Stretch Marks!!

[Guest]

Hey debbz23, what an attitude! You rock! Wear the bikini and enjoy the beach... you're an inspiration to us all!

Shoo

[Rez]

Thanks for that fascinating article. I have experimented with LOTS of treatments over the years, and I firmly believe that needling (in conjunction with vit A) is by far the most effective IF done correctly.

I believe that all ablative therapies (including TCA peels) are very crude and could potentially do more harm than good. Similarly the fractional technologies, such as Fraxel and Active FX, are hyped and far too expensive, especially since multiple treatments are always required.

I do however disagree with the article that needling does not cause any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Perhaps the study only looked at skin types I-III, who are less likely to develop to PIH.

[S.A.D]

Hi Everyone,

Not sure how many of those I used to share my comments/ experiences with are still in this tread, but in any event, I disappeared for a while but I came back to this forum wondering if anyone has tried out the Xtrac Excimer Laser?

All of my stretch marks are white, through Purple Jen's routine the indentations/texture has improved dramatically, I can rub my hands on my stretch marks and barely feel them.

Now my problem is the white color of the stretch marks. Xtrac Excimer is FDA approved, and some of these pictures show promising (?) I am sure it all depends on skin types and what not, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to make my stretch marks "blend" in with my normal skin.

I came to a conclusion that nothing will get rid of my stretch marks, and i need to find a way to mask them the best possible way...

My last strand of hope is Xtrac, I sent an inquiry to this doctor that is very well known for this procedure, I might just go in for the appointment and get the ins and outs.

Yes I think you do need touch ups, but at this point, I just dont want to spend another extra time stressing now that the warm weather is approaching us.. Really it makes me sick in the stomach.

And for those who say " WHO CARES ABOUT STRETCH MARKS?" unless you have them as bad as some of us might ( I am talking all over my upper arms, hips, thighs, calves, breasts) you do not understand the depression/sadness it brings you.

Superficial? No is not about being superficial. Sometimes I just feel like a zebra... full of stripes, it disgusts me.. I get approached by so many guys who get decieved by a pretty face, and I can't even date properly or have an intimate relationship in fear that once he sees my stretch marks.... he will run away. Sure if he truly loves me he wouldn't.. but lets be realisitic.. even if you love someone, if you see that many stretch marks on one person, it does kinda scare you away.... a few here and there is no biggie, all over you... MAJOR selfesteem issues...

AHhhhhhhhh ok! I am done venting. Any feedback will be very much apprecited guys.

I will let you know how my appointment goes!

[sk 81]

Hey S.A.D, I know exactly as you feel, I also avoid intimate relationships for the same reasons, even though I'm not covered all over my body like you, but I have hundreds of them all over my hips, thighs and bottom since I was 13. I have some acne too, which makes it even worse...

I haven't heard of that laser you mentioned, but I'll do some research; I'm trying to save for a Deep/Total FX procedure. I may even have to travel in the US if i still can't find one in the UK!

[Guest]

Hi, does anyone know if retin-a helps new slightly depressed stretch marks and how? Has anyone here used retin-a on your stretch marks and what effect did it have? Did it help stretch marks that had little/no colour? Can it also help prevent new stretch marks because I keep getting new ones everyday

[Tracy212]

I found this while doing my usual search for new research on stretch marks. The article is not very specific on the actual laser/techniques used, but it was just posted a couple of weeks ago and is titled, "Local Doctor Says She Has Stretch Mark Solution".

http://www.nbc10.com/health/16268054/detail.html


Tracy

[marta]

retinoic acid which is acid form of vit A/ helps but you have to enhance its penetration by either brushing the stretch mark with for example a toothbrush before you apply the cream or use the dermaroller with 0,13mm length needles for better cream penetration and be aware that you will see results only after long term application -one year or so

[Guest]

Tracy,
Do you know where that Dr. is located?
Would you say your marks improved as much as the pictures on the site you told us about?

Shoo

[Guest]

testing

[Guest]

S.A.D. did you have fraxel done the first time it came out? Any results at all?

Tracy 121 I can't believe that the new fraxel hasn't improved your marks significantly. It makes me really depressed because it seemed like the only thing that sounded like it might remove them.

I am despairing with this whole stretchmark removal thing. i absolutely hate my skin and it tortures me to think of the amount of years I've been living like this. But I am not prepared nor do I have the time to spend hours on routines that show negligible results after hours of hard work, worry and expense.

I am SOO disillusioned.
May.

[tracy212]

Tracy,
Do you know where that Dr. is located?
Would you say your marks improved as much as the pictures on the site you told us about?

Shoo

I did a Google search on the doctor's name and it came up in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, in the United States. That's about a 2 hour drive from me. I'm going to take the article to my doctor in Annapolis when I go for my follow-up in June (which I need to schedule!) and see what she says. I may end up going to Pennsylvania at some point for a consultation. However, I won't do so until I'm sure I am not seeing futher results from the Active FX. I do remember my doctor saying the most results would occur at 6 months, but she also said continued results could occur as long as a year after the procedure. I do believe they are still progressing, but will never be totally gone from the Active FX procedure.

I would say my marks did not improve as much as the ones in the photo on that site. I would also say the ones on the site show more than a 50% improvement. I guess it's really a subjective percentage, though.

Tracy

[Guest]

S.A.D. did you have fraxel done the first time it came out? Any results at all?

Tracy 121 I can't believe that the new fraxel hasn't improved your marks significantly. It makes me really depressed because it seemed like the only thing that sounded like it might remove them.

I am despairing with this whole stretchmark removal thing. i absolutely hate my skin and it tortures me to think of the amount of years I've been living like this. But I am not prepared nor do I have the time to spend hours on routines that show negligible results after hours of hard work, worry and expense.

I am SOO disillusioned.
May.

I know how you feel but routines do not normally take hours, it takes me a few minutes to apply gylcolic acid, and a few minutes to do filing once or twice a week. Whilst it does not give an immediate fix, it does give a sense of purpose and it does remove the marks, though slowly over time. I really think that everyone needs to have some sort of routine, whether it be laser, rollers, acids. Doing nothing is the real killer, you just feel trapped by your marks. Feeling depressed and helpless is not the answer to this particular problem, you have to be proactive, no matter how hopeless it all feels. I feel a lot more in control of my skin now than I ever did by ignoring my marks.

--------------------------

To give a little update, my marks are continuing to improve/disappear, but I am not there yet. As I have said before age, and sheer number of marks probably contribute a lot. Arms have improved tons, upper legs too, lower legs and bottom seems to be the slowest areas. I do believe though, that if I stick to this routine I will eventually get rid of the majority of the marks, which is fine by me. I can live with a few stretch marks without it causing me undue concern.

J

[Guest]

Oh I forgot to add that I have been using GA (very very diluted) on my face most days, its taken months and months but it has virtually stopped me getting spots, which seemed to be getting worse as I got older, and the skin is spotfree, though still a bit blemished. I use copper peptides a couple of times per week on my face to help rebuilding the damaged skin. This definitely works for acne/spot problems, but like I said it does take a long time before you start to see results. I think it was at least 7 months with me and the copper peptides gave me the uglies at one point mainly because I was overusing them.

J

[Guest]

threads gettin very very quiet

no updates, new treatments etc any wants t share

[Guest]

The link Tracy posted to the Dr. who "stumbled" on to a stretchmark cure (or close to it) looks promising. Apparently the lasers she used are ones that are currently available around the country just maybe not used in conjunction with each other.

Do you know what lasers were used, Tracy?

And 500 dollars per session is reasonable if the results are typical as shown on the link.

cross your fingers!

Shoo