Inkless Stretchmark Revision

Stretch marks, the elusive blemishes etched onto our skin, have long been the source of frustration and self-consciousness for many. These sneaky streaks can appear out of nowhere, leaving people on a quest to regain their skin's flawless appearance. At LV Aesthetic, we know that stretchmarks can be a nuisance, and we are here to help! Whether your stretch marks are due to pregnancy, rapid weight changes, hormonal issues, or any other reason, our inkless stretchmark revision process can help. We use the latest techniques, precise pigment matching, and unparalleled attention to detail to help you regain your skin's appearance. We've dedicated ourselves to perfecting this technique and ensuring that you leave our studio feeling more confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Why Do We Get Stretchmarks?

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common skin condition that appears as long, narrow streaks or lines on the skin's surface. They can vary in color, often appearing as pink, reddish, purple, or silver-white, depending on the stage and individual skin tone. Stretch marks typically develop when the skin undergoes rapid stretching or changes in size or shape, which can be caused by several factors:

  • Pregnancy: As the belly expands during pregnancy, the skin may stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This stretching can result in the development of stretch marks on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and breasts.

  • Rapid Growth: One of the most common reasons for stretch marks is rapid growth during adolescence, pregnancy, or periods of significant weight gain. When the skin is stretched too quickly, the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) can become damaged, leading to the formation of stretch marks.

  • Weight Gain: Rapid weight gain, such as that associated with obesity or bodybuilding, can cause the skin to stretch beyond its normal capacity, leading to the formation of stretch marks.

  • Puberty: Adolescents often experience growth spurts during puberty, which can lead to the development of stretch marks, especially in areas like the thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

  • Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with puberty, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, can affect the skin's elasticity and make it more susceptible to stretch marks.

  • Corticosteroid Use: Prolonged use of topical or oral corticosteroid medications can weaken the skin's collagen fibers, making it more prone to stretching and the formation of stretch marks.

  • Genetic Factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing stretch marks if their family members have a history of them.

They're common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. Stretch marks aren't painful or harmful, but some people don't like the way they make their skin look.

Which Body Parts Can Develop Stretchmarks?

Stretch marks can occur on various body parts, but some areas are more prone to developing them due to factors like rapid stretching of the skin or hormonal changes. Common body parts where stretch marks often appear include:

ABDOMEN:

Stretch marks on the abdomen are frequently associated with pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and obesity.

HIPS:

The hips are another common area for stretch marks, especially in women during pregnancy and in individuals with weight fluctuations.

sHOULDERS:

Bodybuilders or individuals who engage in rapid muscle-building exercises may develop stretch marks on the shoulders and upper arms.

BREASTS:

Pregnancy and fluctuations in breast size, especially during puberty, can lead to stretch marks on the breasts.

BUTTOCKS:

Stretch marks can develop on the buttocks, especially during growth spurts, pregnancy, or significant weight changes.

UPPER ARMS:

Rapid muscle growth or weight gain can cause stretch marks to form on the upper arms.

tHIGHS:

Adolescents experiencing growth spurts or individuals with significant weight changes may develop stretch marks on the thighs.

LOWER BACK:

Weight gain and rapid growth can result in stretch marks appearing on the lower back.

CALVES:

In some cases, stretch marks may appear on the calves, particularly in people who experience rapid muscle growth or weight changes.

What Are The Different Types of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, also known as striae, can appear in various forms and colors depending on factors like skin type, the cause of stretch marks, and the stage of their development. Here are the different types of stretch marks based on their characteristics:

Striae Rubrae (Red Stretch Marks): These are newly formed stretch marks, typically appearing as pink, red, or purple lines on the skin. They are often raised or slightly inflamed in texture.

  • Striae Albae (White or Silver Stretch Marks): These are older stretch marks that have faded from their initial red or purple appearance. They tend to become more silvery or white over time, and their texture is smoother than that of red stretch marks. Striae albae are considered mature or "scarred" stretch marks.

  • Striae Atrophicae (Atrophic Stretch Marks): These are stretch marks that have a depressed or indented appearance. They are often associated with the loss of collagen and elastin in the affected arena and may have a wrinkled or crepe-like texture.

  • Striae Gravidarum (Pregnancy Stretch Marks): These are stretch marks that commonly occur during pregnancy due to rapid abdominal expansion, and typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs. Can be red or purple initially and fade to white or silver over time.

  • Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks Due to Rapid Growth): These stretch marks can occur during periods of rapid growth, such as adolescence or rapid weight gain. They may appear on various parts of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, and arms, and their color and texture can vary based on their stage.

  • Striae Traumatica (Stretch Marks from Trauma): These stretch marks can result from skin injuries or trauma, such as surgery, accidents, or excessive stretching. They may have a different appearance compared to stretch marks caused by other factors.

Stretchmark Removal Options

Many products and procedures promise to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, or even make them disappear completely. Most are only partially effective: 

  • Retinoid Creams: Some over-the-counter and prescription retinoid creams, like tretinoin, can help improve the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid-based creams and moisturizers can help hydrate the skin and make stretch marks appear less prominent.

  • Laser Therapy: Fractional laser treatments, such as fractional CO2 or fractional erbium laser, can stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and color of stretch marks. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.

  • Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion: These procedures involve exfoliating the top layer of skin, which can improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves extracting a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting it into the stretch mark areas. PRP can promote tissue regeneration and collagen production.

  • Chemical Peels: Mild chemical peels containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Microneedling for Stretch Mark Revision

At LV Aesthetic, we specialize in microneedling for stretch mark revision, as we have found it to be by far the most effective minimally invasive method. Microneedling involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates collagen production and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Our procedure is highly effective; clients love microneedling to lessen and even correct skin blemishes, wrinkles, scarring, and other skin damage. Microneedling works best on white deep textured stretch marks.

After the micro-injuries are created in the skin during microneedling, the body's natural healing process kicks in, leading to the production of collagen and elastin. Here's how microneedling works for stretch marks:

  • Inflammatory Response: The micro-injuries created by the microneedling device trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This is a crucial part of the healing process, as it initiates the release of growth factors and cytokines.

  • Collagen Formation: Collagen is the primary structural protein in the skin, and it plays a key role in maintaining skin strength and elasticity. As the body responds to the micro-injuries, it starts producing new collagen fibers in the treated area.

  • Elastin Production: Alongside collagen, elastin, another important protein responsible for skin elasticity, is also produced. This helps in improving the flexibility and suppleness of the skin.

  • Stretch Mark Improvement: The newly formed collagen and elastin work together to fill in the indented areas of the stretch marks, making them less noticeable. Over time, this leads to smoother, more even-textured skin.

Say So Long To Stubborn Stretchmarks with LV Aesthetic

Are you ready to get rid of stubborn stretch marks? Come see us at LV Aesthetic in Oakland to experience the transformative power of our inkless stretchmark reduction treatments. Say goodbye to those bothersome stretch marks and say hello to smoother, more radiant skin. Don't wait – book your consultation today and take the first step toward a more confident you!

At LV Aesthetic, we specialize in permanent makeup and skin rejuvenation treatments, helping Oakland feel stunningly confident and agelessly beautiful. We are all about enhancing your natural beauty. Whether you are looking for eyebrow microblading, microneedling, or our incredibly popular Jet Plasma treatment, you can count on us to leave you looking and feeling your best.