Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

There are numerous claims that stretch marks can be erased by using Retinol A, cocoa butter lotion and deep tissue massage. One of the newest ways claiming to erase stretch marks is laser treatments. With so many more women beginning to agonize over the marks that can occur from pregnancy, weight gain, hormones, puberty or even genetics, it seems to be a never ending battle. Since there is nothing anyone can really do to prevent stretch marks from occurring, it becomes an issue of how to treat these marks. So the question really is will laser treatments become the new solution to stretch marks

All stretch marks are the tearing of the dermis, for whatever reason, that leave a sort of scar on the skin. Fresh stretch marks are usually red or purple in color, while older stretch marks gradually fade to become the a tint similar to the skin, however is still noticeable. Laser removal works over the course of several sessions in which the a light is pulsated above the scar.

A study appearing in the Dermatological Survey believe that the answer to whether laser treatments work is a definite yes. After receiving laser treatment, most women in the study were satisfied with the lessened appearance of the stretch mark. Dr. Brian Zelickson, a member of the University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology and the Medical Director of Zel Skin and Laser Specialists explains that the laser surgery does help lessen the appearance, especially on newer stretch marks that still have the reddish tint. The lasers work to reduce the redness of the mark and the inflammation as well. With the older stretch marks that are white or silver in color, the appearance is lessened. However, not as much of an improvement as the newer stretch marks. With this being said, Dr. Zelickson says that the stretch marks will never be completely removed. Laser treatments help to improve the appearance only.

So as to whether the laser treatment is effective…it is. Is laser treatment the solution to end stretch marks? Not really, seeing as how the laser cannot remove the mark, just lessen the appearance. Depending on the age of the stretch mark and the patient though, laser treatment seems to be an option for those who want to reduce the appearance. The important thing to realize is that having thoughts of completely removing the mark is unrealistic.