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Stretch
Mark Treatment |
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Stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of the skin,
is stretched to a point where its elasticity breaks down. As
the injury heals, scar tissue develops which becomes a stretch mark.
Stretch marks are most often caused by rapid weight gain, pregnancy,
weightlifting, and accelerated growth during adolescence.
Initially these narrow grooves have a reddish appearance. As
the stretch mark ages it tends to take on a silvery white
appearance. Stretch marks can occur in both men and women and most
commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms,
back, thighs, hips and buttocks. Women are more affected
because the skin often becomes compromised during the large weight
gain seen in pregnancy. Even after losing weight, many women
refuse to wear a bathing suit due to visible stretch marks.
Stretch marks do not pose any health risks, but can greatly impact
one's self confidence. Topical creams may help hydrate the area but
they do not penetrate effectively to show any real improvement.
At Finesse, we use the Cynosure Affirm and SmartXide fractional CO2
lasers to soften stretch marks on all skin types. The Affirm
utilizes a Multiplex system combining a 1320nm and 1440nm laser
wavelengths to boost collagen deep within the skin to help flatten
stretch marks. This non-ablative fractional laser allows for
comfortable treatments with little to no impact on the patient's
daily activities. The SmartXide fractional CO2
helps to resurface stretch marks by coagulating tissue and
stimulating new collagen development which rebuilds the elasticity
of the skin and retexturizes the stretch mark. If the stretch
marks are red or purple, we may add IPL or KTP lasers to the
treatment protocol. The recommended number of treatments will
vary depending on the severity of the stretch marks and patient
expectations. While we cannot completely remove the stretch
marks, we can help diminish their appearance which may restore the
patient's confidence to wear a bathing suit.
Before & After Photos - Stretch Mark
Treatments
If you are considering
treatments for stretch marks in the Boston area, come to Finesse
where our medical staff performs laser treatments to reduce stretch
marks.
Request a consultation
or contact us at
(781) 899-SKIN to schedule an appointment.
Where on the body can stretch marks be treated?
Unlike previous CO2 laser
treatments, which were restricted to the face, SmartXide Dot can be
used on many areas of the body, including the
abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips and
buttocks.
How quickly will I see results?
Collagen shrinkage as a result of thermal damage results in some
immediate skin tightening. More importantly, further
improvements in skin tightness and collagen density occur as a
result of collagen remodeling and begin about 30 days after the
treatment. These improvements continue for up to six months
after the last treatment.
Does
laser treatment for stretch marks hurt?
We will numb the
treatment area with topical anesthetic prior to treatment. We also use a Zimmer air cooling system to
further minimize discomfort.
How many laser treatments will I
need to soften my stretch marks?
We will customize
your treatment protocol to best fit your current skin condition and
desired outcome. Patients with stretch marks typically will
need at least 5 treatments to achieve significant results. Do not
expect the stretch marks to disappear. A 50% improvement
is achievable in most patients with multiple treatments.
At
Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center, our medical staff is
experienced with Boston area laser stretch mark treatments to achieve superior results
for our patients. Click to
request a consultation online.
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