What Exactly Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are scarring that can occur due to stretched skin on the body. They are found in the dermis, the central layer of the skin responsible for elasticity and form, and create wavy red, purple, silver, or white stretch marks.
Stretch Marks: What Causes Them?
The most common stretch marks causes are:
- Rapid skin stretching during pregnancy, especially in younger women
- Rapid fluctuations in your weight
- Certain medicines, such as long-term steroid use
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
The most common sites for treatment are:
- Abdominal area
- Thighs
- Arms
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Breast
- Lower back
Stretch Marks: How Can They Be Treated?
Stretch marks can be difficult to cure and eliminate with traditional techniques and skin treatments that only operate on the surface since the fundamental cause of the stretch marks are in the deeper layers of the skin and the scar tissues that grow there. Fortunately, specific laser or professional skin treatments can be highly successful in reducing the appearance of stretch marks including:
- Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling
- ICON 1540 Fractional Laser penetrates deep into the dermis to help stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure that can permanently remove stretch marks from the abdomen and is very effective
Your doctors at Chicago Aesthetics can provide an effective combination of treatments, such as Laser Skin Resurfacing in conjunction with topical creams, to stimulate new collagen production and improve scar tissues at Stretch Marks’ site the color of the skin in the affected areas.
Are Side Effects to Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
If you use drugs that induce photosensitivity, such as certain antibiotics, have a medical condition that causes you to be more photosensitive, have viral or bacterial infections, or are pregnant, laser therapy for stretch marks is not recommended.
Laser stretch mark scar therapy should be avoided if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Cellulitis (MRSA)
- Poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus
- Psoriasis
- Bleeding disorders
- History of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Malignancy
- Collagen Vascular Diseases
- Keloids
- Vitiligo
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Immunosuppression
If you do not have any of these conditions or contraindications, laser stretch mark therapy is probably safe for you. Please discuss your situation with our physicians before beginning any medical treatment.
Patients Eligible for Laser Stretch Mark Treatment Removal Therapy
Laser stretch mark treatments are suitable for all skin types. However, candidates with darker skin tones may require additional treatments due to risk of hyperpigmentation. Stretch marks differ from person to person and some may require more sessions to achieve a noticeable result.
Stretch Mark Treatment Before And After Photos – Notable End Results
After a series of treatment sessions, you should notice noticeable improvements and a significant change in the look of your skin. Because the laser light efficiently promotes collagen and elastin, it will produce substantial changes in the look of your skin and progressively reduce the visibility of your stretch marks.
There is little downtime
You won’t have to worry about considerable downtime after laser stretch mark removal because the recuperation period is short. You can resume normal activities as soon as the therapy is done.
How Many Treatments Will Be Necessary?
Most people need a minimum of 4 treatments to start. The number of treatments are determined by the depth and age of your stretch marks. Treatment of older and more severe instances of stretch marks will affect your results.
The bottom line is treating stretch marks with laser therapy is an excellent solution for most people. If you want to be more at ease in your skin, set up a consultation today! We will create your treatment plan and give you a quote.
If you are interested in laser stretch mark removal, contact one of our skin experts at Chicago Aesthetics Med Spa. To schedule, click here.
For more on laser stretch mark frequently asked questions visit our treatment page.
