Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks: Restore Your Skin's Beauty with IPL Technology
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are widespread scars on the skin at different times in life. Rapid weight gain, pregnancy, and growth spurts are events that can cause the formation of stretch marks. Initially, they are purplish and then turn white over time. Although not severe, stretch marks often lead to personal physical insecurities.
They are areas of the skin where the deep dermis, located between the epidermis and hypodermis, has spontaneously torn. Stretch marks appear as small strips of skin, 1 to 10 mm wide, that can be several centimeters long. They primarily affect the abdomen, thighs, and breasts.
Today, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate stretch marks using laser treatments such as Fraxel laser or CO2 laser, which intensely stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and color in depth.
At Turó Park Aesthetic, our medical team is equipped with the latest generation Nordlys™ laser, which can treat 21 different conditions, including stretch marks, thanks to its Frax 1550 applicator, as well as the SmartXide2 CO2 laser, ideal for more severe cases that require deeper skin regeneration.
What you should know about treatment
- Treatment duration: 30 minutes
- Recovery: 2 - 3 weeks
- Visible Results: 2 - 3 days
- Effects: Long-lasting
- Anesthesia: Possibly EMLA cream
- Price From: €400
IPL and Fraxel Laser Treatments: When to Use Each?
When stretch marks are red, intense pulsed light (IPL) effectively reduces redness and halts some of the inflammation.
Although complete disappearance is challenging, the Fraxel laser provides excellent results for white stretch marks. This non-invasive fractional laser works on the cells beneath the surface to repair the skin from within and induces collagen growth, improving its appearance.
During a laser or IPL session, the doctor may recommend an anesthetic cream, which should be applied every 15 minutes, an hour before the treatment. Generally, the session lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the method used (laser or pulsed light).
Laser treatments for stretch marks: Which one to choose depending on the type of stretch mark?
El tratamiento con láser varía según el tipo y la fase de las estrías. Cuando las estrías son rojas, la intense pulsed light (IPL) It is very effective in reducing redness and stopping some of the inflammation. However, if the stretch marks are white or old, more intensive treatments such as FRAX laser or CO2 laser. Both act deeply, stimulating collagen production and visibly improving skin texture and appearance, although the complete disappearance of stretch marks is not always possible.
The Fraxel laser is a non-invasive fractional treatment that works beneath the skin’s surface to repair the skin from within. The fractional CO2 laser, on the other hand, is more aggressive and is used when more dramatic results are desired.
In all cases, the doctor may recommend the use of an anesthetic cream, which should be applied every 15 minutes during the hour prior to the session for greater comfort. The duration of the treatment varies between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the method used and the size of the area to be treated. The results are usually progressive and visible after a few weeks.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are usually due to the rapid stretching of the skin, especially during:
- Growth spurts during puberty
- Significant and sudden weight loss or gain
- Pregnancy
- Significant muscle mass increase.
Stretch marks can also be a symptom of a pathology such as Cushing’s syndrome, due to an excess of cortisol-type hormones in the body.
What Other Treatments Are Available for Stretch Marks?
Helps remove the outer layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Involves using micro-needles combined with hyaluronic acid.
Heats the deep layers of the skin to promote collagen production.
During the first consultation, our specialist will advise on the best methods to consider based on the type of stretch marks and the condition of your skin. This initial appointment also allows for determining the number of sessions needed to achieve your desired results.
At Turó Park Aesthetic, we are committed to your well-being before, during, and after the procedure, ensuring professionalism not only in the treatment but also on the road to recovery.
What do our patients say?
Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Mark Treatment
The treatment can be somewhat uncomfortable, so we recommend using an anesthetic cream. After the treatment, you might feel a sensation similar to a mild sunburn on your skin for a few hours.
If there is an excess of skin along with stretch marks, for example, due to rapid weight loss, a dermolipectomy may be considered. The plastic surgeon can remove the excess skin with stretch marks and re-drape the healthy skin.
On average, 3 to 7 sessions are necessary to achieve optimal results, with a month’s interval between each session. However, the exact number of sessions will be determined by the doctor based on your specific circumstances.