Today, several new laser techniques are available to treat
a wide variety of scars and stretch marks. The laser's energy
stimulates the skin under the scar and causes the fibroblasts
in the skin to divide again. It also stimulates the production
of collagen. This thickens the skin under the scar until it
closely resembles the surrounding normal skin.
Do laser scar and stretch mark treatments hurt? Most patients do not require anesthetic. Some patients
have indicated that they feel a slight tingling when the
laser pulses, or that the laser pulse feels like the snap
of a rubber band against the skin.
What should you expect after treatment? Results vary from patient to patient and may not be
immediate. Results from laser scar and stretch mark treatment
are generally progressive and may require multiple treatments.
If you respond to the first treatment, your second treatment
will usually be as good as the first, and the third will
be almost as good. About 70% of patients receiving laser
treatments for their stretch marks notice a marked improvement.
Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better
than older and deeper scars ands stretch marks. To enhance
the results of your laser treatments your surgeon may recommend
the use of tretinoin cream or a glycolic acid cream prior
to and after your laser treatments.
Do laser treatments work? Our current laser technology has been shown to improve
or eliminate red or raised scars. Recent studies have demonstrated
that laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen
and improve or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.
Additional studies show that the appearance of stretch
marks continues to improve over a period of time ranging
from 3 to 6 months after the laser treatment was given.
Even these treatments that showed little if any initial
improvement showed as much as a 50% improvement at their
6 month checkup.
Does the treatment cause discoloration? The skin in the immediate treatment area may red for
up to two weeks, but it does not usually cause any discoloration
or other markings on the skin. The low power setting of
the laser only stimulates the skin and does not harm any
healthy tissue.
Who are the best candidates for laser scar and stretch
mark removal? The patients that respond the best to laser treatments
for scars and stretch marks are those with:
1. Fair complexion and light pigmentation
2. Shallow scars or stretch marks
What else can lasers treat? Lasers are used to treat a variety of skin conditions
including:
