Stretch marks and cellulite

Stretch Marks

Why have they occurred?

Stretch marks form in the dermis, or middle layer, when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity. This is normally due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin. As the body grows, the connecting fibres in the dermis stretch to accommodate growth. If the growth is too fast the dermis will tear, allowing deeper layers of skin to show through.

Hormones can also contribute to the occurrence of stretch marks. Estrogen stimulates fibroblasts to release collagense which is an enzyme that breaks down collagen.  This weakens the collagen fibres and bulges underlying fat. If overweight, stretch marks may appear more frequently as estrogen is produced in the fatty tissue. During puberty young girls have higher levels of estrogen so have increased risk of stretch marks.

Striae Rubia are raised and red in colour and are usually newer so easier to treat.  Eventually the stretch mark with fade and flatten out and change to a silvery pale colour (Striae Albia) due to the fat beneath the skin becoming visible instead of the usual blood vessels.

Treatment: 

We can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks but do also caution that treatment is slow and is unlikely to result in 100% clearance.

Needling– works by replacing striae with new cells which are stimulated into creation by micro wounding caused by the needles.  The body’s natural healing processes will create new collagen and elastin which have been previously damaged and torn.  There is minimal risk of inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as with Laser so is preferred method when treating darker skins.  5-6 treatments one month apart is expected and full results will not be seen until a few months after last treatment as the skins healing process works. IPL at 640nm appears to also improve results.

Ph Revision –An alkaline paste is rubbed into the area and will literally dissolve the skin. This will generate a reknitting process to occur resulting in 50-70% improvement. After the treatment Enzyme Therapy is preformed to rebuild and strengthen the new tissue.  Treatments are generally monthly and number will depend on depth and size of stretch mark. Not suitable for darker skins. Clients will experience scabbing, redness and irritation for a few days after treatment.

Product- When rebuilding collagen and elastic it is essential to give the new proteins the food they need.  Vitamin C is works makes the difference between strong or weak collagen. We also highly recommend treating area with Retinol every night as it encourages regulated cellular proliferation as well as mildly exfoliating the area.

Cellulite

What is it?

Cellulite is trapped stored fatty tissue and fluid around the cells are also trapped due to decreased circulation. Fat cells are separated by fibrous collagen tissue called septa.  In men’s skin, septa is in a criss cross pattern that prevents underlying fat from bulging through and keeps skin taught and tight. In women the septa and fat cells lie vertical to the skin above.  As fat accumulates or as fibrous tissue becomes more rigid with age or sun damage , the fat cells bulge around the septa leading to visible lumps.  Fat cells also tend to be larger in women and estrogen causes them to accumulate around tummy, thighs and bum.

Why does it occur?

Influencing factors are hormonal. Oestrogen, insulin and thyroid hormones all lower the body’s ability to destroy fat cells.  Genetics are also a factor.  Lack of exercise, a diet high in fat, sugar, salt and carbs, smoking and poor circulation can also influence the occurrence of cellulite.

Treatment

Radio Frequency can be used to tighten the skin and increase collagen production.  RF heats the skin to over 40 degrees which stimulates new collagen, elastin and GAGS. It brings blood flow to the surface immediately plumping the skin for instant results and heat will also give instant tightness.  The long term effects though will take several weeks as the new collagen being formed in the dermis begins to remodel the skin. Circulation and lymphatic drainage is also improved.

Fat cavitation devices transmit low level ultrasonic waves that consist of compression-expansion impulse and travel at high speed cycles which cause micro bubbles to form.  They become frenzied and start to implode and collide which produce shock waves that then rupture cell walls of nearby fat cells, releasing the fatty liquid inside them.  Shortly after, the fatty liquid is absorbed by the blood stream and then processed by the kidneys, finally being sent to the bladder to be expelled from the body.  It may also eliminated through lymph glands.  To speed up and help the process we recommend a modified diet for 24 hours before and after each treatment and 20 mins of exercise to help the body use up the liquefied  fat first and not newly consumed fats or sugars.

Dry brushing treatment will also stimulate circulation and removal of toxins and fluids.

Products

As with Stretch mark recommendation a combination of vitamin C and retinol can also maximise skin collagen and thicken skin making dimples less visible.