Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work? Many people have this question in mind now. Laser stretch mark removal is a treatment for a condition that affects women of all ethnicities. The dermatologist uses a laser device that releases focused energy that arouses collagen growth. This collagen reduces the severity of stretch marks on the treated areas.
Stretch marks usually occur when the skin stretches quickly during adolescence or pregnancy or when you gain or lose weight quickly. Laser stretch mark remover is a cosmetic therapy that breaks the scar tissue beneath the skin’s surface. This article explains whether this method works.
The Stages of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks or striae distensae are the thin, silvery, or white lines on the skin. They develop on the hips, buttocks, thighs, belly, breasts, and upper arms. Stretch marks affect most women during pregnancy. This is when the skin expands quickly. The extreme stretch causes the connective fibres and collagen within the skin to tear down.
Stretch marks can also appear when collagen shrinks excessively, such as after losing excessive weight. They often occur in different stages, starting with the red stage. During this early stage, most ladies are pregnant. Due to rapid stretching, the red, itchy stretch marks occur. Next, we have the purple stage.
The purple stage starts when the streaks become easily detectable. The marks can appear purple or blue depending on your skin complexion. These purple lines appear older by now. They signify severe damage to the connective fibres. Most women become self-conscious when their purple stretch marks appear.
Finally, the stretch marks reach the white stage. Your stretch marks may appear white or silvery (depending on your complexion). These white streaks have reached their growth peak and are now mature. While they are harder to see, these lines remain a beauty flaw most women wish to eliminate.
What is Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
Does laser stretch mark removal work? Stretch mark removal treatments use laser energy to disintegrate the scar tissue under the stretch marks to encourage elastin and collagen production. Your dermatologist will use an ablative or a non-ablative laser. An ablative laser often works by tearing the upper skin surface to increase collagen and elastin production in the dermis.
A non-ablative laser uses a special beam that heats the dermis to boost collagen formation and encourage the skin to rejuvenate its cells. It heals the skin naturally, allowing it to rejuvenate without side effects. On the other hand, ablative laser may trigger bruising, reddening, and swelling. Both treatment methods can increase blood flow to the treated areas, making the stretch marks less detectable. If your doctor uses it with laser skin resurfacing or microdermabrasion, it will be a more effective stretchmark treatment.
The laser Stretch Mark Removal Techniques
What is laser stretch mark removal? It is a treatment method that uses laser energy to damage the scar tissue, which forms during the first stage of stretch mark formation. The unique laser device emits a focused light beam that accurately treats the targeted area. See two laser types below:
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing is an effective cosmetic clinical procedure. An ablative laser delivers a light wavelength to the area with stretch marks. This light removes the upper, sun-damaged skin layer (epidermis), exposing the delicate underlying one (dermis). Then, it heats the area to induce collagen generation. The newly-made collagen helps the skin rejuvenate its cells, which leads to a smooth, firm, and tight texture.
As a result, the appearance of your stretch marks. Ablative laser resurfacing may not cause permanent results because new ones might form during weight gain, pregnancy, weight loss, etc. A professional dermatologist first gives you an appointment at their clinic or office. They will ask about your medical background before approving ablative laser resurfacing therapy.
Have you had surgeries before? Are you on prescribed or supplement medication? Tell your doctor everything to ensure your safety. After examining your stretch marks, they will determine if you are fit for this procedure. Examples of ablative lasers are Erbium YAG and CO2 lasers, and the technique works best for the face.
Non-Ablative Laser Therapy
Another laser stretch mark removal technique to try is non-ablative laser resurfacing. Also called the non-wounding laser, the non-ablative laser is less invasive than its ablative counterpart. It entails an accurate light wavelength the doctor directs to an area with stretch mark scarring. This wavelength will induce collagen growth.
Unlike ablative laser resurfacing, a non-ablative laser does not remove your epidermis. Hence, it triggers mild side effects like swelling and reddening that often disappear in less than five days. On the other hand, the side effects of ablative laser resurfacing might disappear after about two weeks.
