As a result of pregnancy, weight gain, growth spurts, or sometimes without any reason whatsoever, some people will develop stretch marks. Depending on their appearance, several different lasers can be employed. The most common lasers that we use for stretch marks are the Pulsed Dye laser and the Fractional CO2 laser. Patients are typically treated for stretch marks on a monthly basis as the marks gradually diminish.

Pulsed Dye Laser

The most common laser used for reddish stretch marks is the V-Beam Pulsed Dye laser. This laser emits a yellow light that is picked up by red vessels in the underlying stretch marks. It heats up the vessels and reduces redness. There is no downtime other than occasional bruising.

Fractional CO2 Laser

For whitish stretch marks that have a texture at their surface, the Fractional CO2 laser is the treatment of choice. It removes microscopic columns of skin in the affected areas, which causes the skin to shrink and tightens out the texture irregularity. Collagen and elastin are also deposited by natural repair mechanisms in the skin that get to work after laser treatment, thickening the skin’s surface to improve its appearance.