How Can I Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks often appear in various shades of red, white, or purple along the skin. They typically look like “streaks” and are quite common in areas such as the abdomen, breasts, arms, hips, or thighs. Factors such as pregnancy, muscle building, and weight gain are some of the leading contributors to the development of stretch marks, and they can affect just about anybody, even individuals who take good care of their skin and are in the best possible physical shape. While stretch marks can be frustrating and produce self-consciousness about one’s appearance, it is important to know that there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available that can help reduce the tell-tale signs of them. Here at Teleos Plastic Surgery and Radiance Medical Spa, Dr. Max Lehfeldt offers two of the most popular methods capable of diminishing the appearance of stretch marks: tummy tuck surgery and microneedling.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
In many cases, stretch marks appear prominently on the lower abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a procedure designed to remove excess skin in this area, tighten and repair abdominal muscles, and redrape the remaining skin to create firmer results and a “flatter” contour. If the stretch marks are predominantly appearing in the area where skin will be excised, they can often be significantly reduced or even completely removed. During a consultation with Dr. Max Lehfeldt, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon can evaluate your concerns and determine whether a tummy tuck will be able to address any signs of stretch marks along with the many other potential benefits associated with that procedure.
SkinPen® Microneedling
Microneedling is an innovative non-surgical treatment that may also be an ideal solution for stretch marks in certain cases. This option can be utilized in a variety of body areas. Microneedling involves the application of a special device which creates extremely small punctures in the skin of the treatment area. This can help the skin repair itself from the inside out, stimulating collagen production and giving the skin a more even and healthier look. Microneedling has proven effective at minimizing signs of stretch marks without the need for extended recovery periods. Max Lehfeldt, MD and our team use the advanced SkinPen® microneedling technique for these procedures, and we have found that a series of at least three treatments typically produces the best results.
If you are concerned about the appearance of stretch marks in certain body areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation. We will be happy to meet with you to talk about your options and explore effective ways to rejuvenate your skin with long-term results.