Unsightly stretch marks
Stretch marks occur when the tissue underneath the skin is pulled as a result of rapid growth. It is not just after pregnancy that people have stretch marks. Any dramatic change in the body’s size can cause them such as obesity or body-building.

When over-stretching of the skin occurs the production of collagen, the protein that makes up the connective tissue, is disrupted and the marks form. Stretch marks are usually indented and have a very different texture from the neighbouring skin.

Types of stretch mark removal
For many people traditional stretch mark creams and lotions are ineffective. One solution to is to try cosmetic lasers that stimulate the growth of new collagen and fill out the stretch mark. During the process the energy from the laser is absorbed in the lower layer of the skin and it is stimulated to produce and thicken new collagen, filling in the mark.

Stretch mark improvement after laser treatment depends a great deal on age, general health and skin type. Younger patients, for example, with thin, pink marks see the greatest level of improvement, while stretch marks associated with weight gain are least responsive.

The lasers most often used to treat stretch marks are those also used to tackle vascular issues. Although the marks are responsive to these lasers it often takes repeat treatments to see a great level of improvement.

Another method is microdermabrasion which involves sand being polished across the skin area of the patient. After several treatments the level of irritation stimulates the formation of new collagen that fills the marks.

Darker skin toned patients should discuss any potential risk of discolouration with their surgeon and which procedure is most appropriate for them.

Realistic expectations
You must have realistic expectations about what stretch mark removal can achieve for you. It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from surgery and talk about your hopes with your surgeon.

It is also unrealistic to believe that all the marks will be completely removed as a result of a specific treatment. Every person is different and each mark is individual. The success of a treatment may be linked to factors such as age and general health. Your surgeon will be able to discuss how these will impact on your treatment.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will discuss your medical history and aim to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve. It is important that you are completely honest and your expectations are realistic.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of surgery it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so make sure you ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed and confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

• About the surgeon’s qualifications.
• How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.
• How you prepare for the treatment.
• What realistic results can be expected and when.
• How long the results will last.
• About the side-effects and possible complications.
• How long it will take to recover.
• About the extent of scarring and how it will change in time.
• What happens if anything goes wrong.

All procedures carry an element of risk
Before you sign the surgery consent form you should be aware of any possible complications and side effects. These depend greatly on individual circumstances such a person’s health, age and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.