There are many lasers that can be used to improve stretch marks. CO2 Laser, Erbium:YAG and Fractional Pico laser produce microscopic sites of thermal impact to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production while remove damaged tissue on the skin surface. Pulsed Dye Laser can be used alone or combined with Fractional Laser to treat the red stretch marks.
Anti-stretch mark creams when used alone are not as effective as when combined with lasers. This is because most formulas in the market have poor penetration into the skin and do not reach the later that produce collagen.
This depends on severity and the areas involved. Generally, 4 to 6 treatments are required to see the improvements. The treatments are spaced out every 4 weeks.
There is mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure. Anesthetic cream is all that is usually required 40 mins prior to the treatment. Most of our patients tolerate the procedure very well and describe the feeling of the laser as modest stinging.
The main complication from laser treatment is hyperpigmentation. The skin on the abdomen and upper thighs heal much slower thereby increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation. Another commonly seen reaction would be itch during the healing process which can be reduced with increased application of moisturiser.
