SCARS & STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks…the bane of most women’s lives after pregnancy, also affect both men and women as a result of rapid weight gain or even from weightlifting. Scars and stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of skin, is damaged or stretched causing its elasticity begins to break down. Microscopic bleeding occurs along with tissue inflammation which give us the raised, reddish-purple look of newly formed stretch marks. As these marks heal, scars form. Over time the marks fade to a silvery-white color that is a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. The lighter color occurs because during the overstretching of the dermis, natural collagen production gets disrupted. The Pixel Perfect Erbium Laser can improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks by resurfacing your skin to help the damaged tissue blend in with the healthy skin surrounding it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- The Pixel Perfect Erbium Laser is a beam of light that is passed on the scar or stretch mark.
- The targeted energy of the laser can lessen the depth of the scars and stretch marks by stimulating cells to produce new collagen and elastin in the deeper layer of skin where these scars are formed.
- Immediately following laser scar or stretch mark removal, the affected area may be red and tender since layers of scarred skin have been removed and new skin is being grown
BENEFITS
- Healthier, younger-looking skin without scarring
- Quick – treatments are generally less than 30 minutes (depending on area to be treated)
- Laser scar or stretch mark removal is effective with a high rate of patient satisfaction
- The treatment is safe
- Laser treatment is non-invasive and costs less than a tummy tuck which requires recovery time and has the potential for complications
THINGS TO KNOW
- Stretch marks that are red in color are the most responsive to laser therapy although white stretch marks will also be improved with treatment. A series of treatment sessions is recommended to achieve optimal results.
- For most patients, a touch-up treatment after 6-12 months helps maintain the healthy skin.
- Skin may be flushed and red after the treatment – similar to a sunburn. This is normal and part of the healing process; cold packs may be used to ease temporary discomfort.
- Plan on 2 days of downtime.
- Avoid aerobic exercise and hot baths for 48 hours; quick showers are recommended.
- Sun exposure should be avoided for at least 3 weeks before and after this treatment; always wear sun protection cream with an SPF of at least 30.
- Lasers induce collagen growth and remodeling which improves the appearance of the skin.