Stretch marks are dermal scars or disfiguring lesions characterized by flattening and degeneration of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).  Stretch marks are linear, smooth bands on the skin that, depending on skin color, can appear as red or purple and which fade over time to leave silvery pale marks.

Occurring in 40-90% of women, stretch marks appear following rapid repeated over-stretching of the skin over weak connective tissue.
Stretch marks form in the dermis (the middle layer of your skin) when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the limits of its elasticity due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin from sudden growth or weight gain.
The abrupt stretching causes the dermis to tear, which allows deeper skin layers to show through, forming the stretch marks.
Usually, as the body grows, the strong connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch. However, with rapid growth, the fibers overstretch and break. Stretch marks are red or purple initially due to blood vessels showing through the tears in the dermis.
Stretch marks eventually fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance due to the blood vessels contracting and the pale fat underneath the skin becoming visible instead.

They’re common in pregnancy, but anyone can develop stretch marks in any phase of life. Some people are more susceptible to them. If your mom, dad, grandparents, or other blood relative has stretch marks, you’re more likely to get them.

The most common areas affected are the:

• Abdomen
• Breasts
• Hips
• Flank
• Buttocks
• Thighs

Before stretch marks begin to emerge, the skin can appear thin and pink and may feel irritated or itchy.

The marks initially develop as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. The streaks eventually fade, flatten and change to a silvery color over time, becoming less noticeable (this can take years).

Even if you’re at increased risk of stretch marks, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and treat the stretch marks you already have:

• Maintain a healthy diet and control your weight. Avoid yo-yo dieting.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals – particularly vitamins A and C, D and the minerals zinc and silicon for healthy skin.  
• Aim for slow and gradual weight gain during pregnancy
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses daily).
• Treat fresh Stretch Marks when they appear.

Our Laser uses the patented technology of Fotona Dynamis Pro with Nd:YAG and Er:YAG to stimulate collagen production by initiating skin remodeling and skin tightening.

The skin is treated with an Erbium fractionated laser precisely to each one of the stretch mark lines and adjacent skin tissue to begin to remodel the stretch marks from the inside out. Our unique SMOOTH® technology will also reduce any skin laxity by inducing new Collagen.

This method of Laser is normally used for deeper and wider Stretch Marks and Scars as it targets deeper layers within your Dermis. These laser treatment creates controlled Fractionated “trauma”, stimulating regeneration of new tissue.  It also removes the outer layer of skin, leaving newer, smoother skin, scars and stretch marks.

Regardless of which method fits your specific  needs, our Fotona Laser technology significantly diminishes the appearance of scars and stretch marks.  

This Laser Technology may also be combined with other treatments, when needed, to provide safe and effective reduction in the appearance of both red (early-onset) and white (late-stage) stretch marks and scars.

A consultation is required to evaluate the skin and ultimately decide which treatment route will provide you with the best results.

Depending on the type and age of your stretch marks, a 20-60% improvement can be seen!

Keep in mind, treating stretch marks requires patience. Treatment improves the appearance of stretch marks, but they may not go away completely. Addressing your stretch marks when they first appear yields the best results. Older, deep stretch marks may be more challenging to treat.

A course of 3-4 treatments is recommended for best results.  This varies from patient to patient.

Microneedling

Microneedling is usually performed as an alternative when you are not a good candidate for our Laser options. Treatment stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers to create firmer skin. Most patients require between three and six treatments to achieve desired results.

Some patients see full, complete results within four to six months. But it may take longer. This varies from patient to patient.

This treatment is safe for ALL skin types and it offers little to no downtime. Side effects may include irritation, swelling and flaky skin.

Visit our MICRONEEDLING section for more info about this option.

After Laser Treatment, with new life brought into damaged tissue, tightening and natural pigmentation starts to return.

If the skin surrounding the stretch marks has good elasticity, fine, silvery white stretch marks are likely to disappear or blend better after 2 or 3 treatments. Pigment will begin to naturally return, the shiny silvery appearance of thin skin will disappear as the stretch marks thicken and tighten and blur into normal skin.

While Laser treatment firms stretch marks, if skin lacks elasticity or is loose, the rest of the skin might still look loose, and the stretch mark is less likely to blur away. In this cases combining / customizing your treatment would be suggested to tighten any loose skin; this can be carried out in the same session.

Medium and wide stretch marks are more challenging to treat and additional sessions may be required.  Keep in mind, every patient is different and results will vary.

A consultation is always required so we can evaluate the skin and discuss options and expectations with our patients.

