Laser Treatments for Stretch Marks

A person develops stretch marks when her skin rapidly expands due to weight gain. Stretch marks can become a cosmetic challenge for some individuals. If you are one of those who feel cosmetically challenged, there are options out there that can assist you with the removal and minimization of the stretch marks. One of the methods that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 was laser stretch mark removal. As with any medical procedure, it is wise to gain knowledge about the procedures before determining whether it is best for you or someone that you love.

How is Laser Treatment Done

An excimer laser exudes a small ray of ultraviolet light to the areas that the stretch marks are located. As the light hits the stretch marks, the energy from the excimer laser is absorbed into the skin to stimulate new collagen growth. As the new collagen grows it fills in the stretch-marked area, thereby reducing the appearance of the stretch marks.

Traditional Treatment

Traditional stretch-mark treatment incorporates the usage of creams and gels. The creams and gels, like the eximer laser, also encourage new collagen growth to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Laser Versus Traditional Treatment

The traditional method is less invasive and not as expensive as the laser method. It can take about three weeks before seeing results with the creams and gels. With the laser stretch-mark removal, the results are progressive. By the third treatment, you should see noticeable results. However, it can take about 10 laser treatments before stretch marks are completely gone. Depending on the severity of the stretch marks, they may not be completely gone after 10 treatments, but will be noticeably minimized. With the traditional method, there is no recovery time needed. With the laser method, you will likely experience redness and tenderness of the treated area. A few days of blistering have also been occasionally reported. Healing from the laser treatment can take a few days. But depending on the severity of your treatment, it can can take as long as several weeks.

Finding a Specialist

Anyone interested in having laser removal of their stretch marks should contact a licensed cosmetic dermatologist (see Resources).

Laser Treatment Costs

The cost to remove stretch marks via laser treatment can become quite expensive. The national average for the price of laser stretch-mark removal ranges from $300 to $2,500. The prices are dependent upon your treatment procedures. Of course, the more treatments you require, the more expensive the cost. Websites such as Cosmetic Surgery Financing provide individuals with financing to have the cosmetic surgery done.

Resources

• Cosmetic Dermatologist Locations
• Cosmetic Surgery Financing