Today, two of the most sought-after methods of eliminating stretch marks are laser treatment and abdominoplasty. If you're trying to choose between the two procedures, you should first compare them with each other for you to come up with a more informed decision.
What They Are For
Laser treatment is still new to stretch mark removal method and to cosmetic surgery. Some critics feel that there is a need to study laser treatment for stretch marks further before it can be considered a valid procedure for stretch mark elimination.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck has been around longer than laser treatment for stretch marks but it is not a procedure that is intended for stretch marks. People who want to get a tummy tuck simply want to get rid of a few extra stubborn fats on the tummy that do not respond well to dieting and exercise. The removal of stretch marks is simply an added bonus.
Before the Procedure
Compared to laser treatment, tummy tuck is a more risky procedure. Your surgeon may require you to undergo some extensive preparation. Your doctor will first spend some sessions with you discussing the procedure, risks and more importantly, assessing your validity as a candidate. You may also have to spend some time being medically counseled about your decision to undergo abdominoplasty.
Laser treatments are a less invasive procedure and may be performed by your dermatologist.
Who Are Candidates
For abdominoplasty, candidates should be close to their ideal weight and must only have a certain minimal fat to be removed. They should also be physically and emotionally stable and should have realistic expectations. Sometimes a tummy tuck may not be able to remove all the visible stretch marks. It is also understood that the procedure will leave you with a big external scar.
The best candidate for laser treatment for stretch marks is someone who has fresh stretch marks that are still colored pink or purple. Mature stretch marks may not respond to laser treatment for stretch marks. Some experts also say that there will still be visible streaks but will be less obvious.
Recovery
Those who have will undergo laser treatment for stretch marks will require very little time to recover. The procedure involves little pain and no external scars at all. Abdominiplasty on the other hand is a procedure that may require weeks of recuperation. You may also experience some swelling and pain on the treated area.
Side Effects and Risks
Laser treatments are believed to have little or no side effects. A little temporary reddening of the area may be the only thing you have to endure. In the hands of an incompetent practitioner, however, you might suffer from minor tissue injury.
Abdominoplasty stands to have more risks and side effects. Aside from the swelling and pain, you are also at risk of infections and irritations. A slip from your surgeon may also result in organ damage.
Cost
Laser treatment for stretch marks is considerably less expensive than abdominoplasty. Costs for laser treatment for stretch marks may range anywhere from $400-$1500 while abdominoplasty costs may range from $5,000-$9,000.
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