True Story: How I made my stretch marks disappear in 15 minutes
Confession time: I’ve been plagued by stretch marks on my butt and thighs for years and years. Though they don't usually bother me, I get conscious about wearing swimsuits and opt for styles that feature shorts and skirts. I was resigned to hiding them forever until I heard about Strip Manila's newest offering: a laser procedure called Strip White.
Strip White Laser Therapy is an innovative treatment that addresses fine lines, dehydrated or dull skin, uneven skin tone, acne scars, active acne, and even fine and ingrown hair. It uses Q-Switched Nd:Yag Wavelengths and features Photoacoustic technology, a potent wavelength of light absorbed by pigmented lesions. Basically, the light shatters the pigment and breaks the melanin into micro-particles, so the target skin area looks lighter and more even-toned.
The machine also offers three main benefits. Revitalization improves vascular activity in the area and stimulates the production of collagen. It effectively whitens by suppressing melanin formation, and it offers an anti-aging effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores.
Technicians wear gloves and treatment beds are lined with disposable pads to ensure a hygienic experience.
Aside from the face, Strip White can be used on practically any body part! It can be safely done on pigmentation-prone areas such as underarms, elbows, kneecaps, buttocks, necks, stomachs, bikini lines, thighs, and even the stomach. I was told that there is no downtime and that discomfort would be minimal, so there's no need to apply topical anaesthesia. Intrigued, I chose to have my butt cheeks done, where my stretch marks are most obvious.
I had to lie on my stomach for the entire procedure. I was given safety goggles and then the therapist started by cleansing the area to be treated. She then proceeded to pass the laser over my butt cheeks. As promised, discomfort was indeed minimal. It felt like I was being flicked repeatedly with a rubber band; nothing too bad! Our managing editor Den accompanied me during the treatment to document the process. Within minutes of the session, she suddenly exclaimed, “Wow, it’s like your stretch marks are being erased before my eyes!” She couldn’t believe that the result would be so immediate!
It's too bad we weren't allowed to video the process since the laser can ruin cameras but we managed to get some quick shots. After being treated with the laser, Strip's signature anti-inflammatory ointment called "Ice Cream" was applied to soothe and protect the area. The entire procedure only took about fifteen minutes! It’s expected that the treated area can turn gray or white for a few minutes. There can also be redness or a discomfort similar to a mild sunburn but only for a day or two. As for me, I didn’t experience any of that.
Here is a picture of my stretch marks before and after doing Strip White. They are at least a decade old, so they are white and not very textured. After the session, Den showed me the shots she took and I was also surprised that I couldn’t see them anymore (the stretch marks at the side are part of my thighs already and were left untreated). I admit that I was initially skeptical, but these pictures speak for themselves. If one session can do this, I wonder what several can do!
This photo clearly shows the difference between the treated area (left) and the untreated area (right). The laser was only applied on my butt cheeks and not my thighs.
Strip recommends 4 to 6 sessions with three to five week intervals to completely remove all markings. This procedure is currently limited to the SM Megamall branch, but will soon be available at all their store locations. And since Strip would like you to have a cheeky summer, they have a promo of 50% off your first time trial of Strip White for the buttocks! Perfect for those looking forward to hit the beach this summer!
Strip Manila is located at the 5th Level of Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong. Book your session by contacting (02) 5314083, (0917) 8477751, or the Strip Hotline at (0917) 8978747. Check out their Facebook page for more info on their services.