Non-ablative lasers do not work that fast. Instead, you require several sessions to notice changes to your stretch marks. Once the technique starts working, you might enjoy the results for months.
Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work?
For any skin treatment to work, you must be a perfect match for it. Thus, your first step is to meet your dermatologist or plastic surgeon for an examination. They will determine the stage your stretch marks are in and explain whether laser resurfacing can work. Normally, laser light therapy delivers the best outcomes in people with lighter skin tones.
Black people can try laser treatments, but they might notice slight hyperpigmentation. Secondly, the results are great if your stretch marks are in the red or purple stage, as they are still developing. If you do laser therapy while pregnant or nursing, you might think it does not work. It would help if you do not try it during these life phases.
Avoid these treatments if your body has a condition like acne as they can irritate and aggravate your condition further. If you are recovering from surgery, the laser can make the healing difficult. Laser resurfacing therapies will most likely work if you are the right candidate for them. Another thing that will determine your success rate is the ability to choose the most suitable dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
If you select a reputable and successful clinic or doctor, you will increase your odds of success. On the contrary, your odds of success will decrease if you locate an incompetent clinic or doctor. They might even burn your skin with the laser, which can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation. Read online user reviews before selecting a suitable clinic to help you.
The last point to reflect on is that laser resurfacing therapy requires time to work. Do not do one procedure and expect overnight results. Both ablative and non-ablative laser procedures work after a few spaced-out sessions. After a few treatment sessions, try answering this: does laser stretch mark removal work? Most likely you will say yes.
Stretch Mark Removal Before and After
Laser resurfacing is among the top stretch mark treatments. If you want to understand or envision how they work, observe the stretch mark removal before and after pictures. You will notice that the “after” snapshot looks more attractive than the “before” picture.
It is proof that a laser can change the appearance of your stretch marks.
Even if it cannot eliminate them, it will fade them to reduce visibility. Some “after photos” still show traces of these tiger-like stripes. That is all right. The laser light is not a cure for stretch marks, it simply reduces their appearance. Before removing stretch marks, your skin is less attractive.
These marks can be so severe that some women may fear that their spouses might find them unappealing. They often destroy self-esteem, especially after pregnancy when women also struggle with baby weight. After removing stretch marks, you will enjoy positive physical and mental changes.
You will feel less stressed as you stop feeling self-conscious because of stretch marks. It can improve your relationship with your spouse because you will have confidence and physical attraction. Viewing the before and after pictures is crucial if you need help setting goals for your laser stretch mark removal.
Limitations and Considerations for Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Think about the most crucial aspects before you treat your stretch marks with laser resurfacing techniques. First, how much will this therapy cost? The cost of laser treatment for stretch marks is higher because the outcomes are better than you can get from topical creams. Also, it will be cheaper to do a non-ablative procedure than an ablative one.
Apart from the treatment expenses, add the consultation fees and possible laboratory charges. In addition to the cost, check with your doctor to determine if your health status allows you to do this procedure. Share your medical history to make their decision easier.
Conclusion
Does laser stretch mark removal work? If you need answers to this question, we believe you will find them in this guide. The laser resurfacing treatment of either type cannot cure your stretch marks. It is a cosmetic procedure that can improve how these stretch marks look. Stretch marks or tiger stripes should no longer ruin your self-esteem. If your topical products have not changed their appearance, try laser resurfacing.
Talk to a competent dermatologist or plastic surgeon to know if the ablative or non-ablative method is better for your skin. After this, you will no longer lose your confidence in stretch marks because they will disappear from your sight. Stretch marks or tiger stripes should no longer ruin your self-esteem.
If your topical products have not changed their appearance, you can try laser resurfacing. Speak to a competent dermatologist or plastic surgeon to know if ablative or non-ablative method is better for your skin. After this, you will no longer lose your confidence over stretch marks because they will disappear from your sight.
