All About Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of! In fact, they are very common, with up to 90% of women developing stretch marks during their lifetime. These marks typically appear as lines or streaks of discoloration that form on the skin’s surface. They can vary in color based on the person — appearing purple, gray, white, blue, or red.
Although stretch marks are not harmful, some women prefer to have them removed as a personal preference. If you are looking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, continue reading to learn more about laser stretch mark removal.
What is a Stretch Mark?
Scientifically speaking, a stretch mark is a type of scarring that is caused by the tearing of the dermis, or middle layer, of the skin as a result of tension. They most commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks region.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Simply put, stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching considerably over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy or puberty. Other causes include sudden changes in weight or muscle mass.
The appearance of stretch marks is also heavily influenced by genetics, so if your mother, grandmother, or sister has them, you are likely to develop them as well. Chronic diseases, such as Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome, are also risk factors.
What is Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
Laser stretch mark removal involves using fractional laser technology to fade discoloration and improve skin texture. The laser targets stretch mark discoloration and stimulates the production of new collagen to improve smoothness.
How it Works
Our stretch mark removal technology uses pulses of laser light to trigger collagen production, which is used by the body to create new tissue. As a result, the body’s natural healing process eliminates the older, dead skin and replaces it with fresh, new tissue. This leaves the skin smoother in texture and brighter in appearance.
What to Expect During Laser Stretch Mark Removal
At Aqua Vitality, the process is simple and quick with minimal pain. Each treatment can be performed in roughly 30 minutes and there is little to no downtime. So, feel free to schedule your appointment during your lunch break or in between running errands. Improvements can be noticed after a few weeks, although best results are seen 1-3 months after treatment.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Typically, patients require between 3-5 treatments to restore the skin’s smooth texture and consistency. However, this number may vary based on the severity of the stretch marks being treated.
When to Receive Laser Stretch Mark Removal
For best results, it is recommended to receive laser stretch mark removal as soon as you notice discoloration appearing. This is because newer stretch marks still have blood vessels, which allow for more collagen production and faster healing. However, you should wait at least 3-6 months postpartum before receiving the treatment in order to give your body time to heal first.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal vs. Topical Creams
When it comes to fading and removing stretch marks, laser treatments are much more effective than topical creams. Currently, there is no scientific data that proves topical creams work when it comes to fading discoloration or improving texture. This is because stretch marks affect the middle layer of skin, while most topical creams can only penetrate the outermost layer.
In fact, a scientific study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that laser removal was the most effective in improving the color, elasticity, and appearance of stretch marks, while topical creams were the least effective. Therefore, we do not recommend wasting your money on topical creams that have shown to be ineffective in removing stretch marks.
Boost Your Confidence at Aqua Vitality
Here at Aqua Vitality, it is our mission to deliver long-lasting results that promote self-confidence. However, we understand that no two patients are the same. That is why we will first meet with you to take a comprehensive look at your concern. Next, we will create a customized treatment plan based on your goals and lifestyle.
For more information about stretch mark removal treatments, or any of our other women’s health services, contact us by clicking the button below. We can’t wait to help you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin!
