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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 Japan 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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Japan is special in its own way; the culture, food, people, as well as technology are envied by the world over. With old Japan, comes the ancient tradition in the form of a geisha performance, onsen (hot spring) visit in the mountains, tea ceremony, or shrine visit. In contrast, there is modern Japan, full of smart systems and electronics, colorful advertisements and displays, and ultra-modern architecture. In recent years, Japan has become one of the top destinations in the world for oncology treatments and sees many tens of thousands of medical tourists each year. Many of these travel from within the region, including China and Korea, but they are unable to compete with the SE Asian nations with prices. Private hospitals are located across the country, with a particular focus in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. 25 of these facilities are JCI-accredited, with many offering Stretch Marks Removal procedures.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Japan is a stratovolcano archipelago. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. With a population of 127 million, 98% are ethnic Japanese. The country perfectly balances traditional with modern technology. Tourists will first see its exceptionally modern face, but after traveling around, they will find many opportunities to connect with the beautiful traditional culture.
Japan has four distinct seasons.
The main airport for international tourists is the Narita International Airport. It is located around 60km east of central Tokyo. It serves both domestic and international flights to almost every major city around the globe. There are several budget airlines that operate flights from this airport, namely Jetstar Japan, Eastar Jet, and Peach. There are other international airports such as Kansai International Airport, New Chitose International Airport, and Kyushu Saga International Airport.
To get to Tokyo from Narita Airport, tourists can use the rail, bus, taxi, or car rental. The most affordable train line is the Keisei Line that connects with the Toei Asakusa Subway Line and the Yamanote Line, it costs around ¥1,190 to ¥1,230 ($10 to $11.3). There’s also the Sky Access Express train that offers better access to Tokyo, a trip to Asakusa will cost around ¥1,290 ($11.9) and take about 58 minutes. The quickest way to get to Tokyo will be by the Skyliner train, it takes just 36 minutes to Nippori and will cost around ¥2,470 ($22.7). The airport introduced N’EX Tokyo Round-Trip ticket for foreign passport holders that provides round-trip travel from Narita to Tokyo and back for ¥4,000 ($37) for adults and ¥2,000 ($18.4) for children.
A regular taxi from Narita to Tokyo is very expensive, usually over ¥20,000 ($184). The best option is the shared minibus that starts with ¥6,180 ($57) per person. Buses are usually more affordable, the Limousine Bus costs ¥2,880 ($26.5) and the Tokyo Shuttle costs around ¥900 ($8) to ¥1,000 ($9).
Getting around Japan is fairly easy because the country has excellent public transportation. It is recommended to get a Japan Rail Pass. Japan’s bullet train is fast but expensive. There are cheaper train options. Buses are less expensive but will take more time than trains.
Citizens of 68 countries and territories can enter and stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand are granted a 15-day visa-free trip to Japan. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates are allowed to stay for 30 days without a visa. It is advisable to contact the nearest Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan for more information.