Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Really Work
Stretch marks are a widespread problem among both men and women. Although they are not always considered serious problem, many people want to eliminate them because they are not pretty. Also, they can be embarrassing and make you uncomfortable, so it’s no wonder people are looking for a way to get rid of them.
Laser stretch mark removal is a process that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The Heliotherapy Institute can help you choose the best machine. You can also learn a lot of helpful information about the health benefits of light therapy for your skin.
There are many methods of removing stretch marks, but laser therapy is one of the most popular. We will discuss its effectiveness.
Table of Contents
What are stretch marks, and why do they appear?
Stretch marks can appear on the skin after it has been stretched or squeezed. They usually occur during pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight gain, some health conditions, and taking steroids. The main reason for this process is hormonal disbalance, which occurs during these conditions. When the skin stretches beyond its capacity, collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis can destroy, forming stretch marks.
They usually appear as raised reddish stripes on the skin that eventually turn white or silvery. They typically appear on several body parts:
- The lower part of the abdomen;
- The upper part of the thighs;
- Breasts;
- Glutes.
Although they are not a health hazard, many people find them unsightly and want to eliminate them.
The main methods of removing stretch marks
There are several methods of removing stretch marks from the skin. These include surgery, laser therapy, and dermabrasion.
Surgery involves removing the skin that has stretch marks. It is usually only recommended for those who have a lot of stretch marks and are very self-conscious about them.
Dermabrasion is another popular method of removing stretch marks. It works by resurfacing the top layer of skin. It removes the outer layer of stretch marks’ skin.
Laser therapy destroys the scar tissue in the areas of the stretch marks. It allows the skin to regenerate and self-heal. Laser therapy needs a series of treatments.
How the laser works in the removal of stretch marks
The laser emits a light that influences the skin in several ways:
- The pigment in the stretch marks absorbs the high-energy light, breaking it up, and the stretch marks gradually fade.
- The laser breaks up the scar tissue in the stretch marks, and the body then replaces it with new, healthy skin cells. This process is called “ablative” laser treatment.
- As the skin heals, it produces collagen, improving stretch marks’ appearance.
Besides, several different types of lasers exist for this purpose:
- CO₂ lasers are the most commonly used laser for stretch mark removal. They can be effective, but they also have a higher risk of side effects, such as skin color and texture changes.
- Erbium lasers are newer and generally considered to be safer than CO₂ lasers. However, they’re not as effective at breaking up scar tissue. As a result, they may require more treatments to achieve the same results.
The number of treatments needed depends on the stretch marks’ color, depth, and size. Most people need four to six treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart.
The advantages of laser treatment
Laser treatment can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by:
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin production in the skin;
- Smoothing of the skin surface;
- Reduction of inflammation.
The advantages of laser for stretch marks are many. Not only is the treatment fast and effective, but it also has minimal downtime. Let’s look through them closely.
Non-invasive treatment
Laser stretch mark removal is a non-invasive treatment, meaning no cutting or anesthesia is required. The laser works by penetrating the skin and targeting the underlying tissue to stimulate collagen production and pigment absorption. This process will cause fading of the stretch marks away over some time.
FDA-approved treatment
You may have seen many advertisements for laser stretch mark removal, but not all of these procedures are FDA-approved. Some lasers are only approved to treat wrinkles and fine lines. But CO² lasers are approved to treat deeper scars, including stretch marks.
So if you are considering laser treatment, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience with this type of procedure.
Relatively safe
There are minimal side effects associated with the treatment, and most people experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects.
- After each treatment, you may have some redness, itching, and swelling. But these things actually go away within a few hours or days.
- You may also get some minor bruising.
In rare cases, more severe side effects can occur, such as :
- Blisters;
- Crusting;
- Permanent skin lightening;
- scarring.
These are more likely to occur if you have a history of keloids or if you’re taking certain medications that increase your risk for scarring (such as corticosteroids).
Almost painless procedure
Laser stretch mark removal is not a painful treatment. Most people report feeling only a mild warmth during the procedure. And because no surgery or anesthesia is involved, there is no recovery period either. It makes it a much more comfortable option than other treatments, such as dermabrasion or surgery.
Is laser effective for stretch mark removal?
So, does laser stretch mark removal work? According to dermatologists, the answer is yes and no, because the treatment is not 100% effective.
Laser treatment can help improve stretch marks’ appearance, but it will not eliminate them.
There is evidence that it may be more effective in treating stretch marks when they first appear and are still red.
One study showed that a combination of two different types of lasers successfully reduced the appearance of stretch marks by 75 percent after just three treatment sessions.
Summary
Laser stretch mark removal is a popular treatment option, and it works, but not for 100%. We talked to experts and found out what the research says about this treatment method. Now you know all information about laser stretch mark removal. So think wisely, check up on all risks and speak to professionals to make the right decision.
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