TL;DR:
- Stretch Marks: Spindle-shaped skin lines caused by tearing deep skin layers; common on thighs, abdomen, buttocks, and breasts. Triggered by pregnancy, weight changes, or puberty.
- Stretch Mark Treatment:
- Creams: Require regular use, limited effectiveness.
- Laser Therapy: Stimulates collagen, reduces visibility, regains skin elasticity; takes 10–45 minutes under local anesthesia.
- Chemical Peels: Use glycolic/TCA acid to tighten skin, smooth texture, and even skin tone.
- Cellulite Formation: Caused by water/fat buildup under skin, leading to uneven texture; linked to inactivity, weight issues, and common in women.
- Cellulite Treatment:
- Firming Creams: Limited results.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Boosts circulation, removes toxins; 10–20 sessions recommended.
- Carboxytherapy: Injects CO₂ under skin, reduces fat, firms tissue; 5–10 treatments advised.
- Lifestyle Changes: Combating cellulite requires diet, exercise, and hydration alongside treatments.
Appearing stretch marks and cellulite are the bane of many ladies. Unsightly-looking skin often contributes to serious complexes and lack of acceptance of one's own body. Therefore, many women try various methods to get rid of stretch marks and cellulite. The most effective results come from aesthetic medicine treatments combined with a balanced diet in the case of cellulite and appropriate cosmetics in the case of stretch marks.
What exactly are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, contrary to popular belief, appear in both young and old people. In addition, lesions on the skin can occur in slim and overweight people. What exactly are they and how do they form? Stretch marks are spindle-shaped bands on the skin with a characteristic appearance in the form of transverse striations, which are formed by tearing the deep layers of the skin. Their appearance is compared to cracks. Typically, stretch marks are revealed on the thighs, abdomen, buttocks and breasts. Although they are not dangerous to health, they are the cause of many complexes – not only in women. Stretch marks on breasts – where do they come from and how to get rid of them? Most often, stretch marks on the skin appear after pregnancy or when obese people suddenly lose weight. In addition, stretch marks can appear in very young people, as early as adolescence. As a result of rapid growth and development, the skin can no longer keep up with collagen production and cracked fibers, or stretch marks, appear.
How to get rid of stretch marks?
Of course, the most popular method to get rid of stretch marks are the widely available stretch mark creams. However, they don't always produce the desired results, especially since they require regular application. Much more effective are aesthetic medicine treatments that reduce even deep stretch marks.
An example of such a procedure is laser removal of stretch marks. Using a laser beam not only reduces the visibility of stretch marks, but also stimulates the epidermis. The Fraxel laser beam is irradiated over the area of skin where the stretch marks have appeared. As a result, microholes are created on the skin, and the skin gets a signal to stimulate the production of collagen fibers. As a result, the skin regains its elasticity and natural color, and stretch marks become less visible. The procedure takes from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area of skin covered by stretch marks. It takes place under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain, pinching or burning caused by the laser.
Chemical peels in the fight against stretch marks
Chemical peeling helps improve the firmness of the skin and, above all, smooth it. It is especially recommended for deep stretch marks, as it further evens out skin tone. An active substance is applied to the skin affected by stretch marks, this may include glycolic acid or TCA acid. The decision on the active substance used is made by the doctor performing the procedure, based on the type of skin phototype and what results the patient wants to achieve. After the procedure is performed, the skin becomes visibly tightened and the color is evened out. As a result, stretch marks are no longer so visible.
How is cellulite formed?
Cellulite, commonly known as orange peel, is formed when too much water or fat accumulates under the skin. Excessive accumulation of water and toxins in the subcutaneous tissues causes an uneven distribution of lipids in the subcutaneous tissue creating just cellulite. In the case of excessive adipose tissue, excessive growth of fat cells occurs and characteristic lumps appear on the surface of the skin, which compress the vessels. Cellulite on thighs This type of cellulite usually appears in people with excessive weight and physical inactivity. A greater propensity for the appearance of cellulite regardless of type occurs in women, and is not always age-dependent. Cellulite, like stretch marks, also has no health consequences, but makes the skin look unsightly.
How to deal with cellulite?
Cellulite, both watery and fatty, is difficult to combat. You can use firming creams and reducing the appearance of cellulite, which are available in pharmacies and drugstores. However, they don't always produce the results you expect. On the other hand, by combining proven aesthetic medicine treatments with proper diet, physical activity, and hydration, you can get rid of it once and for all. Aqueous versus fatty cellulite – what's the difference?. Great effectiveness in the fight against cellulite is demonstrated by lymphatic drainage. This is a procedure whose main task is to stimulate circulation and remove toxins and unnecessary substances formed in the process of metabolism. It is carried out with a special device or as a manual massage. As a result, the skin affected by cellulite becomes tightened, and the lymphatic system effectively removes bacteria, toxins, and damaged cells excessively accumulated under the surface of the epidermis. As a result, the skin is smoother and, consequently, cellulite is reduced. The treatment is pleasant and not very painful and usually lasts about 45-60 minutes. A series of 10 to 20 treatments is recommended.
Carboxytherapy the way to cellulite
Carboxytherapy allows for effective skin firming. The treatment involves the application of carbon dioxide under the skin. The propagation of the gas in the tissues causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in more oxygenated, nourished cells. By injecting carbon dioxide under the surface of the skin, collagen production in the body is stimulated, and new blood vessels are formed. This makes the skin elastic and firm. What's more, the introduction of carbon dioxide under the skin causes fat cells to dissolve, thus reducing fat tissue. The skin becomes tighter, and the visibility of cellulite is effectively reduced. For full effects, a series of 5-10 carbon dioxide carboxytherapy treatments is recommended.
It should be borne in mind that in order to effectively get rid of cellulite, it is required not only to carry out the recommended number of series of treatments but also to change eating habits and introduce minimal physical activity, as well as to use combined therapy with, for example, body drainage. Otherwise, cellulite may reappear.
Conclusion
Stretch marks and cellulite are often challenging, but not impossible, to address. Aesthetic treatments like lasers, chemical peels, and carboxytherapy provide visible results when paired with healthy habits. While creams offer limited effectiveness, combining professional procedures with diet, hydration, and exercise can transform your skin. Whether targeting deep stretch marks or stubborn cellulite, lasting results require consistent effort and expert care. By understanding your options and committing to a proactive approach, you can take control of your skin’s health and appearance. Choose treatments wisely, stay committed, and embrace the chance for lasting confidence.
