed by cosmetic surgeons and uses what is called radiofrequency technology to vastly improve the appearance of your skin while removing unsightly stretch marks. The thermage procedure takes from 20 minutes to 90 minutes, also depending on the area being treated. Generally speaking, the skin will continue to improve over then following 120 days and the effects can last up to 24 months.

Laser Stretch Mark Treatments or Cosmetic Surgery

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to laser surgery vs. cosmetic surgery for stretch marks. Some doctors highly recommend laser therapy for stretch marks and claim that it greatly reduces the appearance while others say that cosmetic surgery is the only way to go.

If a woman has stretch marks on her abdomen then she may opt for what is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck but officially called an abdominoplasty. This is a procedure that involves getting rid of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, thereby improving the tone and appearance of the skin.

Having a tummy tuck done is significantly more costly than thermage as it can range between $5000 and $20,000 depending on the doctor doing the surgery and the geographic location of the patient.

Stretch Marks and Self Image

Usually, people who undergo stretch mark treatments are people who are trying to improve the way they look and feel. Having stretch marks can be quite embarrassing, especially to people who already suffer from some sort of self esteem problem, such as those found in people with weight issues.

The decision to do something about stretch marks is often a difficult one. This is especially true if budget is a concern. The bottom line is that millions of people have stretch marks and continue to live their lives normally without ever doing a thing about them. However, this is a personal choice and if you’ve decided that you want to do something about your stretch marks then consider one of the above mentioned treatment options.

If you are concerned with developing stretch marks as a result of being pregnant or dieting, you will find an abundance of information on this site. While it is impossible to fully prevent stretch marks in every situation, it is definitely possible to minimize their appearance and decrease the odds of developing them.