By Krystie Lennox, PA-C
All too often patients approach me with concerns about their stretch marks. No matter if they are on the abdomen, breasts, arms, thighs, hips, or buttocks those pesky little scars are a source of distress for their owners. Stretch marks can be caused by rapid growth, hormonal changes, muscle building, and weight gain. The question I hear over and over again is "Can you make these disappear?" The honest to God truth is "No". However, I can make those reddish, purple, and white lines appear much, much better.
I use a multi-laser approach. To start, I attempt to improve the reddish or purple discoloration by going over all areas with a Sciton 1064 nm laser. This laser is specifically designed to heat up the blood vessels, causing them to breakdown and shrink, therefore, reducing the unsightly appearance. Immediately following the Sciton 1064 nm laser, I use an ablative fractional resurfacing laser. Stretch marks are caused by the tearing of the dermis of the skin, the ablative fractional resurfacing laser helps to rebuild collagen and epithelium.
The majority of patients can expect to come in for approximately 6 visits 1 month apart. The treatment area will be red and slightly tender for a few days following each visit. We advise against direct sunlight on the treated area for 1 week before and 1 week after each session. Pictures will be taken prior to the initial treatment and 8 weeks after the final treatment. If you have pesky stretch marks that you would like to see improved, submit an appointment request or call our office.
