Feel More Confident with Reduced Appearance of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks treatments are growing increasingly popular. Stretch marks are most often caused by pregnancy, but they can also result from puberty, bodybuilding, or any rapid weight gain or loss. They often occur on the abdominal area, lower back, buttocks, hips, thighs, breasts, and arms. Most stretch marks treatments involve laser therapy, which can help the skin rejuvenate, reducing the mark’s appearance and leaving skin smoother and more even.

How Stretch Marks Treatments Work

Stretch marks appear when the dermis (middle layer of skin) is stretched beyond normal capacity, resulting in red, white, and silver streaks. This stretching causes blood vessel dilation that results in inflammation and breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in small tears in the supporting layers of the skin. Early stage stretch marks appear red and are most effectively treated. As the inflammatory process lessens, stretch marks turn white, and older stretch marks may appear silver. You can learn even more about what causes stretch marks, but most people want to know about they can be improved with laser treatments.

The first thing you should know is that the earlier the treatment, the better the results tend to be. While laser treatments won’t completely rid your body of stretch marks, they can significantly reduce their visibility. Two types of lasers are used for this type of skin resurfacing treatment: ablative and non-ablative lasers. The ablative lasers will treat stretch marks by destroying the upper layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers target the underlying areas of the skin’s surface to promote collagen growth.

 

What to Expect from Laser Treatments for Stretch Marks

When you visit one of our offices for stretch marks treatments, a topical numbing cream will be applied before the procedure. New stretch marks are treated with vascular, ablative lasers that target damaged blood vessels. Older stretch marks are treated with fractional, non-ablative lasers that make microscopic holes in the skin and dermis, which prompts the skin to rejuvenate with increased production of collagen and elastic fibers, revealing renewed skin. Talk to your dermatologist about which laser treatments will work best for your stretch marks.

Skin will be red and tender immediately following treatment. Most patients heal within a few days, with some experiencing a mild sunburn sensation and/or blistering. Healing may take up to a few weeks in certain cases.

Three to five treatments at monthly intervals produce the best results for most patients. New stretch marks may be reduced as much as 90 percent, while older stretch marks will diminish by 40 to 70 percent.

Why Choose Zel Skin?

At Zel Skin and Laser Specialists, we’re committed to technologies clinically proven to provide results. Under the leadership of Dr. Brian Zelickson, we’ve invested in more than 15 different types of lasers. No single laser is effective in treating all conditions, especially when it comes to conditions as complicated and unique as stretch marks. Our medically trained staff will work with you to determine the best corrective treatment options for your skin. Together, we’ll help you achieve and maintain your skin’s best appearance. If you’re interested in learning about how stretch marks treatments can help you, visit us.

 

Contact us to schedule a consultation today at our Edina location.

*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.