Stretch marks are a common and possibly unwelcome result of changes in your body. They often appear with pregnancy but can also affect bodybuilders and anyone who has gained or lost a significant amount of weight in a short period. For some teens and pre-teens, they appear following a sudden growth spurt.
Maintaining a stable weight and taking care of your skin may help reduce or prevent significant stretch marks. However, some factors like heredity and hormonal changes are out of your control. Ultrasonic Slimming Machine
While Retin-A has been shown to be marginally effective and other oils, creams, and lotions are purported to help with stretch marks, most medical experts agree that the claims are mostly hype. Breakthroughs in the use of lasers for cosmetic purposes, though, have raised hopes for treating this cosmetic concern.
This article will discuss whether lasers can really remove stretch marks, what laser treatments are like, and what you need to know about costs and insurance coverage for the procedures.
Unfortunately, no, lasers will not remove your stretch marks. Since stretch marks represent a permanent change in the dermis (the deeper layer of skin beneath the surface layer known as the epidermis), no amount of resurfacing via lasers can erase them.
However, studies have shown that laser treatments can lessen the depth of stretch marks in some people, meaning the marks may become lighter. In fact, results show an improvement rate between 20% and 60%.
Laser treatments involve infrared and visible red light beams applied to your skin. The laser energy breaks down the scar tissue that makes up the stretch mark. It then stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the dermal (deeper) layer of the skin, where stretch marks are formed.
Finally, the laser increases blood flow to the area, which makes the marks less noticeable. The result is a lighter texture with skin that is softer and flatter.
Lasers are most effective on immature stretch marks, which are marks that are red in color. Many healthcare providers say they are nearly useless on more mature (or white) stretch marks.
Fractionated laser resurfacing, using a laxer called the Fraxel, may offer better results for older stretch marks than traditional laser treatments. These procedures help reduce scarring as well, and following a series of treatments, you might notice your skin may continue to improve little by little for months as new collagen continues to form.
Even with these new approaches, though, you cannot expect the same results that you'll see with laser treatments performed on immature stretch marks.
When it comes to darker skin types, using lasers is generally considered inadvisable because there is a high risk of hyperpigmentation changes in the skin.
The number of sessions needed to get your desired results can vary from two to two dozen. It's estimated that to get optimal results, you will need about 20 sessions of laser therapy. However, the exact number depends on your situation. In all cases, multiple sessions are spread out over several weeks in order to see the best results.
Once you achieve your desired results, you may want to plan for follow-up appointments. Repeat treatments down the road are sometimes needed to maintain the look of your skin.
Each laser session is estimated to be between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area and where the stretch marks are located.
Following your treatment, you will be given a list of recommendations to help you maintain the results and protect the skin as it continues to heal and rejuvenate. Instructions may include the following:
Generally, laser treatment for stretch marks is not considered painful, but there may be some discomfort during the procedure. The sensation may be similar to a mild sunburn and may be accompanied by some swelling. Topical numbing cream may be used before and after treatment to help relieve pain.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), skin resurfacing costs around $1,199 for several sessions, which covers just the surgeon and facility fee. There may be additional costs for medication or related treatments.
The actual price, though, will vary significantly depending on how many sessions you need and your geographic location. When weighing the costs, though, don't try to cut corners by choosing a less qualified practitioner. A qualified plastic surgeon is your best bet for quality results.
Because laser treatments for stretch marks are considered cosmetic, they are not covered by insurance.
In short, there is no “cure” for stretch marks. In addition, preventing stretch marks is not entirely in your power, especially during great hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy and puberty. If your mother has stretch marks, there’s a good chance that you will have them, too.
Only you can decide whether a 20% to 60% improvement in the appearance of stretch marks is worth making several trips to the plastic surgeon’s office (not to mention shelling out a few thousand dollars).
Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. Int J Women's Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001
Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2016;30(2):211–222.doi:10.1111/jdv.13223
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Laser therapy for stretch marks.
Wollina U, Goldman A. Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17
Michigan Medicine. Fractionated Laser Resurfacing and Rejuvenation.
Oram Y, Akkaya AD. Refractory Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treated Fractional CO2 Laser. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):42-44.
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Laser Skin Resurfacing - Associated Costs.
By Blyss Splane Blyss Splane is a certified operating room nurse working as a freelance content writer and former travel nurse. She works as a freelance content writer for healthcare blogs when she's not spending time with her husband and dog.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
fractional co2 laser acne scar removal machine By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.