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Stretch Marks
What
causes stretch marks?
Stretch
marks are caused by a rapid expansion of skin due to
pregnancy or weight gain. They pose absolutely no
health risk and don't compromise your body's ability to
function healthily; they are purely a cosmetic issue
and need to be treated accordingly. Below you will find
links and treatment options on how to get rid of
stretch marks.
Stretch Mark Laser Treatment
Cosmetic lasers are a new method for removal of stretch
marks. Unlike traditional treatments like stretch mark
creams and gels, lasers are used to stimulate new
collagen growth and fill the stretch mark from the
bottom up. The laser energy is absorbed in the dermal
layer of the skin stimulating the production of new
collagen. As the new collagen thickens and plumps the
skin, it fills in the stretch mark from below.
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New Laser
Technology
Today, several new laser techniques are available to
treat a wide variety of scars and stretch marks. The
laser's energy stimulates the skin under the scar and
causes the fibroblasts in the skin to begin to divide
again. It also stimulates the production of collagen.
This thickens the skin under the scar until it closely
resembles the surrounding normal skin.
Do laser treatments work?
Current laser technology has been shown to improve or
eliminate red or raised scars. Recent studies have
demonstrated that laser treatments stimulate the
production of collagen and improve or eliminate the
appearance of stretch marks. Additional studies show
that the appearance of stretch marks continues to
improve over a period of time ranging from 3 to 6
months after the laser treatment was given. Even those
treatments that showed little if any initial
improvement showed as much as a 50% improvement at
their 6 month checkup.
Who are the best candidates for laser scar and
stretch mark removal?
The patients that respond the best to laser treatment
for scars and stretch marks are those with:
Note:
Patients with a history of Vitiligo, pigmentation
disorders, dark tans or dark pigmentation may require
an initial skin test for evaluation prior to treatment.
Do laser scar and stretch mark treatments hurt?
Most patients do not require anesthetic. Some patients
have indicated that they feel a slight tingling when
the laser pulses, or that the laser pulse feels like
the snap of a rubber band against the skin.
What should you expect after treatment?
Results vary from patient to patient and may not be
immediate. Results from laser scar and stretch mark
treatment are generally progressive and may require
multiple treatments. About 70% of patients receiving
laser treatments for their stretch marks notice a
marked improvement. Newer and shallower stretch marks
and scars respond better than older and deeper scars
and stretch marks. To enhance the results of your laser
treatments your surgeon may recommend the use of
tretinoin cream or a glycolic acid cream prior to and
after your laser treatments.
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