Stretch Marks
Carmen Laronn, MD
Stretch marks are very common and create significant cosmetic skin problems. It’s reported that approximately 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females and 40% of adolescent males have stretch marks. They typically occur as a result of a rapid growth spurt or weight gain at puberty, from endocrine disorders, from pregnancy or from an excessive chronic use of steroids. Although frequently classified into two types, early (red) and mature (white), stretch marks are basically scars.
The effectiveness of the different treatments varies somewhat depending on several factors including the individuals’s skin type, the body site treated and the severity, type and age of the stretch marks. Recent results have been observed 6 to 12 months after treatment. These results may be further enhanced when other treatments that aid in collagen remodeling are included; such as mesotherapy. Laser therapy of stretch marks requires patience and continual improvement is observed 6 to 12 months after treatment.
At the Laronn Clinique for Laser and Skin Therapy we recommend 12 to 16 treatments that are split half and half for the superficial skin layer and for the deep skin layer at two week intervals. A combination of two lasers, mesotherapy, intense pulsed light phototherapy, microdermabrasion and home treatment plan will be used for your treatment series.
The superficial outer skin layer will be treated with intense pulsed light phototherapy after being prepared by microdermabrasion. This works on the fine lines by controlled exfoliation and in the capillary component with improvement of red-brown discoloration. The middle (meso) layer of the skin will be treated with mesotherapy that places essential components (collagen precursors, vitamins, regenerating compounds, etc.) in the target areas. The deep inner skin layer will be treated by long pulse YAG laser that stimulates collagen production with resultant changes in texture and firming of the skin. Thermefactional is the newest, integrated technology that achieves a 3 dimensional skin tightening and resurfacing. The ReLume pigment restoration system will improve the color of the stretch marks by stimulating melanin production and inducing growth of a thicker tighter skin. You will feel a slight tingling, warm sensation during your treatment. Mild soreness for several days may follow the mesotherapy sessions. Anesthesia is not typically needed. You will start noticing changes in your condition by the 3rd–4th treatment with best results being obtained in 12–16 treatments.
Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older, deeper ones and red ones do better then white. The results vary from patient to patient and may not be immediate. The treatment is progressive and you may experience some mild redness and flakiness lasting 2–3 days. The treatment may last between 30 min. to 60 min. and cost $150–$550, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Treatments
TiteFX
Non-Invasive RF Body Shaping & Contouring The TiteFX body contouring procedure provides the next generation of non-invasive lipolysis. Through the permanent apoptosis (destruction) of adipocytes, TiteFX provides long lasting results for an improved and smoother body contour. Read More About TiteFX.
Fractora Firm Face & Body
An unprecedented skin treatment that allows physicians to precisely provide optimal skin contraction temperatures in a manner no other RF technology can. ACE (Achieve, Control, Extend) is built to Achieve physician programmed optimal temperatures, Control the thermal profile and the Extend to maintain the temperature for a prolonged thermal experience, all without concerns of over heating. Finally, an RF technology with built in safeguards that overcome limitations of existing skin tightening devices and eliminate the need of external infrared thermometers. Read More About Fractora Firm Face & Body.
RF Fractional Fractora
Fractora is the most advanced fractional bipolar radio-frequency treatment providing anti-aging improvements on skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance through ablation and skin resurfacing. Read More About RF Fractional Fractora.
Fractional Resurfacing
Facial laser resurfacing has become a popular option for patients seeking to enhance the appearance of their skin. Unlike traditional laser peels, where effective results are associated with long periods of downtime, fractional technology, offers a short-downtime solution for treating wrinkles, scars, pigment, and toned and texture of the skin. Read More About Fractional Resurfacing.
Cosmetic Repigmentation
The Relume laser is a patented system specifically designed for targeted repigmentation phototherapy of leukoderma. Leukoderma is a condition where skin loses its normal pigmentation as a complication of injury from trauma, surgery, laser therapy, burns, stretch marks, autoimmune disease, or chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis. Read More About Cosmetic Repigmentation.
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