1. Schedule your Laser Treatment at a time when healing time will not disrupt your social obligations. Each time you are treated, outcomes may vary.
2. Starting 1 to 2 weeks prior to treatment, increase water intake to 6-8 glasses per day. Staying hydrated increases the quality of skin healing process.
3. Avoid sun exposure for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. RECENTLY TANNED SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED! If treated within 2 weeks of active (natural sunlight or tanning booth) tanning, you may develop hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) or hypo-pigmentation (white spots) and this may not clear for 2-3 months or, in some cases, even longer.
4. The use of self-tanning skin care products must be discontinued 7-10 days before treatment. Any residual self-tanner must be removed prior to treatment.
5. Discuss any Medical conditions, specially if it affects your healing process or your immune system response, with your provider
6. Your provider may ask you to stop any topical medications or skin care products 3-5 days prior to treatment.
7. Over the Counter Medications: Avoid aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen and sun sensitizing medications for one week prior to your treatment. Inform your provider if you are taking blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or Ibuprofen.
8. Prescription Medications: Review prescription medications with your provider for potential sun or Laser sensitizing effects. If you are currently taking/using or have recently discontinue taking/using any photosensitizing medication, we might need to post-pone your treatment.
9. Accutane: Inform your provider if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past 6 months. Laser treatments are contraindicated within 6 months after the last dose of Accutane unless otherwise advised by your prescribing physician.
10. Supplements: Avoid fish oil, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other supplements one week before treatment.
11. Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for two days prior to treatment.
12. Arrive with the treatment area clean and free of makeup and/or lotions. Certain chemicals may interact with the laser light and increase the risk of possible side effects.
13. If you have had a history of perioral herpes simplex virus (Cold Sores), your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy when treating that area. Follow the directions for your particular medication.
14. If you are tanned or have a darker skin type, a lightening Prep. regimen may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment.
15. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding or you become pregnant during your course of treatment you will need to postpone your treatments.
16. Male patients treating face and neck, should be clean shaven before the treatment.
17. Wear comfortable loose clothing when treating any body areas.
18. Please shave the treatment area prior to your appointment.

1. The treatment area should be cared for delicately until healing is complete. Care should be taken to prevent additional trauma to the treated area for the first 7-10 days following treatment.
2. Avoid friction or trauma to the area treated. Refrain from Scrubs, exfolliators or beads/sponges, chemicals and medicated cleansers and lotions for 7-10 days.
3. You may experience burning or stinging sensation throughout the area(s) treated for up to 72 hours after treatment. A fan, ice pack, or cold compresses may help ease any minor discomfort after treatment.
4. Edema, redness and/or inflammation WILL occur and may peak within 24-72 hours. This is more likely to happen after a more invasive Laser procedure like our FracTAT, PlasmaLase or Fractional Laser. This is a normal inflammatory response.
5. Avoid the sun for 3-4 weeks after treatment or until your provider allows it to avoid discoloration. Use Sunblock (> 30 SPF) on a regular basis (re-apply every 2 hours if needed) and wear a hat to protect your skin.
6. Post treatment moist wound healing with soaks and topical ointment is recommended for at least 5-7 days and up to 7-10 days in some circumstances (depending on the treated area). Topical Post care is extremely important for your healing process. Follow this instructions rigorously, even if you think you don’t need it:- Facial / Neck Treatments: Avoid Medicated products. Using gentle cleansers for at least 7-10 days.Apply over the counter 1% Hydrocortisone cream combined with a gentle (but rich) moisturizer 2-3 times daily for 7 days. Your provider may recommend certain products according to your specific needs.- Body Treatments: Avoid Friction and/or trauma to the areas treated. For Intimate Areas this includes avoiding sexual intercourse for at least 72 hours. Wear comfortable clothing/underwear. You may shower normally. Use simple gentle soaps / cleansers without exfoliators or beads. Do not scrub. Apply over the counter 1% Hydrocortisone cream combined with Healing Ointment (like Aquaphor or plain Vaseline) 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days. Your provider may recommend certain products according to your specific needs.
7. For some Laser procedures, your provider may indicate the need to use Topical products as part of your post-treatment protocol. This will vary according to your specific needs and treatment provided. Instructions for the use of such medicated topicals will be provided during your visit. Our office staff is always available to answer any questions.
8. Avoid use of makeup during the first 72 hours post-treatment or as indicated by your provider.
9. Following treatment, excessive perspiration to the treated area may cause tissue disruption. Physical exercise (aerobics, yard work, sports activities) should be discontinued for 72 hours minimum to reduce the risk of friction/irritation, scarring, discoloration, inflammation/redness, infection and/or discomfort.
10. Avoid scratching or peeling any scabs or dry skin to minimize any scarring and preventing discoloration.
11. We recommend using fresh pillowcases and sheets during your 1st week of downtime. Avoid sleeping with pets (as recommended by your provider).
12. For Face treatments, to avoid excessive redness/inflammation, you may keep your head elevated by using two or more pillows when lying down (if needed).
13. Healing should take from 5 to 21 days, depending on the condition that was treated and how invasive and/or Resurfacing your Laser treatment is. Healing time and expected downtime will be discuss with you prior to each laser session, but please keep in mind that healing time will vary from patient to patient, be patient, give yourself time to recover.
14. You may experience itching after treatment. This is a normal part of the healing process and it will subside. 1% Hydrocortisone cream used as directed by your provider will help prevent discomfort. If Itching, irritation or discomfort persists you may always contact our office and we will provide you with additional care instructions.
15. Your skin may become dark, dry and peel. This is a normal part of the healing process. Avoid scratching or peeling any scabs or dry skin to minimize any scarring and preventing discoloration.
16. Multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results. Results and amount of treatments needed vary from one individual to another. After each session, always remember to book your follow-up appointment.
17. If any problems should occur after your treatment inform our office staff immediately after a reaction has occurred or within 24 hours of any side effects. If immediate care is needed, one of our Medical providers will evaluate you and necessary treatment will be provided. If you do not contact the office within 24 hours you will be held liable for any permanent changes that may occur. All treatments will be paused until all issues have been resolved. You will be reassessed before further treatments are provided.