Laser Stretch Mark Removal in SD, What You Need to Know
October 26, 2017
The truth is, there’s no way to prevent them. But, there is hope. Laser stretch mark removal is a procedure we do right here in our office in San Diego. We now offer the most revolutionary technology available.
With laser treatment, you can significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. After treatment and recovery, a patient’s skin appears refreshed, tightened, and renewed.
Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work?
Medical studies show that laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen, which improves the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
One of the most successful techniques to reduce the visibility of stretch marks is laser treatment. By modifying the affected areas, the thickening of collagen occurs. As the area absorbs the light, it also promotes your new skin growth.
In this process, new skin cells form to assist with changing the tissue. Once the tissue resembles healthy skin, the laser stretch mark removal treatment concludes. This treatment requires a few sessions to achieve noticeable outcomes.
Laser techniques enhance the surface of the skin due to its “heat and heal” strategy. When the laser energy heats the surface, the energy damages the cells underneath. The reason for this damage is to stimulate the making of collagen. That takes place throughout the skin’s healing phase. Collagen will promote a healthy smooth skin surface.
Causes of Stretch Marks
- Weight fluctuations
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Weightlifting
- Accelerated growth throughout adolescence
At first, these thin grooves have a reddish look. As the marks age, they tend to take on a silvery-white appearance. Grooves can appear in both men and women. Also, adolescents experiencing growth spurts may see stretching. The most common areas are:
- Stomach
- Upper Arms
- Breast
- Thigh
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Underarms
What are Stretch Marks?
Most of the markings appear due to pregnancy or weight gain or loss. The reason is due to a breakdown of the collagen in the skin. Even though areas such as these never go away on their own, we can help make them not as noticeable.
These areas turn to red, white, or purple lines on the skin due to excessive, rapid, expansion of the surface. When skin stretches too far, a collagen-based formation can rupture or break.
When this formation becomes compromised, it stretches and thins. The scar tissue develops, creating a broad, long mark we know as the unwanted “stretch mark.”
Stretch Marks –New and Old, Red and White
The most common types of skin imperfections are areas where the skin has stretched. The lesions sometimes are mistaken as scars. The two types of areas are white and red. While mature and older stretch marks are white and silver, new markings are often purple and red. When the damaged area reddens, the laser works to decrease the inflammation. Once this happens, a new skin emerges.
Women who are pregnant are likely to develop the lines in the front of their abdomen. Adolescent males and females also sometimes develop skin lesions during puberty. The thighs and stomach are the two most likely areas for maturing young adults.
While these marks do not cause any medical issues, they can be a cosmetic concern for some. About 90% of women will get them sometime after their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The Best Candidates for Laser Stretch Mark Removal Therapy
Ideal candidates have a fair complexion and light skin tone or olive or slightly darker skin tones. Patients with very dark or black skin are not good candidates for this procedure.
Stretch marks vary from person to person, so there is no set treatment protocol. Treatments are always customized for individual patients.
Newer Stretch Marks Are The Easiest to Treat
New marks appear as lifted red lines. At that point, we use the Excel V laser to focus on the blood vessels. The more extensive redness and pigmentation have the best chance of improvement.
Over time, after six months to two years, the markings fade to thinner, white-ish lines. Those are notorious for being hard to improve. There are exceptions. If you have a thicker stretched area, the laser can help with thinning. And, a depressed marking can from time to time reduce.
Excel V laser is a great way to regenerate healthy, beautiful, and smooth skin. The procedure is successful by minimizing the appearance of the stretched skin imperfection. Laser removal provides better results over other methods of skin lesion removal.
Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Hurt?
Most patients state they feel a slight stinging sensation. This happens as the pulsations of energy work on the skin through the laser. Some patients choose a topical anesthetic.
But, no pain medicine of local anesthesia is required.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
At your consultation, we can then determine how many treatments you may need. Laser treatment is highly effective in most cases. As with any other technique, success is dependent on the prevalence and age of the stretch marks. Older and more severe cases can be more challenging to treat.
How Long Will It Take Before I See Results?
Most patients show improvements within a few weeks. Final results may take a few months. Patients generally need 2-4 treatments about 1-3 months apart.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Possible minor side effects may include slight swelling and reddening of the skin. Infrequently, patients experience slight bruising.
Immediately after treatment, the area may be tender and red. The reason for this is the laser removes layers of the damaged skin making way for new, healthy skin. Most patients experience no downtime.
The Benefits are Clear:
- Smoother, better-looking skin without surgery
- No treatment downtime
- Improved skin appearance
- Comfortable treatment sessions
- Minimal treatment side effects
- FDA-approved procedure
Professional Treatment for Laser Stretch Mark Reduction in San Diego
Our doctors understand that improving your skin varies from person to person. Your unique skincare goals can happen thanks to our years of experience and training.
Our physicians can help you determine the treatment that best suits your needs and discuss laser stretch mark removal cost. Call 1-844-SDBOTOX or through the online contact form today to learn more.
Through our assortment of safe, effective, non-invasive procedures, we can help. Check out our latest blog post on Lip Injections for Fuller Lips.