Definition
Stretch marks can be unsightly depressed linear streaks that can be red, white, or almost very close to your normal skin color.
Stretch marks most commonly occur in the setting of:
- Pregnancy, occurring on the abdomen or breasts
- Body building, affecting the arms, legs and chest
- Adolescence, due to a growth spurt
- Individuals experiencing rapid weight gain
In every case, your stretch marks are thinner than the surrounding skin, and appear as scar tissue with damage to the connective tissue within your skin. Typically, early stretch marks start out pink or red for several months, but as they mature they will become whitish linear depressions in your skin.
The good news is that regardless of the stage of your stretch marks, they can be treated with laser treatments , optimized light, and/or radiofrequency devices…
Dr Snyder’s Approach and Treatment Recommendations
Often, if your stretch marks are relatively new and pinkish-red in color, Dr. Snyder may recommend topical prescription retinoids in combination with several treatments with the ICON Aesthetic System’s MaxG™ Optimized Light™ handpiece to significantly reduce the redness and improve the surface texture.
In cases where your stretch marks are older, thinner and atrophied with the tell-tale whitish depressions, Dr. Snyder will recommend treatments with the XTRAC ULTRA EXCIMER LASER.
THE XTRAC ULTRA EXCIMER LASER treatments improve the white stretch marks by:
- Emitting short and high energy pulses of ultraviolet light
- Stimulating your natural pigment producing cells to create more melanin pigment
- Darkening your stretch mark skin to become closer to its natural color
- Reducing the appearance of your stretch mark, even old ones
What Kind Of Results May I Expect?
The laser treatments will help to make your stretch marks less noticeable but not eliminated. The skin gradually improves with a series of laser treatments. Unfortunately every case is individualized, and response to treatment will vary depending on your specific skin type and condition, so it is not possible to predict in advance to what degree of improvement you may achieve. However, we are able to see some degree of improvement in the appearance the stretch marks in nearly all patients who are treated.
Are There Any Other Effective Treatments For My Stretch Marks?
Yes! Dr. Snyder also uses the eMatrix Sublative Rejuvenation™ treatment in a series of three to four treatment sessions to improve the appearance of your new and older stretch marks. Treatments are safe, gentle, and most patients only experience a warm sensation of the treated areas. There is no wounding, no breaking of the skin and no need for any dressings. There will be some mild pinkness or redness of the treated areas lasting a few days after each treatment session. Again, while most patients will achieve an improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks, it is not possible to predict in advance to what degree of improvement is achievable. As is true with all cosmetic laser treatments, individual results may vary.
Call now to schedule a consultation at (410) 356-0000.
