Stretch Marks

Stretch marks or “striae” are a type of off-color scar that forms in the skin. They can result from genetics, puberty (rapid growth or muscle building), pregnancy (75-90% of women), hormonal changes, and rapid weight gain; all of these cause stretching or tearing of the dermis of the skin. These striae form where fat is commonly distributed – belly, breasts, arms, back, or thighs.

Stretch marks can be a source of insecurity and embarrassment for many individuals – but worry no more! Now there are advanced laser and micro-needling treatments that can help reduce the appearance of these unsightly striations in the skin.

Treatments offered to help minimize the appearance of stretch marks include:

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light/PhotoFacials): which can help reduce the pink or red color of stretch marks.
• Fractional Laser Resurfacing: which can help improve the texture of stretch marks; the fractional laser energy bypasses the top layer of the skin and targets the dermis only (the layer of the skin with the main issue with stretch marks).
• SkinPen^®: which is a micro-needling therapy that can help improve the texture of stretch marks.

Our professionals at Radiance will utilize the most up-to-date therapies to improve the aesthetic appearance of your stretch marks with little to no downtime. A combination of these three treatment modalities (IPL, fractional, and SkinPen^®) is recommended.

What is important to note is that we cannot “remove” the stretch marks; we can make the stretch marks appear less obvious and improve the tone/texture/color of the skin where the stretch marks are present. The laser or micro-needling treatments can lighten red or dark stretch marks and bring about collagen growth to the area, which in turn will improve the overall aesthetic of the skin.

When Will I See Results?*
It depends on the individual, but most people will require 3-5 treatments of either treatment modality for optimum results. Once you finish your recommended number of treatments, the results will keep improving over the next 3-6 months.

Treatment Time:
It depends on the size of the area being treated, but the procedure can be performed in as little as 30 minutes.

Recommended Frequency of Treatments:
Treatments are spaced every 3-4 weeks.

Medications to Avoid Prior to Treatment:
Please discuss with us your exact medication list – be sure to mention if you are taking any antibiotics. Please let us know if you have a condition known as porphyria (a condition that causes sensitivity to light). Photosensitizing medications should be avoided prior to treatment.

Possible Side Effects:
Slight tenderness, redness, or swelling for 1-3 days is common. Minimal to no pain during the procedures. MUST avoid direct sun exposure for 3-4 weeks after any treatment and wear sun block every day for at least a month after the last treatment.

Patient Results*

*Individual Results May Vary

Contact Radiance Spa Medical Group

If you would like more information on stretch mark reduction treatments, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at our practice, please contact Radiance Spa Medical Group.