Unless you’re extremely lucky, most women who have been through a pregnancy will experience some degree of stretch marks. So just what are these, why do they happen to good people, and how do you make them go away?

There are really no simple answers short of extensive cosmetic surgery; however, microdermabrasion may be able to help rejuvenate and smooth out your skin, leaving it looking healthier and more even. Here are some of the answers to your pressing questions about such scars and potential treatments.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are actually scars that are caused by the stretching and tearing of the inner layer of skin called the dermis. They most commonly develop after the skin has been traumatized and there is no support to hold the collagen together. This can happen during pregnancy, most commonly on the stomach, where rapid weight gain causes the skin to extend beyond its limits, damaging its elasticity. It also commonly occurs during puberty when the body goes through growth spurts and the skin has to expand to accommodate, or other periods of weight gain or muscle growth. Both young and old people can acquire such marks.

What do they look like and how to remove them?

Stretch marks look like streaky red or white-silvery lines, often clustered in groups in a specific area such as the hips, thighs, or stomach. They can vary in intensity and visibility by individual and skin tone.

The only proven and the most effective way to permanently remove the body of stretch marks is through excision, which is never done on the scars alone, but is rather the result of another surgery such as a tummy tuck or an arm lift. During these cosmetic procedures excess skin, which is usually the sagging excess that developed these marks, is cut away and the remaining is sewn tightly back into place, leaving the area virtually free from these lines.

However, for those looking to address them without seeking another form of surgery, there are some treatments that may help reduce the appearance. While opinions on this vary by individual and doctors, many people have found that it improves the overall appearance of the skin.

What is microdermabrasion?

This is a form of skin treatment that helps exfoliate the topmost layers of skin to reveal the healthy, unblemished skin cells that lie beneath, leaving you more refreshed and youthful. During the procedure, an aesthetician uses a wand with a rotating disc attached to it. The disc is made of gritty material, similar to the texture of a sandpaper, that helps gently scrub away the superficial layers of skin. The process involves minimal discomfort and can be used on many different skin types.

How can microdermabrasion help remove post-pregnancy stretch marks?

Many women are interested in this non-invasive and safe procedure to help reduce the appearance of post-pregnancy stretch marks. While microdermabrasion cannot completely eliminate stretch marks, some find that it greatly lessens their appearance, making them not as noticeable. Repeat visits may enable the ability to reach the deeper layers of skin and help eliminate the blemishes that lie within.

You’ve definitely heard of the tummy tuck, or “abdominoplasty” as it’s technically called. This is a simple plastic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and tissue from the ultimate trouble spot-the belly. The popularity of the tummy tuck is growing among retirement age folks, and the reasons are simple.

- You’ve got a lifetime of belly built up and you could do without it.

- For many folks, retirement is a time to start a new health routine, and this is also an excellent time for a tummy tuck.

- You’ve always wanted to lose the belly, and now you’ve got the time and money.

If you’re nearing retirement, now is the time for an abdominoplasty. You can enjoy your retirement with the slim belly you’ve been wanting for so many years.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

As far as plastic surgery procedures go, the tummy tuck is fairly simple. The doctor puts you under light anesthesia and makes small incisions around the belly. Next, they remove excess fat and tissue from your gut, and rearrange the tissue underneath to give you a firmer and more toned stomach. Finally, they sow you up and you’re ready to start recovering.

The reason abdominoplasty is so effective is that it doesn’t simply remove fat. It gets rid of skin and other tissue as well. This is why it’s ideal for older folks. One of the problems with your stomach area as you get older is that it sags. All that skin and tissue builds up over the years and sits there. Abdominoplasty is the only way to get rid of this pesky abdominal fat.

Recovering From Your Tummy Tuck

Every year, plastic surgery procedures get more and more refined. Plastic surgery has never been safer than it is today. Abdominoplasty is considered a minor surgery, but you should expect to spend some time recovering. It takes older folks a bit longer to get fully recovered from operations, so you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of rest.

For retirement-age patients, it is especially important to keep the body hydrated. If your scar tissue dries out too much, it may interfere with the natural healing process. This is the biggest risk for retirees, so talk to your doctor about it. They will tell you everything you need to know about recovering the right way.

Abdominoplasty and other plastic surgery procedures are becoming increasingly popular for older people, and because of this, plastic surgeons take extra cautions. During your consultation, you will be asked about your medical history and any conditions you currently suffer from. This will give the doctor a good idea of how to best perform the surgery, as well as ways to make the recovery as easy as possible.

There’s never been a better time to get rid of that saggy belly fat. As plastic surgery options become cheaper, easier and safer, more and more older folks are getting that work they’ve always wanted done. If you’d like to get rid of that gut, get a free consultation with a plastic surgeon. You can be on your way to a flat belly that you can enjoy during your golden years!

“I wouldn’t even THINK of getting a tummy tuck,” you might say. “Tummy tuck? That’s for the ladies, bud!” Follow that by smashing your beer can on your forehead and belching, and you’ve made your point… but take a look at your belt, bud. Where is it? If you’re having trouble finding it, you might want to reconsider your choices.

Now, before you open a Can of Fisticuffs on me, ruminate on this-the tummy tuck has become a major plastic surgery for men. The phrase “tummy tuck” is a little cutesy and girly, so let’s call it by its real name, “Abdominoplasty.” Abdominoplasty is becoming the biggest thing for middle-aged men since Harley Davidson.

Let’s sit down and have a chat, and this round’s on me. Let me introduce you to the manly world of the abdominoplasty.

When Your Belly Is Creeping Down Over The Belt, There’s Only One Answer

There is only one answer… don’t worry, you don’t have to give up beer or chicken fingers. Abdominoplasty is a great option for guys because we can’t help the gut from doing its thing once we get past a certain age. Sure, in college you can slam beers, eat triple cheeseburgers and spend weeks in front of the Play Station. But, once you hit 30, it starts sneaking up on you like a bad dream.

Abdominoplasty simply tightens the skin and tissue around your belly. It’s not a stainless steel tube that sucks out the fat, and it’s not some kind of torture device. The doctor makes small incisions, gets in there, and tightens here and tightens there; then they sew you back up and you suddenly have a flat, shapely stomach.

You could even do some sit-ups and get a six pack where you’re beer gut used to be! Is that going too far? Okay, sorry. Back to the topic at hand…

This is why abdominoplasty is perfect for guys who would never think of going to a plastic surgeon. It tackles the exact problem we all suffer from when we start to get a little older.

Life after The Tummy Tuck

After your abdominoplasty, you’ll feel like a new man. Whip your shirt off at the beach and have the ladies say, “How old are you again!?” Get no more jokes from the wife or girlfriend, when she patronizingly pats your pot belly and says, “No, really, it’s CUTE.” Best of all, you can strut out of that shower and look in the mirror proudly, instead of slinking past it and going for the nearest towel.

Even though the tummy tuck is not a huge operation, there is still surgery involved. There are risks and you should know all about it before you get the operation. Still, abdominoplasty is one of the easiest surgeries out there, so you will recover in no time if you follow doctors’ orders. Abdominoplasty isn’t just for the ladies; these days it’s a guy thing. Don’t miss out on what could mean a flatter, more-toned stomach and a more confident you.