 Normal,
healthy skin is made up of collagen
and elastin. These two components
create a net-like system that
allows the skin to stretch and
then return to its original shape.
If the elastin or collagen in
the skin becomes damaged, the
result is stretch marks (striae
distensae).
Stretch marks are caused by changes
in weight and/or muscle mass.
Skin tension changes, such as
induced by weight lifting or pregnancy,
and hormonal mechanisms also play
a role in stretch mark development.
Treatments such as microdermabrasion
and chemical peels minimally impact
the appearance of stretch marks.
Traditional surgery is not typically
recommended, as there is the potential
for having an even more disfiguring
surgical scar after the procedure.
Stretch marks can be successfully
improved; laser treatments are
the best option for reducing their
overall appearance. If the marks
are red in color, our 595nm Pulse
Dye laser can reduce the redness
and encourage new collagen and
elastin production, thus allowing
the skin to look more natural.
If the marks are white in color,
our fractional CO2 laser (Lumenis
FX) is showing remarkable strides
in treatment of this heretofore
untreatable condition.
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