Stretch Mark Treatment
For many clients, the presence of stretch marks is bothersome and extremely frustrating as these tend to be resistant to many over-the-counter-topical creams, lotions, oils, and gels that promise effective results. While these streaks or colored lines on the skin are nothing to worry about and do not indicate a medical condition, they can be a source of considerable embarrassment and affect your level of self-confidence. At Regenesis, we offer both Fractional laser and microneedling skin treatments which are equally effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks in little to no downtime. While laser treatments will not completely eliminate stretch marks, it can cause them to fade considerably.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are scars that form as a result of physical growth and weight gain. Stretch marks, also known as striae, form when skin enlarges or shrinks rapidly such as during puberty, pregnancy or weight gain. A rapid change in weight or size causes fibers in your skin to tear. As these heal, scars form. Stretch marks, also called “striae,” look like streaks on the skin and typically appear on the abdomen, upper arm, buttocks, hips and thighs. Initially, they tend to be red, purple, pink or brown. With time, these bright streaks fade and lose their color, becoming lighter over time.
Stretch marks also change the texture of your skin, leaving indentations along the rippled lines. Most common in younger, pregnant women who also have a family history of stretch marks, the striae can also appear after quick weight loss or gain, after quick muscle growth from body building or a growth spurt in puberty, after breast enlargement surgery, during use of topical corticosteroids, or as a result of certain genetic disorders. Unfortunately stretch marks are indicative of permanent damage to the dermis, so topical creams and lotions are unable to erase them.
faqs
At Regenesis, the 1540 Palomar Icon Fractional laser is used to treat stretch marks. Laser energy penetrates the dermis triggering a production of collagen and elastin which helps the scars heal, smooth, and fade. Laser treatment is more effective in treating newer stretch marks. The red and pink color of newer stretch marks indicate there are active blood vessels in the skin, which allow for quicker and more complete healing following laser treatment. The older, white striae are more difficult to treat and require more sessions due to their lack of blood vessels, since less collagen is formed. IPL phototherapy is particularly effective in fading red and purple marks. vent progression into white/silvery marks.
Unfortunately, if you have darker skin, laser treatments are not recommended for the treatment of stretch marks. Laser treatments performed on darker skin toned individuals are at increased risk of developing hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin. In these circumstances. Microneedling is a better treatment option, as Microneedling can be used to treat all Fitzpatrick I-V I skin tones. Microneedling is a safe, effective non-laser treatment that accelerates the production of collagen, resulting in a newer, refreshed, more elastic skin texture. This procedure can help soften the appearance of stretch marks.
In most cases, clients tolerate laser treatments without requiring a topical anesthetic. Clients with more sensitivity to pain may opt for topical numbing cream. It is also important to have realistic expectations as you will not see complete removal of your stretch marks following laser treatments. The American Society for Dermatological Surgery estimates a 20 to 60% improvement in the appearance of striae. It is a quick and easy treatment to perform that typically takes less than thirty minutes to complete, yet it can deliver superior, long-lasting results. Fractional Laser treatment is ideal for all stretch marks, no matter what caused them. Best of all, there is minimal downtime with the treatment.
It is important to realize that multiple sessions will be required to achieve maximum results. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of the stretch marks. A reasonable estimate is a minimum of four treatments spaced two to three weeks apart. Typically, clients require up to six laser treatments to restore skin smoothness and consistency. It is a quick and easy treatment to perform that typically takes less than thirty minutes to complete, yet it can deliver superior, long-lasting results. It’s ideal for all stretch marks, no matter what caused them. Best of all, there is minimal downtime with the treatment.
Cost
The cost for stretch mark treatment is dependent upon the method of treatment and the size of the area treated.
results
*Individual results may vary with different patient experiences.
*A series of treatments may be required for desired results.