Stretch Marks

Treatments we offer for Stretch Marks:

Stretch marks are pink, reddish or purplish indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Stretch marks are very common in pregnant women, especially during the last half of pregnancy. 

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are often the result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with pregnancy, weight gain and body building that overcomes the dermis's elasticity. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and muscle building.  In some cases, however, widespread stretch marks are a sign of a medical condition such as Cushing's syndrome or another adrenal gland disease. 

What can I do to reverse the effects of stretch marks?

A new modality that we offer, fractional skin resurfacing laser, offers a novel approach to treating stretch marks.  Using scattered pulses of light only a fraction of the scar is zapped by the laser creating microscopic wounds. After several treatments, the body responds by producing new collagen and evening the skin tone and texture.   In 2007 clinical trial published in Dermatology Times, 5-6 treatments resulted in stretch marks improving by as much as 75 percent.  We have seen remarkable improvements in the patients we have treated with the fractional laser, however, it won't completely remove them.  There are prescription creams we may offer to fade the stretch marks over time.