subject: The Best Ways To Reduce Stretch Marks [print this page] Once you notice the presence of stretch marks, you are bound to be wondering what will be the best way to get rid of them. While some answers may work better based on the size and location, there are others that can be used under just about any situation. Since each person has a unique skin type, you will find that a trial and error period may occur before you actually find what works best for you. While this may seem like upsetting news, at least you can learn about the basic treatment types and their overall success rates.
Non-Surgical Methods
Today, there are many creams and massages to help keep your skin on the elastic side. If you are going to use any kind of ointment, you should make sure that it does not contain carcinogenic ingredients. Aside from petrochemicals, you should also be wary of ointments that make use of animal products. No matter whether the animals were raised on a farm, or are taken from the wild, there are bound to be a number of health endangering compounds found in the extracts. For example, commercial farm animals are routinely fed antibiotics which saturate tissue, while animals taken from the ocean may be contaminated with mercury and nuclear radiation.
Laser Treatments and Surgeries
Depending on the color of these marks, you are likely to find that laser based dermabrasion will offer the best treatment for stretch marks. In most cases, these treatments are less painful than chemical peels and needle based procedures. While they may also be more expensive, you can still look forward to a faster recovery time. At the very least, if you are having a hard time deciding between conventional and laser based dermabrasion, you will be well served by trying the latter first.
Experimental Procedures
If you are determined to avoid tummy tucks and other surgeries used for stretch mark removal, then you may be interested in enrolling for experimental therapies. Today, there are all kinds of creams as well as procedures that are in their final testing phase before receiving approval for large scale use. Aside from being able to use the most modern methods for stretch mark removal, you will also be able to save a good bit of money. In most cases the company testing any given stretch mark cures will not charge you for the medications used, and may also pay for any services that need to be performed as part of removing these marks.
Once you start studying treatments for stretch marks, you are bound to be dismayed by the lack of consensus about what actually works best. In fact, even when it comes to newer laser based treatments, you are bound to find as many failures as success stories. While your final decision about stretch mark treatment is ultimately yours, it is still important to discuss all your findings with your dermatologist. This includes any clinical trials that may have some appeal based on the technique or medication being tested for large scale use.
