Stretch marks (striae distensae, pronounced striee distensee) are one of the most cosmetically unappealing and difficult conditions to treat. They begin as red, raised lines on abdomen, thigh, back, and breast. They most often appear during pregnancy, but can be seen in teens when they experience growth spurts. They can be asymptomatic or itch and burn. Some improvement can be gained with topical therapies alone, but results vary from person to person. The advent of lasers has opened up a whole new area of treatment options for this skin condition. Lasers are the first therapy to effectively change the appearance of stretch marks and scars without damaging the overlying skin.

The Pulse Dye Laser - How does it work?

The pulse dye laser (V-Beam, ScleroPlus, others) improve stretch marks by targeting both the blood vessels that supply blood to the skin of the stretch mark as well as increasing collagen and elastin, the building blocks of your skin. This will thicken the areas and can greatly improve their appearance. Young stretch marks are usually red and itchy and respond best to the pulse dye laser. The earlier they are treated, the better they will do. Multiple sessions are needed to achieve maximal change. The procedure takes time to work, and improvement is gradual. We allow up to two months between treatments to see how well you are doing. This interval may be changed, depending on your results.

Is there pain with Pulse Dye Laser Treatment of Stretch Marks?

The sensation of the laser has been compared to the sting of a rubber band snapping the skin. A topical anesthetic cream will be prescribed to numb the area before the procedure. There will be bright bruise-like marks at every spot where the laser light is applied. This bruising is temporary and will fade over the next two to three weeks. There may be pinpoint bleeding or crusting after the procedure. This will resolve before your next visit.

The XTRAC Laser - How does it work?

Older stretch marks show both whitening of the skin (hypopigmentation) and thinning of the skin (atrophy). Although there is no treatment for the atrophy, the XTRAC Laser, a new and innovative treatment technique used for psoriasis and vitiligo, has recently been developed for the treatment of the white skin associated with stretch marks. The laser emits short powerful pulses of ultraviolet light that stimulate the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) to make melanin. The melanin results in a darkening of the white stretch marks and brings the stretch mark skin closer to the natural color of the surrounding skin. By decreasing the whiteness of the stretch marks and making the skin color more normal, the stretch marks become much less noticeable. A series of 10 sessions at biweekly intervals is necessary to achieve greatest change. A maintenance session will be required to maintain color, and is usually done every 2-3 months.

Is there pain With XTRAC Laser Treatment of Stretch Marks?

There is no pain from the procedure. The most the patient feels is a slightly warm sensation. Over the first 24-48 hours, the skin in the treated area may turn a light pink as with mild sunburn. The skin will then gradually darken after multiple treatments. There is no bleeding and no open wound so band-aids and other dressings are not needed.

Pre-laser and ongoing treatment of your stretch marks with the STRY-E Pak is recommended beginning at least one month before your laser session. This combination therapy will help prime the skin and promote greater collagen formation. If you have questions, please call the office to schedule a consultation with the doctor, or speak to your nurse.

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