Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are a common skin condition where scars or long marks develop when your skin stretches. This can occur from rapid weight gain, muscle growth, pregnancy, breast augmentation, or medical conditions.
Although stretch marks are physically harmless, some people prefer to have them removed or minimized for appearance reasons. One way to do that is through laser therapy.
Your dermatologist (medical doctor specializing in skin conditions) may have several options for treating stretch marks with laser therapy. Talk to them about which type of laser they will use, as well as the potential side effects and complications. Depending on your skin color and skin type, one type of laser may be more well-suited than another.
Here is an overview of the commonly used lasers:
- Fractional CO2 laser: This laser is used to promote collagen production and improve the texture of stretch marks.
- Pulsed dye laser: This laser is used to treat newer stretch marks that are still red and inflamed. It reduces redness and may keep the stretch marks from progressing.
- KTP laser: While this laser is often used for acne and capillary malformations (red birthmark patches), it may also improve stretch marks, particularly those that are red or purple. To diminish the color, it targets blood vessels in newer stretch marks, helping reduce the appearance.
- Erbium laser: This laser is primarily used for the face. However, when used on stretch marks, it may pose less risk for hyperpigmentation (darkened skin patches), especially on darker skin tones.
- Erbium glass laser: Although more research is needed, this laser shows promise in treating stretch marks that are older (up to 40 years). Researchers found that 50% of people treated with this laser showed improvement in stretch mark appearance after six months or more.
- Picosecond laser: With this laser, researchers have found that more than 90% of people showed improvement in older stretch marks after six months. It may especially help reduce the color or dark tones of stretch marks. However, more studies are needed to determine if this is a viable option for people with older stretch marks.
Laser light therapy is a non-invasive procedure designed to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. However, it’s not 100% effective and may not remove every stretch mark. It is also possible you may need multiple treatments to get the results you want.
A dermatologist can discuss the procedure with you, including the type of results to expect, the associated risks, and the recovery process. Because everyone is different, you may not have the same experience as someone else, especially if you have underlying conditions or other medical concerns.
Once you are approved for laser therapy, your dermatologist will give you instructions to follow before the procedure. These may include:
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and waxing two weeks before the procedure.
- Refrain from getting chemical peels or collagen injections two weeks before the procedure.
- Do not apply perfumes, deodorants, or other possible irritants before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor if you should stop the use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements prior to the procedure due to the risk of bleeding.
It is important to anticipate the impact of laser treatment on your skin. Laser therapy works by physically changing your skin. Your dermatologist will use a laser to carefully wound your skin in order to encourage the production of collagen and the growth of new cells. This means your skin will be tender and needs time to heal after the treatment.
Just like with any other skin injury, your skin will need extra care afterward. It may be red and tender for about eight hours after the procedure. You may also notice some swelling and stinging that will go away in about four to six hours.
Your dermatologist will likely provide aftercare instructions that may include:
- Use cool packs and moist cloths to alleviate stinging and swelling
- Apply a gentle moisturizer to the area twice a day
- Avoid irritants like makeup for at least 24 hours or until redness is gone
- Stay out of the sun while your skin heals
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and contact them immediately if you experience pain, severe side effects, or signs of infection.
Getting laser treatment for stretch marks is generally safe, but like any procedure, there are some risks. To minimize these risks, it’s important to only receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist who is skilled in laser therapy.
You should also have a thorough conversation with the dermatologist about what to expect. Stretch marks may need additional laser treatments, and in some cases, stretch marks will remain visible despite several treatments.
Here are some other things to be aware of with this procedure:
- Discomfort and redness: During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort, especially as the laser heats your skin. Some people report a warming or light burning sensation and may see some redness on the skin afterwards.
- Swelling: You may also have some minor swelling. This usually resolves within a few days with proper care.
- Skin discoloration: Changes in your skin’s pigmentation is another potential risk with laser therapy. This means you may develop light or dark spots in response to the lasers. Talk to your dermatologist about your risk for hypopigmentation (light spots) and hyperpigmentation, and whether or not these changes could be permanent.
- Scarring: Although rare, there is a risk of scarring with laser therapy, especially if the laser is not used properly and damages the deeper layers of your skin. If this happens, you may notice changes in the texture of your skin.
- Infections: As with any procedure on the skin, it is possible to develop an infection. Usually, this can be avoided if you follow instructions and keep the area clean.
Stretch marks, or striae distensae, are a common skin condition in which your skin develops marks from stretching. They often occur after changes in your weight or muscle size. While stretch marks are usually harmless, some people dislike how they look.
Laser therapy can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks. This non-invasive procedure is relatively safe with minimal recovery time. You may experience some mild irritation, redness, and swelling after the procedure. Follow your dermatologist’s recommendations for aftercare to avoid complications.
