Condition > Stretch Marks

Remove Stretch Marks Effectively

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This abrupt change is usually caused by the ruptured of collagen and elastin, which helps to support our skin. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Hormones and genetic can also affect individual to develop these narrow bands on their skin. Other factors also include:

  • Growth spurts that happen in puberty
  • During Pregnancy
  • Rapid weight loss or gain
  • Rapid muscle growth during weight training

Stretch marks come in different colours such as red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin colour. Early stretch marks may appear as thin red or purple on your skin, it may feel slightly raised and can feel itchy, so the effective way to remove them is to go for an early treatment. When stretch marks began to mature, the colour starts to fade and the narrow bands began to sink beneath your skin. You can feel the different texture compared to the surrounding skin layer. Often times, you may also feel a slight depression.

woman using magnifying glass to show stretch marks

What are Your Stretch Mark Removal Treatment Options in Singapore?

It is impossible to completely remove stretch marks naturally. However, there are some methods that can help to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and make them fade more quickly.

1. Over-The-Counter Creams

2. Aloe Vera

3. Hyaluronic Acid

4. Coconut Oil, Almond Oil

Other methods we can consider to reduce the appearance of stretch marks are topical creams, medical lasers and other medical devices.

Topical Creams 

Retinoids known as Vitamin A contains retinol formation such as tretinoin that is shown to help increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers which can help to reduce the overall appearance of stretch marks.

Other formulations such as glycolic acid in a combination of ascorbic acid which is Vitamin C is known to also help with reducing the appearance of stretch marks. However, as some of these topical creams may cause side effects, there has to be prescribed by your physician.

Medical Lasers 

One of the treatments we use is the fractional Erbium Yag laser. This laser energy is able to deliver gently and generate heat underneath the skin without injuring the skin. It starts the process of using the controlled thermal injury to the deeper layers of the skin. It then stimulates production by initiating skin remodeling and skin tightening. One of the reasons why we prefer to use Erbium Yag laser as compared to CO2 lasers is because it produces less downtime and has lower risk of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Patient should expect to have minimal downtime over the treated area - redness, swelling and flaking over the next few days. stretch mark removal singapor

For immature stretch marks, we use yellow lasers or the long pulsed Nd Yag laser to reduce the appearance of red and purplish stretch marks. This treatment can help to reduce the blood vessels as well as the itch associated with the stretch marks.

Radio Frequency Devices

We approach stretch marks like how we approach scarring. We use small needles to gently puncture your skin and deliver heat energy to the skin without hurting the skin. As the skin heals, the body will began to stimulate collagen production by initiating skin remodeling and skin tightening in the affected area. We have two ablative radiofrequency devices; Puro and Intensif.

The Puro RF treatment stimulates collagen and elastic fiber production by running through an electric current on the affected area. This thermal energy reduces the laxity in the skin by inducing neocollagensis. While Intensif treatment uses an RF micro needling method to emit RF energy through the insulated needles. As the needles are longer, it reaches to the deeper. layer of the skin. Both treatment is suitable for treating stretch marks.

A detailed consultation is required to provide a suitable treatment plan for your stretch mark concerns.

Stretch Mark Removal in Ensoul Medical Clinic in Singapore

We have a wide repertoire of lasers and energy devices that we customize to treat stretch marks. As everyone’s skin is different, our doctor will require a detailed assessment in order to determine suitable treatment for you. Treatments such as medical lasers, radiofrequency to laser thermolysis can be standalone or in combination depending on the severity of the stretch marks.

As stretch marks occur when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching, thus when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (where the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in the skin) is disrupted. In order to treat the stretch marks, we will need to restructure the damaged tissue. The treatments we use are painless and comfortable, it can help to boost cellular metabolism, regenerate cells and improve tone and elasticity of the skin and overall lighten the appearance of the stretch marks. The number of sessions required will be determined according to the condition of your skin.