Stretch marks are among the many side effects of rapid weight loss or weight gain, and typically appear on the skin of women who are pregnant. Once stretch marks appear on the skin, they are permanent. While some natural oils, creams and emollient-rich moisturizers can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, none of these treatments will help get rid of stretch marks completely.
However, there are other options.
Skin tightening treatments work by increasing collagen production so that the skin itself appears firmer, softer and more toned. The skin cells under the stretch marks regenerate rapidly after a heated laser treatment, and this process can make stretch marks virtually disappear. There are several options available in skin tightening treatments for stretch mark removal.
Thermage for Stretch Marks
The
Thermage skin tightening procedure has been used to treat everything from cellulite to sagging skin, and may also help to reduce the effect of stretch marks. This procedure involves passing a handheld device over the skin to deliver heat energy deep into the dermal layer. This effect tightens the skin at its deepest levels, and helps stimulate collagen production. Patients that undergo the Thermage procedure typically don’t see results right away, but do see significant results after a few weeks.
Deep FX Fractional C02 Laser for Stretch Mark Removal
The Deep FX fractional C02 laser is another option for treating stretch marks, especially for stretch marks that have been on the skin for a long period of time. This procedure is typically administered to correct deep wrinkles and scars, and makes use of UltraPulse technology to deliver C02 waves of energy deep into the skin’s layers. The procedure promises little risk of burning and injury to the surrounding tissues, and results can be seen within a few days.
Accent XL as a Stretch Mark Treatment
The
Accent XL laser is another option for women and men dealing with stretch marks. This laser treatment tightens the skin by delivering radiofrequency waves deep into the dermal tissues. The procedure is often used as a cellulite reduction method, but some doctors have noticed positive results when using the laser as a stretch mark treatment.
Titan Skin Tightening for Stretch Marks
Another increasingly popular skin tightening procedure that helps diminish lines and wrinkles is the
Titan skin tightening treatment. Titan is and advanced laser that helps to stimulate collagen production within a few days, and a series of these treatments may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks while leaving the skin looking firm, smooth and toned.
The skin aftercare process from skin tightening may include applying Vitamin E-based creams and treatments to the skin to promote healing. However, the aftercare treatment plan will vary depending on the type of laser that was used to get rid of the stretch marks.
Learn more about
stretch mark treatments in our information guide, or consult with a
cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out which skin tightening treatments are most appropriate for your skin type.
Published: 09/11/2009, Last Updated: 09/11/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.