Mar 4, 2009 11:54 am US/Central
New Treatments Helping Minimize Stretch Marks
NEW YORK (CBS News) ―
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With some precautions and interventions -- some topical and some by laser -- stretch marks can be minimized.
CBS
Roughly 80 percent of Americans have stretch marks.
They aren't dangerous, but they can be unsightly, and many people want to get rid of them -- especially with summer not far off.
Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist, visited The Early Show to talk about what we can do to prevent and treat stretch marks.
She says that, with some precautions and interventions -- some topical and some by laser -- stretch marks can be minimized. The treatments include creams and lotions -- some over-the-counter, some by prescription -- and, if those don't work, the laser procedures.
WHY DO WE GET STRETCH MARKS?
It's really scar tissue in the second layer of skin. It happens because of sudden weight gain, hormonal changes in teens or in pregnancy, and sometimes because of topical steroid use for things such as psoriasis and excema.
CAUSES
- Adolescent growth spurt
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Rapid muscle growth
- Topical steroids used to treat such conditions as exema and psorias
- Men can get them from muscle growth.
HOW CAN STRETCH MARKS BE PREVENTED?
- Avoid rapid weight gain
- Use topical steroids as directed
- Moisturize three times a day. Consider using Keri Renewal stretch mark cream, Retinol Complex (OTC), Belli elasticity (OTC), or a Middle Eastern root plant
- Try cocoa butter and shea butter, Gycoloic Acid, retinoids (can't use them when you're pregnant)
TREATMENT
- Moisturize three-to-four times a day when pregnant
- Use retinol or glycolic creams
- Laser
WHAT DO LASER TREATMENTS ENTAIL?
- Different types of lasers are used, depending on how old the stretch marks are
- Red stretch marks are newer and may respond better to creams and lotions. Once they turn white or silvery, you may want to try lasers.
PRICE
- $300 to $1,500, depending on how many treatments.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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