The body is made up of numerous connective fibers, some of which provide the skin with its elasticity. When the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity, it can weaken and damage these normally resilient fibers. Once this takes place, the skin isn't able to bounce back as before, resulting in a form of scarring known as stretch marks. While some people find them unattractive, stretch marks will fade over time. Treatments are available to reduce their appearance. One potential treatment for stretch marks is the Fraxel laser.
Stretch Marks
Medically known as striae, stretch marks are irregular bands of tissue that often result from the physical expansion of the skin. After a certain point, the collagen and elastin under the surface of the skin can weaken and break, leaving red-to-purplish indentations on the surface of the skin, explains the Cleveland Clinic. As the stretch marks age, they can take on a more whitish or silverish hue, making them less noticeable, but the indentations still remain.
Treatment
Though no medical need exists to treat stretch marks, many people find then unsightly and want them removed. Currently, none of the available treatments can completely get rid of stretch marks, but they can improve the appearance of the skin. MayoClinic.com lists fractional photothermolysis as one potential option for treatment, which is the type of laser used for Fraxel laser treatments.
Fractional Photothermolysis
Fractional photothermolysis is a nonablative laser that uses waves of light energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin under the surface of the skin. This helps rebuild the connective fibers weakened or damaged from the physical expansion of the skin, helping to tighten the bands of irregular tissue and cause them to take on a similar appearance to the surrounding skin.
Time Frame
For more recent stretch marks, a single laser treatment may help improve the appearance of the skin, advises the Cleveland Clinic. Older stretch marks can take more than one session. In this situation, treatments are usually administered every two to four weeks for a total of four sessions, notes the UAB Health Systems.
Other Options
If fractional photothermolysis doesn't improve the appearance of the skin, your doctor may recommend a different type of laser, such as pulsed dye or excimer. Medical professionals may also recommend microdermabrasion, chemical peels or prescription creams to improve stretch marks. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist before seeking any form of treatment for this condition.
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