Stretch marks, or striae, are a form of scarring the occurs when the skin is stretched beyond its normal limits. In order to repair itself, the skin works to create scar tissue that results in red- or purple-tinged jagged lines that stand out against the skin around it. This is common in areas of growth, including the stomach, breasts, thighs and buttocks and is common in teenagers and pregnant women who may experience sudden growth. Although previous stretch mark treatments offered only limited solutions to remove marks, advances in laser treatments are making improved results more possible.
Scarfade/Laserfade
This topical skin application contains silicone gel applied to the skin to reduce stretch marks. While silicone gel pads or bandages have traditionally been utilized to reduce scarring, silicone gel has been manufactured in creams such as Scarfade and Laserfade that can be used to reduce the redness of a stretch mark as well as improve the skin's texture, according to topdocs.com.
eMatrix
The eMatrix laser is an innovation commonly used on acne scars, but may have some uses in the treatment of stretch marks. The laser is one of the new breed of lasers that do not repair the stretch mark, but instead encourage collagen production in the skin, according to PRWeb. This laser utilizes radio-frequency energy to penetrate the skin underneath the stretch mark and stimulates the body's healing response, including collagen production. The result is little damage to the skin's outer layers, but the eventual development of smoother skin. The treatment can require multiple applications, however: an estimated three treatments that take place four to six weeks apart.
Fractional Laser Therapy
Fractional laser therapies are some of the latest developments in stretch mark treatments, according to the Patient's Guide to Stretch Marks. Suited for older stretch marks that may be white in appearance, these lasers create small vertical damage to the skin of a stretch mark, which encourages the skin to repair itself. The healthy skin surrounding it is able to encourage repair, which reduces the overall appearance of the stretch mark itself. Examples of fractional laser brand names include Fraxel and Affirm. A test patch should be used to test darker-skinned individuals as the laser is sometimes associated with hyperpigmentation. Like other laser treatments, this may take numerous treatments in order to be effective, according to DocShop.com.
