Although they often are called "laser surgery," laser treatments are only skin-deep and non-invasive compared to actual surgery. There are two types of lasers that are used to treat stretch marks. Ablative lasers work best for some types of stretch marks, and fractional lasers, a newer generation, work best for other types of stretch marks.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a form of skin scarring associated with pregnancy, obesity and rapid weight gain from body building. According to the Doc Shop website, when the middle layer of skin, which maintains shape and elasticity, is overstretched, the connective fibers of the skin eventually break, which disrupts collagen production and causes swelling or marks on the damaged skin. "There is no 'perfect' treatment for stretch marks," says Dr. Brian Zelickson, a faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical School. But laser treatments often can reduce stretch marks to an extent that they are barely visible.
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove or vaporize extremely thin layers of skin with a highly concentrated beam of light. The scar tissue that causes stretch marks is removed. New skin forms over the damaged tissue. Ablative lasers treat stretch marks that are pink, purple, red or brown, according to the A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness website. As of 2010, treatments can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500, and two to six sessions are often necessary for the full benefits of ablative laser treatment. Insurance rarely pays for laser treatments, which are usually considered cosmetic.
Fractional Lasers
Fractional lasers are a newer generation of lasers. They work by using the laser's light on a smaller proportion of the skin than ablative lasers. A series of microscopic, closely spaced laser spots are created, while healthy skin is preserved between the spots. The healthy skin between the laser dots speeds up the healing process. Recovery time with fractional lasers is usually quicker than with ablative lasers. Fractional lasers are most effective in treating stretch marks that are white or silver, or when the texture rather than the color of the skin is the main issue.
