Small tears can occur in the skin structure when the skin expands due to weight gain or pregnancy. When the skin contracts after childbirth or weight loss, those tears can be visible on the skin. Stretch marks are common – they can occur whenever the body grows larger quickly, even with muscle expansion. If you have stretch marks that you would like to improve cosmetically, there are non-surgical treatments to fade these scars. At pēkomd® cosmetic surgery and rejuvenation center, we offer stretch mark reduction treatment at our clinic in Toledo, OH.
Stretch marks occur when small rips are made in the dermis from the skin expanding quickly. Pregnancy, growth spurts, muscle growth, and weight gain are common causes of stretch marks. When they occur, this type of skin damage will result in darker lines – usually red, brown, or pink- and a skin texture change. Over time, the red-discolored lines can fade to a white scar on the skin.
Some topical skin treatments can help prevent stretch marks from occurring, but topical treatments are rarely successful at improving these skin imperfections once they occur. Laser therapy or surgical excision is the best solution for the treatment of stretch marks.
Laser Treatments for Stretch Marks
The only way to remove stretch marks completely is with surgical excision. Many women with stretch marks from pregnancy can have the stretched skin removed with a tummy tuck, which flattens the stomach while removing the excess skin. However, not everyone needs surgery to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Laser treatment can be very effective at fading stretch marks. CO2 laser treatments can stimulate collagen and repair stretch marks, improving the tone and texture of the skin. These treatments can also enhance the skin’s top layer to fade the stretch marks’ color. Other non-surgical treatments include microneedling, plasma radiofrequency, or intense pulse light therapy, which can also increase collagen in the skin and improve scar discoloration.
If you are interested in stretch mark reduction or removal, come see us at pēkomd®. We offer non-surgical treatments to fade stretch marks and surgical removal options like tummy tucks. Contact our cosmetic surgery and rejuvenation center in Toledo, OH, to schedule your skin consultation.
