Stretch marks are a form of an atrophic scar, which results from the intense stretching of the skin and is an aesthetic problem that tends to affect mainly women.
Their formation is most commonly due to a rapid increase in height during puberty, rapid weight gain and the use of corticosteroid medication, pregnancy (as the uterus increases in size, especially during the third trimester).
The quality of the skin (genetics) and sex (in men they develop to a much lesser extent), play a major role. However, their degree and extent vary.
To understand the mechanism that contributes to their creation, we need to know that the skin is made from two types of fibers: collagen and elastic tissue; they are organized in a way that is very reminiscent of the fabric structure. If a fabric is stretched abruptly, the fibers of the fabric will be separated from one another in some places and will form gaps, without, however, the fabric being torn.
This is exactly the case with stretch marks. The fibers of collagen and elastin in the dermis separate, forming streaks on the surface of the skin. At first, they have a reddish-purple color and they gradually fade over time, resulting in a lighter tone than that of the surrounding skin. Stretch marks are permanent; they have a glossy appearance, but when you touch them, your skin feels thin and wrinkly.
To treat them, the density of collagen fibers must be increased at the areas where stretch marks are formed. Thus, we aim to achieve stimulation of fibroblasts, i.e. the cells responsible for the production of collagen.
The modern treatment of stretch marks is achieved by using a combination of microneedling and RF energy with the Infini device. The energy is sent through micro needles to multiple deeper layers, through special handpieces with sensors and with the help of a specialized scanner. During the treatment, we constantly modify individual parameters, depending on the size of the problem and the skin quality of the treatment areas.
Infini is the only laser device that uses Flow Needling Technology, resulting in only 20% of the top layers of the skin being injured, while the remaining 80% remains intact.
The use of a local anesthetic cream is recommended so as to eliminate any discomfort during the treatment. After the treatment, a mild irritation that may occur usually subsides in the next 12-24 hours.
The number of treatments varies and depends on the nature of the problem, evaluating individual parameters such as the age of the patient as well as when and how stretch marks were formed, etc.
Infini stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and regenerates the skin. The result is excellent, both in the treatment of early stretch marks (red) and already mature ones (white stretch marks).