Stretch Marks

+ What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a common skin condition that effect men and women. They occur as a result of the skin suddenly stretching causing the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) to break in areas allowing the deeper layers to show through. They normally appear post weight loss/ gain and are often suffered by women post pregnancy or teenagers during puberty due to hormonal changes. Some skin types are more susceptible to stretch marks than others and for some patients the marks can be quite noticeable as raised white or red lines on the skin surface affecting the arms, stomach, thighs and breast area. They can sometimes be quite unsightly and cause great concern for the patient to such an extent that they will not wear revealing clothes or swimwear.

+ What stretch marks can be treated?

We can treat stretch marks that are still in the purple or red phase using the Regenlite laser and older stretch marks that have turned silver by using skin needling techniques or a combination of treatments. It must be stressed that older silver stretch marks cannot be eradicated completely by any treatment but they can be treated effectively to reduce their appearance.

+ How does the NLite laser work?

The NLite is a pulsed-dye laser which delivers a precise yellow light that uses very low power laser energy to “insult” the fine blood vessels beneath the skin. These vessels, although not damaged, are tricked into behaving as if they were. Chemical signals are released that cause the body’s own repair and regeneration mechanism to begin a healing process laying down new collagen in the treated area. The result is that over time the stretch marks with reduce in depth and the skin will improve.

+ What does treatment involve?

Immature or newly formed stretch marks that are still in the purple or red phase can be treated with the Regenlite laser. This is a pulsed- dye laser which helps to reduce redness and boost collagen. Therefore the stretch marks become lighter in colour and the skin appears smoother with a more even texture thus reducing the appearance of the stretchmark and making them less noticeable. Results with the Regenlite laser can be seen after a single session, however the most significant improvement is typically after 3 treatments. We recommend treatment 1a is followed by treatment 1b at two to four weeks. Research has showed that two treatments dramatically increase the quantity of collagen measured at six weeks compared with only one treatment at six weeks. Treatment 2 and 3 take place at three monthly intervals. As your treatment progresses you will notice the colour of the stretch mark diminish and the texture of the skin improves. Older stretch marks that have turned silver but they tend to respond better to skin needling treatments every 4-6 weeks or a combination of treatments may be recommended All treatments are not permanent so once you have had a course of treatment you will require follow or top up treatments. How often you will need a top up treatment depends upon each individual.

+ Are there any side effects??

Patients will see some redness and bruising along the stretch mark site which may last anything for 3-5 days. You may also notice a slight swelling of the area due to the bruising. In very rare cases some patients may notice “ brown” marks on the skin beside the stretchmark. These are called heamocydric deposits and are not usually permanent however they may take a few weeks or months to resolve.

+ Consultation

More detailed information about what we can do for your stretch marks, how long a course of treatment might take, side effects, pre and post treatment care will be discussed when you come in to see us .The consultation also enables the nurses at Laserase to formulate an individual treatment package for you to ensure the best of possible treatment outcomes. We recommend that you come in for a free consultation .There will be no obligation. If you would like to book a consultation to discuss treatments for stretch marks please call or make an enquiry via the email.