Are stretch marks making you feel self-conscious? If the answer is yes, you are not alone! In fact, it is estimated that about 90 percent of the population, both men and women, have stretch marks. If you have tried creams and gels with little success, the Lumenis® Photofractional™ treatment offers a solution to help reduce the raised appearance and pigment changes of stretch marks in different areas of the body, allowing you to get back your desired skin tone and texture.
Our leading medical spa staff brings skill and artistry to patients, creating a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve your desired results.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Your skin is designed with elasticity, so it can move as you move. However, when your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks, the collagen and elastin in the skin are unable to adjust to this rapid change and rupture. As this internal rupture heals, stretch marks develop. In essence, a stretch mark is a type of scar. Stretch marks can affect both men and women and are most commonly seen on the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back, and buttocks.
Common Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur when the skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. This rapid change can occur during growth spurts during adolescence, during periods of rapid weight loss or gain, when weight training to build muscle, and during pregnancy.
Stretch Mark Removal Candidates
Ideal candidates for Lumenis Photofractional feel self-conscious due to stretch marks on their bodies and are looking for a way to minimize their appearance and restore even skin tone and texture without the downtime associated with more invasive treatment options.
Candidates will be in good overall health, without any active infections, inflammatory skin conditions, or skin cancer. In addition, you will want to stop smoking before and after the treatment in order to allow for better healing and optimal results. If you take Accutane, you will want to discontinue taking it for at least 6 months before Lumenis Photofractional treatment as it can increase the risk of scarring.
Stretch Mark Removal with Lumenis® Photofractional™
The Lumenis Photofractional treatment for stretch marks combines two non-invasive treatment solutions: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ResurFX™ non-ablative skin resurfacing in order to address both the skin tone and texture of the stretch marks. Lumenis IPL targets unwanted pigments in the stretch mark while ResurFX stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin, allowing for the production of smoother-looking skin that replaces the stretch marks.
The treatment works for both older stretch marks that may have occurred during adolescence to stretch marks that occurred recently after having a baby. The treatment involves minimal downtime and is done in-office, allowing you to come in for a lunch break and return to your normal activities right away.
Keep in mind that we offer a complete menu of med spa treatments, including several other laser treatments and the popular body contouring option CoolSculpting®. We can help you get the skin tone, texture and body shape you want to feel self confident!
What to Expect
During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your stretch marks and design a personalized treatment plan. At the time of your treatment session, your provider may apply a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable. During treatment, you may experience a prickling sensation when the laser is applied, but in general, the treatment should be a comfortable experience. Depending on the size of the stretch marks being treated, you can expect a treatment duration of 15 to 30 minutes or more.
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment but should keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for a few days and be sure to apply sunscreen as needed. After treatment, you may experience irritation and a warm sensation similar to a sunburn. Over the first few days of recovery, you may see mild redness and dryness of the skin, as well as experience skin peeling, which is normal as the new skin grows and replaces the stretch marks.
In general, Lumenis Photofractional treatments are safe and effective, however, there is always the possibility of risks and complications with any cosmetic procedure.
Possible risks can include:
- Redness in the treatment area
- Swelling
- Scarring
- Changes in the skin pigmentation
- Bleeding
Revealing a Stretch Mark-Free Appearance
Immediately after treatment, you may experience swelling and redness, but this should diminish within a few days and, after one treatment, you may already begin to see noticeable changes to your stretch marks. For most patients, stretch mark removal can take as many as 3 to 5 sessions spaced out every 2 to 6 weeks in order to achieve optimal results. We will determine how many treatments are necessary during your initial consultation. Because the Lumenis Photofractional treatments help stimulate collagen and elastin production, you will continue to see improvements for up to 6 months following your initial treatments, revealing new, smoother skin.
Shop now for anti-aging skin care products in our online storefront! You can also contact us online or call our Fairhope, Alabama practice at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation today.
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
