Cellulite, Stretch Mark and Scars

Stretch marks are very common and create significant cosmetic skin problems. It's reported that approximately 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females and 40% of adolescent males have stretch marks.

They typically occur as a result of a rapid growth spurt or weight gain at puberty, from endocrine disorders, from pregnancy or from an excessive chronic use of steriods. Although frequently classified into two types, early (red) and mature (white), stretch marks are basically scars.

The effectiveness of the different treatments varies somewhat depending on several factors including the individuals's skin type, the body site treated and the severity, type and age of the stretch marks. Recent results have been observed 6 to 12 months after treatment.

These results may be further enhanced when other treaments that aid in collagen remodeling are included; such as mesotherapy. Laser therapy of stretch marks requires patience and continual improvement is observed 6 to 12 months after treatment.

At the Laronn Clinique for Laser and Skin Therapy we recommend 12 to 16 treatments that are split half and half for the superficial skin layer and for the deep skin layer at two week intervals. A combination of two lasers, mesotherapy, intense pulsed light phototherapy, microdermabrasion and home treatment plan will be used for your treatment series.

The superficial outer skin layer will be treated with intense pulsed light phototherapy after being prepared by microdermabrasion. This works on the fine lines by controlled exfoliation and in the capillary component with improvement of red-brown discoloration. The middle (meso) layer of the skin will be treated with mesotherapy that places essential components (collagen precursors, vitamins, regenerating compounds, etc.) in the target areas. The deep inner skin layer will be treated by long pulse YAG laser that stimulates collagen production with resultant changes in texture and firming of the skin. Thermefactional is the newest, integrated technology that achieves a 3 dimensional skin tightening and resurfacing. The ReLume pigment restoration system will improve the color of the stretch marks by stimulating melanin production and inducing growth of a thicker tighter skin.

You will feel a slight tingling, warm sensation during your treatment. Mild soreness for several days may follow the mesotherapy sessions. Anesthesia is not typically needed. You will start noticing changes in your condition by the 3rd - 4th treatment with best results being obtained in 12-16 treatments.

Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older, deeper ones and red ones do better then white. The results vary from patient to patient and may not be immediate. The treatment is progressive and you may experience some mild redness and flakiness lasting 2-3 days. The treatment may last between 30 min. to 60 min. and cost $150 - $550, depending on the size of the area being treated.