What kind of laser is used for stretch marks?
The ones we commonly use at Schweiger Dermatology are the fractional CO2 Laser, Fraxel, the pulsed dye laser, and the KTP laser.
How effective is laser removal of stretch marks?
While laser treatment is generally highly effective in removing stretch marks, the success of the procedure depends on how old and how visible your stretch marks are.
Can stretch marks be removed?
They can show up near your armpits, on your arms, chest, lower back, abdomen, hips, thighs, groin, or near your armpits. While stretch marks are not harmful, they can definitely make you feel self-conscious. Stretch marks can fade over time, but the only way to completely get rid of them is through laser treatment.
What color are stretch marks?
Older, mature stretch marks are commonly white or silver-colored; newer stretch marks tend to be reddish or purple in color.
What is a 1540 laser?
The Palomar 1540 Fractional laser delivers light in an array of microbeams. These microbeams penetrate below the epidermis and into the dermis, leaving vital tissue surrounding each microbeam undamaged. The untreated tissue surrounding the treated columns initiates a natural healing process that accelerates the formation of new, healthy collagen. The fractional treatment of the skin allows for faster healing. The result is improvement in skin color, texture, tone, fine lines and wrinkles.
Can stretch marks be reversed?
Stretch marks from pregnancy or weight gain/loss result from the breakdown of collagen in the skin. The reversal of stretch marks is impossible, but it is possible to provide some appearance improvement by gently resurfacing the skin and stimulating new collagen formation.
How laser technology treats stretch marks
The Icon Laser uses fractional laser technology to deliver short pulses of energy that target your stretch marks without harming the surrounding areas.
What to do four weeks before the treatment
For best results, discontinue using tanning beds and tanning creams on the areas you wish to get treated. Also, stop using creams that contain retinoids, as these may cause skin sensitivities, and avoid waxing or plucking, as this may lead to irritations.
Post-treatment best practices
The laser treatments used for stretch marks are painless, and they don’t involve any downtime. You’ll be able to return to your daily activities after the session.
Say goodbye to your stretch marks for good
Stretch marks are stubborn, and they don’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Research suggests that laser technology can lessen the appearance and, in some cases, eliminate indented marks on the skin.
How many laser treatments do stretch marks need?
Sometimes stretch marks only need one ablative laser treatment. Non-ablative treatments aren’t as aggressive, though. The ASAPS estimates you’ll need between one and six non-ablative laser treatments, on average. Each treatment typically costs the same as the initial session.
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), skin resurfacing treatments of this kind have a vast cost range of $500 to $8,900. Each ablative laser treatment costs an average of $2,681. Non-ablative laser treatments cost $1,410 each on average, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
What type of laser is used for resurfacing?
Two types of lasers are used for skin resurfacing treatment: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium YAG) treat stretch marks by destroying the upper layer of skin. The newly generated skin tissues will be smoother in texture and appearance. Non-ablative lasers (Alexandrite, Fraxel) don’t destroy the upper layer of skin.
How many times can you get ablative lasers?
ablative lasers are used one or more times depending on desired outcome, non-ablative lasers may be scheduled up to six times at three to four weeks apart. several, usually once per month. one. on average, four to six treatments are needed.
What is the best treatment for striae?
Ablative lasers are the most effective in treating striae, but they also have the most side effects because of their aggressive nature. Such effects include raw skin and mild discomfort. Your skin will also scab over before revealing new tissues around the stretch marks.
How does laser removal work?
It works by removing the outer layer of skin to help restructure the overlying skin. During the procedure, beams of light are used in concentrated amounts to encourage new growth. While it can’t get rid of stretch marks completely, laser removal may help make striae smoother, thereby reducing their appearance.
How long does a laser treatment last?
Depending on the type of laser used, the total procedure time can last between 30 and 90 minutes. This doesn’t include time spent on filling out paperwork, as well as prep time before the procedure. You might notice that your skin is slightly pink or red after each treatment.
Why are stretch marks red?
When they first appear, stretch marks are usually red or purple due to blood vessels showing through the dermis. Later, they typically fade to a white or silvery color which may fade over time or remain visible permanently. As annoying as they can be, these red or white marks are not uncommon.
What is micro needle?
The goal of micro-needling is simple: to stimulate collagen production. Using tiny, microscopic needles that are passed over the skin tissue, micro-needling devices create “micro-injuries” that naturally stimulate the growth of collagen. Of course, collagen synthesis is essential to diminishing the appearance of stretch marks, so it can be effective in treating these stubborn spots.
What are Stretch Marks?
Striae, or stretch marks, are formed when the connective collagen fibers of the dermis are stretched beyond their capacity, and the resulting breakage creates scarring. Typically caused by weight gain, pregnancy or hormonal changes, stretch marks are usually found in the abdominal area, arms, hips and upper thighs.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Approved by the FDA in 2002, fractional laser therapy is an effective option for the treatment of stretch marks. Unlike traditional laser therapy, which requires more downtime, this type of laser therapy uses an excimer laser that emits very short pulses of energy-rich, ultraviolet light to disrupt the molecular structure of skin tissue.
Why Laser Therapy?
Until recently, the only way to remove stretch marks was through cosmetic surgery. This invasive, painful option, and the downtime it required, made stretch mark removal unattainable for many.
How Safe is Laser Therapy for Stretch Marks?
Laser therapy for stretch marks is known to be an extremely safe procedure, but side effects can occur. Temporary redness and blistering are the most common side effects, and your medical specialist will discuss these and any other risks prior to performing the procedure.*
What Preparation is Necessary for Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
This type of laser therapy is non-invasive and not particularly painful, so sedation is not required. Therefore, preparation is not necessary. However, individuals with a low pain tolerance may choose to take a mild sedative or painkiller before the procedure to reduce discomfort.
How Long Do the Results Last?
When removed with laser therapy, stretch marks do not come back, but more than one treatment may be necessary to completely diminish the appearance of deeper stretch marks. Of course, new stretch marks may occur with subsequent pregnancies or weight gains, but they can also be removed with laser therapy.*
How long does stretch mark on skim last?
Do not scratch. -When the edema is gone, redness might last up to 30 days (may last longer on sensitive skim). – When all redness has cleared the stretch marks may become darker than the color of the skin, it is part of the healing process. Ethnic skin is prone to pigmentation.
How long does it take for a scab to fall off?
In the first 7 days, there might be a thin scab, do not touch it. It might fall on its own, and its function is to protect against skin infections. First 4 weeks after appointment: -Avoid all exposure to the sun. -Avoid the beach, pool and jacuzzi for 30 days (healing period) in order to avoid exposure to infections.
How to treat a swollen ear on day 3?
On day 3 you can start using soap, preferably antiseptic one. Frequent cleaning prevents infections. Do not use scented bar soaps to clean the area to prevent the incidence of allergies. If treated area will be itching, apply A&D ointment more often, please do not scratch treated area.
How does laser treatment work?
While Laser Treatments do work on stretch marks by damaging the skin’s outer layer and forcing it to heal itself, similar to our Boleyn Treatment. However, they do not put color back into the skin. So almost all clients who use Laser Treatments for their stretch marks still have noticeable stretch marks. In fact, many of our clients have had many Laser Treatment procedures prior to walking into our office. Another huge difference is the cost of that treatments. Laser Treatments could run $1,000 to $3,000 per session, and can easily end up costing the client over $10,000 overall.
What is stretch camouflage?
Stretch Mark Camouflage is a special technique that uses the latest tattoo technology to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. A custom, proprietary skin or flesh-toned pigment is applied to your stretch marks disguising them and making them less noticeable.
How long does it take for a syringe to subside?
Immediately following your treatment, you can expect the treated area to be red, inflamed, raised, and/or itchy. This is normal and may take a couple of days to subside.
What is the best treatment for stretch marks?
Boleyn Treatment. This procedure is a more natural treatment that can be used for all stretch marks: red, purple and white; it’s also preferable for the deep ones. We are using mix of serums, organic oils and vitamins to improve cellular turnover, reconstruction and rejuvenation of Fibroblast cells, Collagen and Elastin.
