Removal of stretch marks in Era Esthetic laser dermatology clinic is carried out by three current year lasers of the latest generation: Fraxel Dual 1550/1927nm, pulsed dye laser VBeam Perfecta and Alexandrite laser GentleLase Pro.
In aesthetic dermatology fractional skin renewal provides new opportunities for elimination of skin defects. Not long ago, the time traces on the face, postoperative scars and stretch marks, surfacing after giving birth or change in weight, seemed to be an insurmountable problem. Thanks to new technologies, today, doctors can effectively solve these problems with the help of laser treatment: to smooth out scars, wrinkles, reduce or eliminate stretch marks …
Stretch marks (striae)
Stretch marks are narrow, thin skin striations or lines, usually located next to each other in parallel, that have formed because of the fracture of dermis fiber tissue. They are also known as striae gravidarum, in cases when they occur during pregnancy, also – atrophic, white streaks or simply striae.
Stretch marks commonly occur when the skin is rapidly stretching during growth, pregnancy or with sudden change in weight. Striae may also occur because of hormonal changes in adolescence, during pregnancy, with hormone replacement therapy, as well as for other reasons.
How do they occur?
The mechanical tension in rapidly expanding areas, such as the abdomen, chest and thighs, results in cracks of dermis fibers. At first they look like pink, blue or purple lines. Striae occur in the layer of the skin which helps the skin retain its shape so, in the areas of fibers cracks where stretch marks are formed, the sunken, softened skin can be felt when touched.
Stretch marks can appear in any area of the body however, they most commonly occur in various areas of localized fat tissue: abdomen, especially around the navel, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips and buttocks areas.
Factors influencing the formation of stretch marks
The occurrence of stretch marks, and most importantly, the degree of their externalization, is associated with young age of a mother, high body mass index of a mother, high fetal weight. Teenagers also undergo a significant risk of stretch marks’ occurrence.
In most cases, the occurrence of stretch marks is influenced by the hormones that inhibit synthesis of fibroblasts – the cells responsible for production of collagen and elastin which are required to maintain elasticity of rapid growth of the skin. With decrease of collagen and elastin synthesis, shortages in support materials occur, resistance of the skin is reduced and, when the skin is stretched, its fibers crack.
Preventive measures
During pregnancy, between 75 and 90 percent of women develop stretch marks of varying degrees. They usually occur in the course of 6-7 month, in the third trimester, when the skin undergoes the ultimate tensile strength. A range of oils, creams, lotions are suggested in order to prevent stretch marks, however, the occurrence of stretch marks, their externalization is also influenced by genetic and hormonal factors as well dispersion properties of fat tissue and dermis fiber.
Removal of stretch marks
Stretch marks do not cause any discomfort, however, they are aesthetically unattractive for those who have them.
Treatment by Retinoids and AHA acids ensure only local effect. Both cosmetic and professional means providing local effect cannot reduce the actual stretch marks that have already formed.
Mesotherapy and collagen injections require many treatments and, though changes are registered, they are minimal.
Surgical removal – excess skin is removed during the operation together with the skin areas affected by stretch marks.
For those unwilling to go through surgical interventions and seeking smooth skin, the most effective removal of stretch marks is by laser treatment. In Era Esthetic laser dermatology clinic we offer removal of stretch marks by three most recent lasers of the current year:
Removal of stretch marks by Fraxel Dual laser
Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 laser of new technology provides a range of entirely new opportunities for removal of stretch marks, scars and all major skin imperfections. This is a fractional two-wavelength Fraxel laser enabling double performance and developed for skin rejuvenation and defect correction. Its main difference from the earlier Fraxel versions is integration of a new 1927 nm wavelength to the new laser. This means, that during a single treatment the skin is affected by two lasers: 1550 nm laser wave affects the deep layers of the skin, which are hardly accessible when applying most other methodologies, while the 1927 nm wave is responsible for rejuvenation of the epidermis – the surface layer of the skin, as well as pigmentation correction. This way, making use of the effect of the two lasers, in the course of a single treatment, all layers of the skin are rejuvenated, therefore, a wide variety of skin defects can be corrected – all types of stretch marks and scars.
Today, Fraxel Dual is considered to be the most effective for treatment of stretch marks and scars, skin rejuvenation. The laser creates thousands of microscopic columns inside the skin, while the skin around them remains intact. The body’s reaction to this is sudden healing by stimulating new collagen and skin cells’ synthesis. This way, through the treatment procedures, the skin with defects becomes replaced by completely new, healthy skin. Thanks to the patented technology, the post-procedural recovery time is minimal: it is possible to return to normal activities after 3-4 days in case of facial procedures, and the next day following removal of the stretch marks or scars in other body areas. The effect is already visible after the first treatment.
VBeam Perfecta – pulsed dye laser for red stretch marks
The pulsed dye laser is considered to be unique due to its perfect ability to cope with everything RED effectively eliminating all the red and pink colors and their shades, while stimulating collagen synthesis – it is most effective for removal of fresh, pink stretch marks.
CO2RE is a high-technology laser
The fractional laser resurfaces skin in fractions with millions of microscopic laser columns removing the old tissue while leaving adjacent healthy cells intact. It stimulates quick healing and formation of new, healthy skin cells, shaping smooth and healthy skin.
It stands out from other fractional lasers, as it is the only CO2 laser with 7 treatment options, 5 of which are designed for fractional skin resurfacing, allowing to fix a wide variety of skin issues.
All stretch marks are different, they have different color, width and degree of externalization, therefore, the wide range of lasers used in our clinic for removal of stretch marks allows selection of a customized treatment for each individual case and significant reduction or elimination of stretch marks. Laser treatments are also extremely suitable when dealing with the decreased elasticity and “sagging” of the skin. Because of the powerful collagen stimulation produced by these lasers, the skin tightens, lifting effect is obtained. This laser treatment can be performed on any areas of the body, including even the most sensitive areas, such as the eyelids or breasts.
You will be advised on the choice of the laser type, their combination and the combination of treatment procedures that would allow achieve the most effective results in the course of a free consultation with the professional dermatologists who perform treatment procedures in the Era Esthetic laser dermatology clinic.
