Laser Striae Stretch Mark Treatments
Laser Striae Stretch Mark Treatments
What isStriae?
Striae are stretch marks, light scars that appear on the body when the skin is stretched farther than it is capable of. Striae can appear on various parts of the body but typically show up on the stomach, hips, arms, chest, or legs.
How does this condition occur?
Striae occur due to stress on the dermis. When the dermis is stretched too far, collagen production is affected, which produces the scars. Pregnancy is a common cause of striae. These marks can also be caused by obesity and puberty.
What type of methods are used to treat striae?
There are a few natural and topical treatments for stretch marks. One natural remedy is coconut oil or lotion, and a topical option is Retin-A. However, these methods are not usually very successful in resolving striae. There are various laser treatments available that can remove stretch marks much more effectively.
What types of lasers are used to treat striae?
One of the most common lasers used to treat striae is the 1064 Nd:YAG laser. This laser operates on a deeper wavelength that can penetrate farther into the skin. By doing this, the laser can treat the stretch marks from underneath the skin’s top layer, effectively resolving the marks. This laser has been shown to be particularly effective in treating stretch marks when compared to other types of lasers. Additionally, combination therapy is helpful combining both microneedling and co2 fractional treatments can provide improvement. In general stretch marks are a challenge to treat.
What are the benefits of laser scar treatment?
Laser treatment for striae is safe, non-invasive, painless, and highly effective. The procedure requires very little recovery time and has virtually no complications. There is no risk of damage to other parts of the skin with laser therapy.
Who is a good candidate for laser scar treatment?
Most patients are good candidates for stretch mark laser treatments. The treatment is especially common for recent mothers. Patients who are not pregnant and who do not have any severe illnesses should have no issues with laser therapy.
What is the average cost of a scar laser treatment?
Laser therapy for striae usually costs around $200-$400 per session. The cost can fluctuate depending upon where the marks are located and how large they are. The number of session necessary may also affect the cost.
How many treatments will I need to remove my scar?
For most stretch marks, three to five sessions will be necessary. For older stretch marks, additional sessions may be needed. Newer marks are much easier to remove.
How long will each treatment take?
Most sessions take around 20-30 minutes to complete. For covering larger areas of the body, sessions may need to be extended.
How far apart are treatments?
The time in between treatments will depend on what kind of laser is used as well as how well the skin responds to treatment. Most appointments will take place every four to six weeks. It can take longer for some patients’ skin to start producing collagen in the treated areas.
What should I expect before the treatment?
You should meet with your doctor or dermatologist to determine the right type of treatment for you. Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist who will ask you questions in order to figure out how to best treat your stretch marks.
What should I expect after the treatment?
After the treatment your skin will be red. You may also experience some blistering and tenderness, but both of these are common. All side effects will resolve on their own in a couple of days.
How can I prepare for treatment?
Laser therapy for stretch marks does not require much preparation. Your doctor will likely ask you to avoid the sun, smoking, and alcohol for the weeks leading up to the treatment. You should also notify your doctor of any health issues in case these might affect your treatment.
Where can I go to find a treatment?
Most dermatology clinics offer stretch mark removal. Other specialty skin clinics or plastic surgeons also offer this procedure.
