What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks or striae are a super common body manifestation. Anytime the skin stretches too far or too fast – during puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain periods – the collagen and elastin in the skin rupture. As the skin heals, it can develop stretch marks.

Even though they are quite common, stretch marks can make us feel self-conscious so we may be left wondering: can stretch marks be completely removed? With the abundance of stretch mark creams and solutions to prevent stretch marks on the market, it may seem possible, but no, you cannot get rid of stretch marks completely, unless you are considering a stretch mark removal surgery like a tummy tuck. However, laser stretch mark removal work can help without any of the hassles of a cosmetic procedure. Keep on reading to find out more about this non-invasive procedure.

Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work?

Yes! Laser stretch mark removal is a safe and effective option to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks in your body. Laser stretch mark removal eliminates pesky stretch marks via laser resurfacing.

Procedures Used to Eliminate Stretch Marks

Ablative Laser Resurfacing for Stretch Mark Removal

This technology removes the scarred skin – A.K.A your stretch marks -and makes a new skin layer resurface. The result will be new smoother skin, both in texture and appearance. We have two lasers to remove stretch marks with this method:

• Erbium: YAG laser: this powerful laser is not only great for stretch marks, it is also useful for rejuvenation and wrinkle fading. Thanks to its wavelength, the Erbium laser matches the peak of water absorption, so the energy of the laser is focalized for an almost instant ablation of the tissue. In simpler words, all the power of the laser goes exactly to where it is needed, making the stretch marks fade better and faster. After your session, you will see your skin red and irritated, meaning the laser has worked and your body will produce collagen for 9-12 months to come! Generally, you will need one or two sessions of Erbium to achieve your goals. However, our expert staff will give you a personalized follow-up to help you look your best!
• CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing: This potent laser delivers brief pulses of high-energy light to the deeper skin layers. As the light penetrates the skin, it turns into heat. The heat mildly damages the skin cells, forcing them to repair themselves. After your treatment for stretch marks, you will need to take some days off; this is to improve your body’s healing process. The surrounding skin will be swollen, and you may feel as if being in the sun for too long, but as the body’s natural process of healing advances, it will begin to generate collagen, a protein that is essential for healthy, elastic skin.

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing for Stretch Mark Removal

If you don’t want the downtime of an ablative laser and are willing to go for more sessions in your stretch mark removal journey, then this technology is perfect for you! Non-ablative lasers work by using infrared to heat up the targeted stretch marks, without destroying the cells. What makes this process so effective is that the heat goes directly to the deeper layers of the skin, making the tissue heal by itself. The process also stimulates the natural body’s production of collagen and new skin cells. VIDA has the best non-ablative laser for stretch mark removal waiting for you at their Medi-Spa:

• Non-invasive: This laser eliminates old skin cells by penetrating the inner skin’s layers and stimulating thousands of microscopic areas. When you leave the session, your skin will feel smoother and will look brighter, and as time progresses, deeper layers of the skin will heal, and new cells will regenerate. You will need four to five treatments for your stretch marks spaced four to six weeks apart. After your appointment, your skin will have a sunburn but if you keep hydrated and calm, you won’t need much recovery time and with little to no side effects; is the perfect alternative for laser stretch removal.

Is Laser Stretch Mark Removal Safe?

Patients naturally worry about just how safe removing stretch marks with a laser is, but we are here to help every step of the way. First off, laser treatments for stretch marks are non-invasive procedures. This means you won’t need any general anesthesia to undergo the procedure. As some of the treatments may cause some pain, depending on your umbral of pain, you can ask our dermatologists to provide a topical anesthetic to make things flow smoother during removal of your stretch marks.

Another advantage to using lasers in cosmetic stretch mark removal is that lasers do not introduce any harmful chemicals to the body, they actually promote the natural production of collagen and the healing of the body.

To schedule an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist and learn more about how laser treatments can help you remove stretch marks, please contact VIDA Wellness and Beauty by calling 1-619-738-2144 (toll-free) now.

Dr. Alejandro Quiroz

Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.