Stretch Mark Treatments
Eliminate stretch marks and smooth your skin
Stretch marks, called striae by medical professionals, are shiny, reddish marks on the skin that result when the skin has been stretched to its limit. Other than surgical excisions, such as in a tummy tuck, laser treatments are the only way to minimize or eliminate stretch marks. There are many creams and lotions on the market that claim to treat stretch marks, but the reality is that these marks are created deep inside the dermis, far beyond the reach of any cream, that will only sit on the surface of the skin. Hence, creams or lotions are not effective.
What is Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks?
Lasers improve the texture of the skin as a result of a “heat and heal” cycle. When laser beam energy heats the skin, the energy purposely damages the cells beneath. The purpose of this damage is to induce the production of collagen during the skin’s recovery phase. Collagen will contribute to a healthier smoother skin surface.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks occur when the middle layer of skin, called the dermis, is stretched beyond capacity. Stretch marks frequently occur during pregnancy, and also result from significant weight loss and gain cycles; growth spurts during puberty; as a result of bodybuilding; and/or among those who use oral or topical steroids. Females and those with lighter skin are more likely to have stretch marks than are men or individuals with darker complexions.
How is laser Treatment for Stretch Marks Performed?
Board certified Boca Raton plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman performs various laser skin rejuvenation treatments for scar removal, melasma, and acne scars. In Dr. Berman’s experience, the Erbium Laser is the best laser for stretch marks.
After cleaning the area to be treated, an anesthetic cream is applied to the skin. Dr. Berman will also give you pain and sedation medications to make your laser treatment as comfortable as possible. Both you and Dr. Berman will wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light. The Cynosure laser 1540 handpiece is applied to the skin to deliver the laser energy, followed by a cooling wand. Depending on the number of stretch marks that you want to be treated, the procedure could last from 20 minutes to an hour.
Recovery and Results
Right after laser stretch mark removal, your skin will feel red and sore, almost like a sunburn. Pain medication is rarely needed and most patients fully recover from each Erbium laser treatment within 3-5 days. Multiple treatments may be required to eliminate all stretch marks.
Dr. Berman may give you a prescription for anti-fungal medication, as well as an antibiotic when you have laser treatment for stretch marks. Dr. Berman will also recommend post-laser topical skincare products that will maximize your comfort and healing.
Unattractive stretch marks can be removed only by surgery or laser treatments, which are less expensive and less invasive than a surgical procedure. Double board certified Boca Raton plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman has affordable laser treatments for stretch marks that can dramatically improve your appearance and, therefore, your self-confidence. To review the various laser options at Dr. Berman’s office, call us today at 561-417-0171 to schedule your private consultation, or complete our online consultation form.
Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.