Laser stretch mark removal involves the removal of striae, or stretch marks using laser resurfacing. It works by eliminating the outer skin layer to help restructure the overlying skin.
In this procedure, beams of light are delivered in concentrated amounts to promote new growth. It cannot eliminate stretch marks entirely, but laser removal may help make the striae smoother, thereby softening their appearance.
There are two types of lasers that are used for skin resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers, such as CO2, and Erbium YAG, treat stretch marks by destructing the topmost skin layer. The newly produced skin tissues will be smoother in appearance and texture.
Non-ablative lasers, such as Fraxel, do not decimate the uppermost skin layer. Rather, they target the underlying regions of the skin’s surface to encourage collagen growth from within.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides laser skin rejuvenation treatments to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.
Laser Treatment Time and Recovery
Fortunately, each procedure is relatively fast in terms of time taken. Ablative lasers can take around an hour and a half. On the other hand, non-ablative treatments can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
Laser therapy is considered to be a non-invasive treatment. This means that no surgical incisions are involved in the procedure. For this reason, the recovery is much shorter in comparison to traditional surgery. Still, the patient should at the very least plan to take time off on the day of their treatment.
The total time taken to complete the procedure may range between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the type of laser used. This excludes the time spent on filling out paperwork and preparation time prior to the procedure.
The patient may notice that their skin is slightly red or pink after each treatment session. This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks. Ablative lasers are most effective in the treatment of striae.
However, they also have the most side-effects due to their aggressive nature. These side-effects include mild discomfort and raw skin. The skin will also scab over prior to revealing new tissues around the stretch marks.
Some individuals choose to take several days off work after the procedure, depending on the treatment area and the type of laser used.
It may be several months before the full outcomes are apparent, especially in the case of non-ablative lasers.
How long do the results last?
In general, laser specialists say that skin resurfacing treatments for stretch mark removal can sustain for years. However, this is contingent on how well the patient takes care of their skin.
At times, stretch marks only require one ablative laser treatment. But non-ablative treatments are not as vigorous. According to ASAPS estimates, the patient will require, on average, between one and six non-ablative treatments.
The cost of each treatment will usually be the same as the initial session. However, the provider may offer rebates for multiple sessions. The patient will need to wait three to four weeks between every session.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that after the skin has fully healed and the final session is complete, the results may last for years. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other suburbs and towns in this part of California.
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579