Stretch Marks Removal

Stretch Marks Removal treatments are increasingly sought after in Singapore. As our bodies change through life events like pregnancy, puberty, or significant weight fluctuations, stretch marks can appear, impacting skin’s smoothness and overall aesthetics.

In response, many individuals—especially new mothers—are turning to treatments that can effectively minimise and eliminate these marks. The introduction of technologies such as lasers and injectables offers promising results without the need for invasive surgery. With these methods, patients in Singapore are finding successful solutions that restore the skin’s appearance with fewer risks and downtime, which makes stretch mark removal an appealing option for those looking to rejuvenate their skin confidently.

Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are a type of scarring on the skin that appears as long, narrow streaks, stripes, or lines. They develop when the skin is stretched quickly and significantly, causing the elastin and collagen in the skin to break. Multiple factors could lead to the manifestation of stretch marks. Whilst they do not pose any significant harm, many Singaporeans have shown determination in eliminating stretch marks due to aesthetic concerns.

During your consultation, our experts will determine the classification of stretch marks in your specific case. Different types of stretch marks require different treatment approaches- this is especially true with Asian skin tones where the manifestation of stretch marks may vary in appearance.

Stretch marks can be classified into two distinct stages based on their development and appearance. Classifying the stage of stretch marks is pertinent in ensuring the most effective treatment is introduced. Stages include;

• Striae Rubrae: also known as early-stage stretch marks. These stretch marks tend to be coloured (pink or red) when they initially form. During this phase, the marks are often slightly raised and can cause itchiness. Patients are advised to seek treatment at early stages as stretch marks are easily managed when they first occur.
• Striae Albae: aged stretch marks that develop when stretch marks fade to a lighter tone (typically white). Additionally, matured stretch marks tend to become slightly depressed beneath the skin's surface, reflecting the changes in texture and appearance over time. Whilst treatable, mature stretch marks tend to be more stubborn and require extensive intervention.

Additionally, the treatment approach can also vary depending on the colour of the stretch mark. The manifestation of different colours is mainly attributed to one’s skin tone. As such the treatment approach will differ depending on how melanated your stretch marks are;

• Striae nigrae: dark grey or black stretch marks that occur on darker complexion.
• Striae caerulea: dark blue or purplish stretch marks that occur on more tan complexions.

There are specific conditions or underlying health issues that may trigger the formation of stretch marks. Consideration of root causes of stretch marks is important to ensure safe and effective treatment is introduced without exacerbating or causing harm to one’s health, further reemphasizing the need to consult medical professionals when dealing with dermatological concerns;

• Striae gravidarum: occurs due to uterus enlargement in the abdominal cavity during pregnancy.
• Striae atrophicae: forms due to pathological conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome, long-term use of corticosteroid creams and lotions or after surgical procedures. Increased cortisol can also these types of stretch marks as it weakens elastin fibres in the skin.
• Adolescent striae: stretch marks occurring during puberty when the bodily changes occur quickly and significantly in a short period.
• Physiological striae: unlike the types of stretch marks above, these are marks that occur due to natural reasons such as rapid changes in weight and rapid muscle growth.

Stretch marks are a result of one or more factors that cause structural changes in the skin; particularly collagen and elastin tissue. Abrupt changes in the body – caused by hormonal changes, health conditions or natural factors, result in the rupturing of collagen and elastin. Stretch marks are essentially the aftermath of said changes. As the skin heals and recovers, these scars become visible subsequently presenting physical changes in texture and appearance.

• Topical treatments: these include creams, gels, and oils that are applied directly to the skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. Ingredients like retinoids (derived from vitamin A), hyaluronic acid, and tretinoin are frequently used in these products to promote skin regeneration and elasticity. Topical treatments' effectiveness tends to be slow and not necessarily permanent.
• Microneedling: microneedling involves using small needles to puncture the skin, which triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin. The formation of new tissue helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks as the skin becomes thicker and more elastic. Microneedling by itself, however, is a more traditional approach to resolving stretch marks and may not always prove to be effective.
• Microdermabrasion: this is a minimally invasive procedure that involves sanding down the top layer of skin with tiny crystals to stimulate new skin growth. Over time, this can help to fade stretch marks as the new skin forms.
• Chemical peels: this treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which helps to remove the outer layer and promote the growth of new, more elastic skin. This can gradually reduce the visibility of stretch marks.

Schedule a consultation with our doctors to determine which treatment module will best yield results for your specific concern. As we have established, the treatment approach will vary depending on the unique factors that have caused stretch marks.

For postpartum women, it’s important to choose a safe method, particularly if they are breastfeeding. Consulting a qualified expert is pertinent in providing personalized advice and safe treatment options.

Our goal is to help you achieve the skin you desire through safe, effective, and scientifically informed treatments. Speak to our doctors today to discuss how we can assist you in your postpartum recovery and skin care goals.

From the moment you step into our clinic for your stretch mark removal treatment, you can expect a journey tailored to achieving visible and satisfying results. Initially, you will undergo a personalised consultation with one of our experts. Here, we classify your stretch marks, assess the severity and discuss your desired outcomes. Based on this assessment, a customised treatment plan is crafted, utilising the most effective methods available in our clinic depending on what best suits your needs.

As you begin your treatment, you can expect to see gradual improvements. The appearance of your stretch marks will diminish over a series of sessions, with the skin becoming smoother and more uniform in tone. The texture and elasticity of your skin will also improve, as our treatments stimulate collagen and elastin production. While the extent of improvement varies depending on individual factors like the maturity and tone of the stretch marks, most of our clients experience significant enhancements in the treated areas. By the end of your treatment plan, you can anticipate not just reduced visibility of stretch marks but also boosted confidence in your skin's appearance.

How many treatment sessions are needed for stretch marks removal?

The number of sessions needed for stretch mark removal can vary significantly depending on the treatment method. Treatments such as the Secret RF often require around 3 to 6 sessions, to achieve noticeable results. Milder stretch marks may show improvement with daily applications of topical treatments over several months. Laser treatment usually necessitates 6 or more sessions, depending on the laser technology used and the severity of the stretch marks.

The exact number of sessions will be tailored to your specific needs and goals, and this will be determined during your initial consultation and re-evaluated as your treatment progresses. At Ozhean Zoey Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, we ensure that each treatment plan is personalised, providing you with the most effective and efficient path to reducing the appearance of your stretch marks.