Sporting stretch marks, you likely know the various stages of these skin striations. The newest stretch marks are usually red to purplish in color while the older ones are pink to white or silvery. Many medical experts say it is easier to treat the newer stretch marks as they are more susceptible to the ingredients in the various lotions or stretch mark creams. The same principle applies to medical procedures like laser treatments.

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

The production of collagen in the skin is promoted by laser treatments, stimulating new skin cell growth and the reduction of striations. While stretch marks are formed in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis, laser treatments can still have quite an impact on them, even if they really target the outer layer of the skin.

Unless you have cosmetic surgery to remove the stretch marks, you will not likely be able to totally eradicate them. However, many people are willing to try laser treatments to greatly reduce the appearance of these unsightly marks and consider it money well spent.

Stretch Mark Laser Treatment Options

The dark red or purplish color of stretch marks is caused by blood vessel swelling and inflammation. With a laser treatment called the V-Beam, this procedure targets affected areas to boost the production of collagen as well as new skin cells. It may take a few treatments – as many as six to eight – to see optimal results.

Older stretch marks that are fading to pink, white or silvery colors may benefit from Fraxel, a type of laser treatment which uses a fractionated laser. This procedure scatters the laser beam into tiny pieces in a lattice-like pattern and serves to blur the boundaries of the stretch marks, minimizing their distinctness. Deep, wrinkly stretch marks treated by the fractionated laser procedure show remarkable improvement within a few sessions.

Laser Treatment Costs

The price of laser treatment for stretch marks has always been a bit cost prohibitive and insurance usually does not cover the elective procedure. However, thanks to better technology and accessibility, the laser option is becoming more affordable. If self-consciousness and embarrassment over your stretch marks plague you, perhaps it is time to look into laser treatment. Doctors these days even have payment plans to make this stretch mark treatment affordable. If you’re not ready for laser treatment, you can definitely get some help from effective stretch mark creams.