By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology
We demand a lot from our skin. It needs to be tough but soft. It should be smooth and protective. But between what we need our skin to do and how we’d like it to feel, we may be demanding too much of our largest organ without providing it with the support it needs. Sometimes our skin can’t keep up.
When we grow or slim down faster than our skin, stretch marks often develop. In periods of rapid change such as pregnancy, drastic weight gain/loss, or even growth spurts in adolescence, the skin compensates as best it can.
Stretch marks, though harmless, can damage our confidence. We may feel embarrassed in more revealing outfits or when we’re trying to relax at the beach. Like unsightly scars or discolored blemishes, we hide our stretch marks away, ever self-conscious about their appearance. But stretch marks, like blemishes and scars, have a 21st century solution!
Laser Stretch Mark Reduction
At first glance, lasers may seem like an odd technology to use to reduce stretch marks. But the key to understanding rests in how laser light inspires our skin to heal in targeted areas.
At Skin Wellness, our Fraxel® Dual laser system provides a natural, lasting solution to embarrassing or unsightly stretch marks by causing micro-damages in the outer layer of skin, which the skin, in turn, sets to work repairing. The elasticity and smoothness of our skin rely on naturally produced collagen. Micro-damage from intense laser light increases collagen production in the affected areas to heal yesterday’s stretch marks today!
Using multiple wavelengths tuned at the level of nanometers, laser technology is capable of treating various skin conditions across one or several quick appointments. Discolored spotting, scars, stretch marks, and fine lines and wrinkles all benefit from laser treatments. Best of all, the procedure is safe and generally pain/discomfort free—all while reliably producing remarkable results.
The Procedure
Depending on the age, severity, and ultimate cause of your stretch marks, you may require anywhere from one to several appointments. At Skin Wellness, our Fraxel® Dual laser system classifies as “partially ablative,” which reduces pain and discomfort during the procedure and average recovery periods afterward. We also rely on the Zimmer cooling device to keep your skin from heating up to uncomfortable temperatures throughout the process.
Minimally- or partially-ablative laser treatments allow patients to heal faster by causing less drastic micro-damage during each session. Partially-ablative lasers also allow us to cut back on unnecessary topical anesthesia, though patient comfort remains a top priority. In some cases, topical anesthesia may be used to further enhance your comfort throughout the process.
During a consultation, we’ll discuss your desired outcomes and decide on a number of appointments for maximum effect and benefit. With truly minor recovery periods and excellent results, laser stretch mark reduction procedures deliver lasting improvement.
The Benefits
Laser stretch mark reduction has numerous benefits, not just as a treatment option, but as a quick and easy procedure too.
Laser stretch mark reduction allows for:
- Fewer treatment sessions for optimal results
- Faster treatment sessions overall
- Greater comfort than alternative treatments
Laser stretch mark reduction can be used on nearly any part of the body, including the stomach, upper arms, underarms, thighs, buttocks, hips, and breasts.
Results often include:
- Smoother skin
- More uniform skin appearance
- Reduction in stretch mark depth/size
- Reduction in stretch mark discoloration
- Reduction in blemishes, discolorations, and more!
Results can be noticed in as few as four weeks after the final session and often last for years and beyond. By combining your laser stretch mark reduction treatment with general skin care routines, you can maximize the benefits of your procedure!
Goodbye, Stretch Marks!
Stretch mark reduction procedures can restore your skin to a more youthful, healthy appearance with quick sessions, minimum discomfort, and affordable options for any budget. To learn more about how lasers inspire skin growth and repair, call Skin Wellness today.
Learn more about laser stretch mark reduction or schedule a consultation today!
Times of rapid growth are also times of great change. After your pregnancy or weight loss journey, you deserve that sense of confidence that empowers you to be yourself wherever you are! Though stretch marks may seem permanent, there are easy, comfortable, quick, and affordable solutions to help you make a lasting difference in the skin you’re in. For more information, visit Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama online, or call us today at 205-871-7332.