Stratpharma – internationally regarded as the gold standard in wound healing and scar therapy – has just launched Stratamark, the first clinically proven topical medical device for stretch marks.
With its flagship scar therapy and wound healing gel-based products – Stratamed and Strataderm – Swiss company Stratpharma has earned the trust of Australia’s leading cosmetic medical practitioners.
Stratamed and Strataderm are already established as an essential part of post- procedure wound healing and scar management protocols. Whether it’s following a major cosmetic surgery such as breast augmentation, facial plastic surgery, post-laser therapy or a relatively minor procedure such as a skin cancer removal, wound healing and scar management is critical to patient satisfaction.
Stratamed is the first silicone gel-formula that can be used on open wounds and compromised skin surfaces. The advanced flexible film-forming wound dressing provides faster wound healing and starts the prevention of abnormal scars earlier than ever before.
Strataderm is for the prevention and treatment of both old and new hypertrophic scars and keloids, and is internationally recommended as the gold standard in non-invasive scar treatment. It can be used in monotherapy, as well as in combination with more invasive therapy.
Stratamark – for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks – is Stratpharma’s latest innovation, backed by clinical trials and registered with the TGA. This breakthrough product is the first clinically proven topical medical device for stretch marks.
DR JOSEPH RIZK
Sydney plastic and reconstructive surgeon www.drrizk.com.au
What are the main procedures that you perform?
My main procedures are breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction and liposuction. I also perform fat transfer to the face and breast.
How important is scar minimisation as part of your work?
Scar minimisation is crucial as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
I find good surgical technique and care minimise the occurrence of scars. For scar management, I recommend massage twice daily and also the use of silicone gel/sheets.
How long have you been recommending Stratamed and Strataderm?
I have been recommending Stratamed and Strataderm for two years, as well as other silicone products. I recommend the gel to all my patients as I prefer it to silicone sheets. Plus, I find patients are more compliant with applying a gel than the sheets.
What feedback have you received from your patients about Stratamed and Strataderm?
I have had positive feedback, and my patients find it simple and easy to use. Stratamed assists with faster wound healing, and Strataderm helps to prevent and treat abnormal scar formation.
DR SAMUEL SEIT
Cosmetic physician www.thesccc.com.au
Are stretch marks a concern for your patients?
While some people are very disturbed by them, others say it’s just part of life… so it does vary.
Some patients say their stretch marks have affected them for a number of years, often from puberty on their breasts and thighs. Now they may also have stretch marks on their tummy from pregnancy and they want to do something about it.
How do you treat stretch marks?
First, I explain to the patient that this is his or her skin’s response to sudden stretching and enlargement (especially during pregnancy, a growth spurt, weight gain/loss and use of steroids) and that there are topical and laser treatments available.
People may have tried different creams and moisturisers without visible effect. As my patients have previously had success using Stratamed for faster post-laser wound healing, and Strataderm for scar prevention and treatment, now that Stratamark is available, we recommend it to our patients.
I would also recommend microdermabrasion and Q-switch Nd:YAG laser to help with collagen remodelling and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stratamark is a welcome addition to laser therapy for stretch marks to enhance the overall result of treatment.
How do you recommend your patients use Stratamark?
We recommend they use Stratamark at home, once a day. It’s important that Stratamark stays in contact with the skin 24/7.
For my patients who are pregnant and ask how they can prevent stretch marks, I recommend they start using Stratamark daily in the second trimester of pregnancy when the body starts changing and showing a bit of baby tummy, because that’s when the skin really starts to stretch. They should then continue to use Stratamark during the rest of their pregnancy up until around three months post-delivery.
Why do you recommend Stratamark?
I’ve used Stratpharma’s silicone gel products – Stratamed and Strataderm – for a number of years now. Stratpharma has also developed XRT for post-radiotherapy burns and now they have Stratamark. I first came into contact with Stratamark about a year ago when it was a prototype.
When patients say they don’t want to invest a significant amount of money but want something that will help, Stratamark is ideal.
It keeps the skin hydrated and normalises the collagen synthesis cycle to help prevent the formation of stretch marks. It also reduces redness and discolouration and relieves itching and discomfort associated with stretch marks.
