Laser surgery for stretch marks is a popular treatment option chosen by patients who have grown tired of having marks on their skin. Investing in surgery is not a small step, so it helps to learn a little more about the process. There are many reasons why stretch marks can appear on the body. Stretch marks appear due to skin being stretched beyond its limits, which in turn causes the skin to lose its elasticity. Significant hormonal changes also can cause stretch marks to form. One can notice stretch marks appearing as reddish or purple strips, which are caused by the tissues bleeding when torn. When the dermis stretches beyond its limits, the epidermis will also stretch and become translucent which in turn causes red or purple scars.

Laser Surgery Overview

Laser surgery involves the use of a laser beam which removes thin layers of skin where stretch marks are formed. A topical ointment is first applied to the skin before the stretch marks are exposed to the laser beam. As opposed to other surgical procedures, use of the laser in this manner does not involve burning or cutting the skin, as an excimer type laser is used for getting rid of stretch marks.

One type of laser used in stretch mark removal treatments is a fractional laser. Using this can help trigger your skin to rebuild collagen by sending heat into deep layers of the skin. By restoring collagen near the stretch mark, the tear becomes smaller and the appearance of marks on the skin can become diminished quite a bit.

Details of Laser Stretch Mark Removal

In normal circumstances a person having stretch marks removed will have around eight to ten appointments. However, this number can vary depending on skin type, skin pigmentation, and the severity of the stretch marks. Once the laser treatments are completed the area affected is healed and new skin will grow in the places that were affected by stretch marks. For at least a while after treatment, there will be scarring and redness where the stria was treated. In general, the appearance of the skin will continue to improve for three to six months after laser surgery takes place.

After Laser Surgery for Stretch Marks

Those that opt for laser stretch mark removal need to take care of their skin for some time after the procedure has been completed. For instance, you should not expose the skin to direct sunlight. When having laser surgery, make sure the procedure is carried out by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Bear in mind that the result from laser is not 100% guaranteed although the success rate is high. You will want to consult with your doctor who can let you know what you should expect from the treatment you receive.

When trying to find a practitioner who performs laser surgery for stretch marks, be sure to find one that you can trust. You want to be under the care of someone who is knowledgeable but also will make you comfortable during your appointments and treatment sessions. It usually is best to find someone who is willing to answer your questions and is up-front about how much the laser surgery will cost and how many sessions you will need. Invest a little time and look into a wide range of options before settling on one specific doctor. This will help you get the most out of your stretch mark removal experience.