Stretch Marks

Stretch marks or Striae are a common disfiguring problem.

Good results are obtained with stretch marks as long as they are treated within a reasonable length of time (less than 12 months). The fresher they are the better results are obtained.

We use the Fraxel laser to resurface and Restore the skin where the stretch mark was. This gives a nice improvement in colour texture and profile of the stretch mark.

Stretch Marks first appear as reddish or purple lines, but tend to gradually fade to a lighter color. The affected areas appear empty and soft to the touch.

Human skin has three different layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape. No stretch marks will form as long as there is support within the dermis. Stretching plays more of a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body. They are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly-button), breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body’s ability to function normally and repair itself.

Fraxel laser resurfacing, offers a new approach to treating stretch marks. Using scattered pulses of light only a fraction of the scar is zapped by the laser over the course of a treatment. This creates microscopic wounds, that encourage the dermis to heal. Because the wounds are microscopic, there is little discomfort and redness and no downtime required.