Stretch Marks: Treatment Improvements

Stretch marks can be quite disturbing to those afflicted. The causes of stretch marks are not completely understood. While they can affect both sexes, they tend to be more frequent and more disturbing in women. Rapid growth of an area, which can occur in both males and females during puberty, plays a role. Repeated stretching of an area as in some dancing and acrobatics can also contribute. In many women, pregnancy results in stretch marks that at times can be disfiguring.

When stretch marks initially occur, they are red and often slightly elevated, but with time the redness fades and lighter colored atrophic skin with fine wrinkles replaces the red.

The red discoloration can be improved with treatments that target red skin color. These are primarily the intense pulsed light (IPL) and the pulsed dye laser (PDL). Both of these devices are effective in decreasing the redness, but the advantage of doing this is not clear cut. The red streaks will disappear more quickly, but this is something that will occur on its own, although more slowly. There is no evidence that treating the red color will improve the long term appearance of the stretch marks. However, there are some studies that suggest that treating young (red) stretch marks with tretinoin (Retin A) will result in smaller and better looking stretch marks.

A variety of lasers have been used to treat stretch marks but, in a review of the treatments for stretch marks in the April 2009 issue of the journal "Dermatologic Surgery", the authors concluded that the most promising treatment for pale stretch marks seems to be the Fraxel erbium glass laser (Fraxel Restore). There have been a number or reports of improvement in pale stretch marks after treatment with this device. This type od stretch mark has been the most difficult to treat. It is important to understand that the operative term is "improvement". Anyone who expects laser, or any other treatment, to completely eliminate all signs of stretch marks will be sorely disappointed.

Gerald N. Bock MD

California Skin & Laser Center

Stockton & Lodi, CA

Comments

[Chicago liposuction]

Both of the given devices are effective in decreasing the redness, but the advantage of doing this is not clear cut. The red streaks will disappear more quickly, but this is something that will occur on its own, although more slowly.Yes,I know that Stretch marks are not good to see but after some sort of stretching the body or during period of pregnancy ,it occurs.Anyone who expects laser, or any other treatment, to completely eliminate all signs of stretch marks will be sorely disappointed.

[Karina - Sydney 4 Women]

Thank you for the info, at least now there is a bit of hope for Stretch Marks. All what I have read before didn't really offer hope for women about this :)

[renamer]

Very impressive post. Incredibly informative. Thanks for sharing.