Stretch marks appear when the skin is overstretched during rapid periods of growth. Pregnant women, bodybuilders and adolescents are most prone to the condition. Although stretch marks may fade in color over time, you may want to consider procedures to reduce their appearance. Besides microdermabrasion and chemical peels, laser therapy can be done through a physician's office to remove stretch marks. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who uses laser procedures for stretch marks.
Step 1
Set up an initial consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. During this visit, you'll discuss whether you are a good candidate for laser surgery. According to LA Laser Center, individuals with fair complexions and light pigmentation typically respond best to laser therapy. You should also not have any history of pigmentation disorders.
Step 2
Discuss the type of laser that will be used to remove the stretch marks. An excimer laser removes pigment from the stretch marks to fade their appearance. Pulsed dye lasers focus concentrated light on the underlying layer of the skin to promote new collagen and elastin growth. Fractional photothermolysis works in a similar fashion to pulsed dye laser therapy, but it does cause small amounts of damage to dotted areas on the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Follow any aftercare instructions. In conjunction with laser treatments, your doctor may recommend application of a retinoid-based cream or glycolic acid. These ingredients help shed dead skin cells and promote new growth at the site of the stretch marks.
Step 4
Return for repeat treatments. Your doctor will likely require you to undergo multiple laser sessions to remove the stretch marks. How well you respond to treatment determines the number of sessions.
Tips and Warnings
- Since stretch mark removal is a cosmetic concern, your insurance is not likely to cover the cost of the laser therapy. According to the Patient's Guide website, recovery time for stretch mark laser removal procedures is not lengthy. Recovery typically involves some redness and swelling for several days after the procedure. Most people are able to return to work the following day as long as they have not developed any complications.
- There are several potential risks with undergoing laser surgery for stretch mark removal. Potential complications include blistering, scarring and surface skin damage. There is also the possibility that laser surgery will prove ineffective at removing your stretch marks. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you have prior to the laser surgery.
