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Stretch marks are colored lines or bands that usually appear on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. It develops when your skin shrinks or stretches quickly, such as after a rapid weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or rapid muscle growth after weight training. They are essentially tears on the skin. However, they are not an indication of a health issue and do not require medical treatment. If you do not like the appearance of stretch marks on your skin, you can undergo some procedures to make it less noticeable.
There are several procedures available. These include:
Microdermabrasion
Micro-needling
Laser therapy
Cosmetic surgery.
Your doctor may recommend you undergo more than one procedure to get the best results.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to renew skin tone and texture. During the procedure, a special applicator is used to spray on tiny exfoliating crystals onto the affected area. These crystals are then gently removed using a wand-like device. While the crystals are removed, they take dead skin from the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) with them. This procedure is most effective for white stretch marks.
Micro-needling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, targets the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) where stretchmark form. This procedure triggers collagen production by poking tiny needles into your skin. Increased collagen production can make your skin tone and texture more even, reducing stretch marks. Your doctor will move the tiny needles evenly across your skin to ensure that the new skin will be even as well.
Laser therapy
With laser therapy, lasers are applied directly into your skin. They penetrate your skin and triggers regeneration, stimulating the tissues in your stretch marks to heal faster. Laser therapy also stimulates melanin production on the area of your stretch mark and activates pigment cells. As a result, your stretch marks will blend in with your normal skin tone.
Cosmetic surgery
Certain cosmetic surgeries, such as thigh lift, tummy tuck, and other similar procedures, remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin. While these procedures are not actually designed to remove stretch marks, the removal of excess skin from the body can lead to the loss of the stretch marks. If the procedure does not involve removing excess skin, then cosmetic surgery may not be an option. So make sure to discuss it with your surgeon first.
After microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and laser therapy, you should expect to stay in Guatemala for 2 to 3 days. In some cases, your doctor may even allow you to leave the country on the same day. For cosmetic surgery, it is advisable that you stay for about 7 days to let your body recover and to attend follow-up checkups.
The recovery time varies, depending on the type of procedure you undergo. Microdermabrasion requires little to no downtime and you can go back to your daily activities immediately. With micro-needling and laser therapy, it may take around 2 to 5 days until you can resume your normal routine. After cosmetic surgery, you generally need to wait for 2 to 3 weeks until you can go back to work, but strenuous activities should be avoided for around 6 to 8 weeks.
The aftercare will be different for each procedure. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions that you need to follow. It is important that you follow everything to avoid complications and to get the best results. Here are some general things you should do:
After microdermabrasion, keep your skin hydrated and protect your skin with sunscreen.
After micro-needling, make sure to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen when you have to go outside and do not put ice on your face.
After laser therapy, you should clean the area regularly with water, use ice packs to reduce swelling, apply ointments (such as petroleum jelly), and avoid picking any scabs.
After cosmetic surgery, eat a healthy diet and stay away from alcohol. You may also need to do some light exercises to keep your blood flowing.
Your doctor may prescribe topical and/or oral medications following your stretch mark removal. Make sure to take/apply them as prescribed.
Stretch mark removal procedures are safe and effective. Micro-needling has been found to be very effective for darker skin. Microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and laser therapy, you may need more than one treatment session to get your desired results. Also, you need to remember that these treatments will only fade your stretch marks, not removing them completely.
There are some side effects and risks that these procedures carry, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, bruising, peeling, and infection.
If your stretch marks are less than a few months old, you may use retinoid cream as an alternative to the procedures mentioned above. Retinoid cream that you apply to your skin can help make your stretch marks look more like your normal skin.
Before stretch mark removal, you have stretch marks in your body that bother you or make you feel unconfident. After the procedure, these stretch marks should be less noticeable. This can be a huge confidence boost for a lot of people.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Guatemala is a country in Central America and its territory was once the core of the Maya Civilization. There are numerous historical sites to explore in this country, from Tikal National Park where visitors can learn more about the Maya to the colonial city of Antigua, which is one of the many footprints the Spanish left behind. However, there are other charms as well, such as the many amazing volcanoes, lakes, jungles, and inexpensive food markets. Besides its natural beauty and ancient ruins, Guatemala is also popular among international tourists for its medical tourism. Foreign patients who are looking for a more cost-effective solution for their medical requirements choose Guatemala because the country offers the finest quality healthcare at reasonable rates. On average, medical procedures in this country are 50 to 75% less expensive than in the US. Furthermore, the standard and quality of the hospitals and clinics in this country are on par with those in the USA.
The most popular city in Guatemala is Antigua, which was the capital of Guatemala. Located in the central highlands of the country, between three volcanoes, this city is mainly known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. From its churches, houses, ruins, parks, to its cobbled streets, the city will never cease to captivate visitors. Visit the Plaza Mayor (central square) to admire its awesome palaces, cathedral, and gardens. While most travelers used to skip Guatemala City, the capital of the country, more and more travelers are coming to the city as it reinvents itself as a safe and interesting destination to visit. Another popular city is Panajachel, which is the gateway to the striking Lago de Atitlán.
The primary airport in Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport, which operates international flights to and from several cities in North and Central America, such as Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, and San Salvador. Low-cost airlines, including JetBlue and Volaris, serve flights from this airport. The most common way to travel around the country is by pull man (first-class buses+, rental cars, and “chicken bus” (second-class buses). To travel inside cities and towns, taxis and three-wheeled Thai tuk-tuks are widely available.
Holders of passports of 86 countries, including all EU countries, the US, and the UK, are allowed to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. Other nationals, including China and Nepal, need to apply for a visa to be able to visit the country.
Guatemala has two seasons. The rainy season stretches from May through October, with the majority of rain falling between September and October. The dry season extends from November to April, characterized by clear, blue skies. Note that coastal areas can be very humid.