Stretch marks are the result of sudden changes in weight/size. Skin is elastic, which means that it can stretch without becoming damaged. However, when the skin is stretched too much too fast, it causes disruptions in a protein called collagen, which is what gives skin its elasticity. As a result, small scars called stretch marks can form. Although stretch marks will fade over time, they can be cosmetically unappealing. One of the easiest ways to treat stretch marks is with laser surgery.
Step 1
Choose the kind of laser treatment you want. Talk with your dermatologist to discuss your options both in terms of what kind of laser will be used and also your treatment schedule. In general, yellow light lasers are best suited to treat stretch marks, and a typical treatment will take approximately three weeks.
Step 2
Prepare your skin. It is important that the area of the skin that will be treated not be tan, so avoid sun exposure and/or put sunscreen on that area as much as possible before each laser treatment. Also, avoid taking medications that thin your blood (such as aspirin, vitamin E, ibuprofen, ginseng, fish oil and blood-thinning medications), because they will increase bruising.
Step 3
Attend every appointment. In general, laser surgery for stretch marks requires multiple sessions. It will work best if you don't miss any appointments or examinations from your dermatologist.
Step 4
After treatment, keep the treated area out of the sun (using sunscreen if necessary). Do not pick at or rub the skin, and apply cold compresses if necessary to help with swelling.
