When we think of stretch marks, we most often associate them with pregnancy. While this is an event that commonly causes them, stretch marks can also occur in people of both genders, of all ages, and in numerous locations on the body due to weight gain, or simple growth.
Laser stretch mark removal is exactly what it sounds like—removing, or reducing the visibility of stretch marks with the use of a laser. The procedure is specifically fractional laser skin resurfacing. The heat generated by the laser light gently breaks down the damaged tissue, and promotes the growth of new, smoother skin.
What is
Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Our skin is pliable and elastic, which allows it to withstand a lot of stress, and allows us to perform all kinds of movement. However, there are times when the skin is stretched farther than normal, or so rapidly, that the dermis tears and scars, forming striae, better known as stretch marks. They usually appear as parallel streaks of glossy, indented, red or purplish skin, and become pink or whitish and scar-like over time. In addition, they most often appear on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flanks.
Stretch marks are usually the result of one of three factors:
-
Weight Gain
– Depending on your skin and the area of your body, even moderate weight gain can sometimes cause stretch marks. Dramatic weight gain and obesity are even more likely to cause them. -
Growth Spurts
– Kids go through growth stages, sometimes sprouting up a few inches in a very short period of time. This can cause the skin to stretch too rapidly, thereby causing stretch marks. -
Pregnancy
– As a woman’s belly expands to accommodate the growing fetus, the skin on the abdomen—and sometimes other areas such as breasts and hips—is stretched, and stretch marks form. Applying moisturizer to the abdomen, breasts, and other areas can sometimes help prevent stretch marks, or at least minimize their appearance.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you have stretch marks, regardless of their cause, we may be able to help. Come in to see us, and we’ll discuss the laser stretch mark removal process.
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How is Stretch Mark Removal Performed?
The first step is to come in for a consultation so our aesthetician can examine your skin and stretch marks, discuss your goals, and help you decide how to proceed.
We perform laser stretch mark removal with the Palomar StarLux® 500 fitted with the Lux1540™ fractional laser handpiece. This is a gentle, non-ablative (non-wounding) laser that works by transmitting a certain laser wavelength which is absorbed by water molecules in your skin. That energy is converted into heat, which gently breaks down the damaged tissue, and causes the skin to heal itself by producing collagen and new, even, smooth skin.
Before the procedure begins, you'll put on special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Though the laser stretch mark removal treatments are usually painless, if you have especially sensitive skin, we can apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated to help avoid discomfort. We also use a special cooling device in conjunction with the laser handpiece to keep your skin cool, alleviate discomfort, and reduce the risk of injury.
Treatment sessions may take up to an hour. The time required will depend on your skin type, the size and depth of your stretch marks, and the number of areas to be treated. Laser stretch mark removal is customized to each patient based on those factors. Some conditions may require multiple sessions to achieve final results. However, you may see some improvement after just one session.
Potential side effects of laser stretch mark removal include, but aren't limited to redness and swelling. Little to no downtime is required, and you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately after each session.
We perform laser stretch mark removal with the Palomar StarLux® 500 fitted with the Lux1540™ fractional laser handpiece. This is a gentle, non-ablative (non-wounding) laser that works by transmitting a certain laser wavelength which is absorbed by water molecules in your skin. That energy is converted into heat, which gently breaks down the damaged tissue, and causes the skin to heal itself by producing collagen and new, even, smooth skin.
Before the procedure begins, you'll put on special eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Though the laser stretch mark removal treatments are usually painless, if you have especially sensitive skin, we can apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated to help avoid discomfort. We also use a special cooling device in conjunction with the laser handpiece to keep your skin cool, alleviate discomfort, and reduce the risk of injury.
Treatment sessions may take up to an hour. The time required will depend on your skin type, the size and depth of your stretch marks, and the number of areas to be treated. Laser stretch mark removal is customized to each patient based on those factors. Some conditions may require multiple sessions to achieve final results. However, you may see some improvement after just one session.
Potential side effects of laser stretch mark removal include, but aren't limited to redness and swelling. Little to no downtime is required, and you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately after each session.
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