A Dermatologist’s secret weapon: permanent removal of stretch marks

By Dermatologist, Hun Kim Thao, HCMC

Stretch marks are a common problem to postpartum women, teens after the onset of puberty, or anyone experiencing sudden weight gain. From a medical standpoint, Grace Skincare Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, is pleased to share the methodology to treat stretch marks that have proven most effective today.

So what are stretch marks? Commonly found on the abdomen, thigh, buttocks, breasts, arms, and knees, stretch marks are streaks or stripes on the skin that are either dark or light. Stretch marks may be slightly concave and have a different structure compared to normal skin. In general, stretch marks are difficult to treat solely by applying creams or conventional treatments.

Stretch marks from a medical perspective

When skin is stretched too much or grows too fast during a short period of time, stretch marks appear. Stretch marks are most often found in women during pregnancy, or in people who have experienced weight gain and waist size increases, during puberty in boys or girls, or obese children. Stretch marks are common to both men and women (females account for about 70% while men account for about 30%). Though stretch marks are not dangerous, they can disturb a women’s self-confidence and self-image due to aesthetics concerns, as they can easily draw attention and they are difficult to care for.

Stretch marks are formed by collagen and elastin fibers – two key ingredients making the skin elastic and firm who together constitute a platform to support skin cracks/breaks. Stretch mark phenomena occur which problem skin is outgrown by the growth rate of the surrounding skin area. Genetic factors may also be involved in stretch marks.

The ideal time to prevent and treat stretch marks

Stretch Marks: If stretch marks occur due to pregnancy or gym activity causing weight gain, women are advised to apply anti-stretch marks lotion or oils in the early months of pregnancy or their gym activities. They are also advised to exercise and moisturize the skin regularly.

Stretch marks treatment: To treat stretch marks, the ideal time is 2-3 months post-partum, but do not wait more than 6 months postpartum. During this time frame, the stretch marks are new and respond better to treatment, and the skin structure can improve if you follow your dermatologist’s instructions.

Ideal Method: Each person’s physique & pregnancy diet are different, so when you start a pregnancy, you should have a dermatology consultation along with regular monthly follow-ups. Stretch mark treatment in Ho Chi Minh City is available at Grace Skincare Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, Dr. Thao will advise you on cosmetic and natural products that are both suitable for your lifestyle, your skin condition, and, most importantly, safe for your baby. Additionally, Dr. Thao can advise you on how to regain beautiful skin after giving birth. These proactive measures will best allow you to protect your skin, avoid stretch marks, and avoid permanent damage to your skin.

Currently, Grace Skincare Clinic is offering an affordable maternity counseling package undertaken directly by a Dermatologist with an advanced degree in Dermatology (CK1), Dr. Hun Kim Thao, the best dermatologist in Ho Chi Minh City.

Stretch marks treatment

The ideal time to treat stretch marks is no more than 6 months postpartum, especially when they are still new. Stretch mark treatments in Ho Chi Minh City are performed at Grace Skincare Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Ho Chi Minh City. Stretch mark treatments include: anti-stretch marks and stretch mark removal creams, massage, a combination of both, or high-tech treatments as prescribed by a dermatologist. The most important aspect of treatment is the continuous nurturing and stimulation to the skin and the provision of nutrients, collagen, and elastin for the stretch mark areas. Being able to address these issues will allow stretch marks to gradually fade.

With older stretch marks, applying cream or doing massage does not have much impact. With these more stubborn and older stretch marks, Grace Skincare Clinic’s Dermatologist uses the derma roller, a natural treatment method to create micro-damage to the skin problem areas, without any harm to mother or baby. Derma-roller is now considered to be the most effective method in use today to encourage safe and natural healing… and the technique is US FDA approved. This treatment stimulates the subcutaneous cells to react and promotes the body’s self-healing mechanism.

Depending on the severity of the stretch marks and the condition of the mother when the derma roller is the preferred treatment solution, the doctor will select the appropriate rolling method and technique. The derma roller should only be used once per client and then disposed of. The derma roller has sterilized medical-grade stainless steel needles to impact the stretch area and to stimulate new collagen production from the tiny wounds. The Doctor carefully supplements these “microchannels” with platelet-rich plasma taken from patients’ blood (PRP) that further stimulates the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms. After each treatment, the clients will note that the treated skin will be inflamed for the first 48 hours, but it will heal very quickly after that. Treatment effectiveness depends on the customer’s age, stretch mark age, diet, and skincare routine client.

Stretch Marks: the Steps for Treatment at Grace Skincare Clinic

Step 1

• A dermatologist performs physical examination and evaluation of the stretch mark area
• Dermatologist interviews about the skincare habits and diet of the client
• A dermatologist will determine the most precise treatment assessment

Step 2:

• Clean stretch area
• Apply anesthetics for 30 minutes to numb the skin

Step 3:

• Anesthetic is cleaned with saline solution
• Skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution
• Trained Nurses prepare instruments

Step 4:

• A new, fully sterilized derma roller is opened from secure packaging
• A dermatologist performs technical and precise derma rolling
• Dermatologist adjust needle size and rolling pattern by best treatment practices for approximately 30-40 minutes

Step 5:

• After completing the roller portion of treatment, the Dermatologist will perform a series of injections of platelet-rich plasma in the target area so the body can absorb and stimulate the production of new healthy skin cells
• Client rest while our Dermatologist monitor skin’s condition

Step 6: Guidance on-at-home skincare habits

• Within 48 hours after treatment, patients will feel mild skin irritation and redness. During this time, the skin should be completely kept away from sunlight.
• The next 3 days are the skin’s recovery process:  it is normal to feel itchy due to the production of new skin and new cells.
• After 7 to 28 days you will start to notice the effectiveness of the treatment and improvement in the skin condition day by day. During this time, you should follow the doctor’s instructions.

Treatment effectiveness will be immediately visible when you follow the doctor’s instructions and take a timely re-examination.

Doctors note to all clients:  the use of a derma roller (or any micro-needling device) is considered a surgical procedure in all western and advanced countries. With their years of testing and experience, they have taught us that there are 3 key factors for all patients must consider:

• Quality of the rolling equipment:
  • Good quality is important, cheaper products can tear the skin
  • NEVER reuse a derma roller
• The expertise of medical specialist performing derma roller:
  • It is a surgical procedure, so the technique is VERY important
  • Should be an experienced dermatologist, specializing in skincare
• Safety Record of facility doing the procedure:
  • Sterilization procedure, cleanliness, and hygiene are critical.
  • Is this facility regulated by medical authorities for standard safety?
  • Where is stem cell from? Should be reliable.
  • Who performs the PRP procedure?

Remember that low prices will only mean that the facility offering low-cost services is sacrificing one of the key factors mentioned above and that can only place your skin, your health, and the best possible medical result at complete risk.

So, we would ask you to visit with the best dermatologist in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Hun Kim Thao at Grace Skincare Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, where all of these key factors in providing Derma Roller Treatment in Ho Chi Minh City are highly considered to focus on client safety and best possible clinical medical results.

Reviewed by Dr. Hun Kim Thao

Contact Us

Grace Skincare Clinic
An international cosmetic dermatology clinic in Vietnam using FDA and CE-approved medical devices and treatments.

Mayfair Suites, 102ABC Cong Quynh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Book your appointment: https://www.graceskinclinic.com/book-now
Tel: 0822-531-223
Hotline: 0961-796-809