Laser Stretch Mark Removal – Procedure, Recovery, Results, Risks, and Benefits
Laser Stretch Mark Removal
A recent advance in the treatment of stretch marks, laser stretch mark removal produces excellent results for most patients, giving them younger, healthier looking skin without scarring. In 2002, a technique employing an excimer laser similar to that used in LASIK eye surgery was approved by the FDA. Laser stretch mark removal is now available at a number of cosmetic surgery practices. It is designed to treat stretch marks and other skin blemishes by removing layers of scarred skin.
The Laser Stretch Mark Removal Procedure
During a laser stretch mark removal procedure, a beam of light removes thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. The excimer laser is uniquely effective for this procedure. Instead of burning or cutting the affected skin areas like other lasers, it uses high-energy ultraviolet laser light to disrupt the molecular bonds in the skin tissue, which causes the tissue to disintegrate in a process known as ablation. Once laser stretch mark removal is complete, the treated area will heal quickly, and new layers of healthy skin will form. Stretch marks will have disappeared, and a renewed, healthy appearance will result.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal Recovery
Immediately following laser stretch mark removal, the affected area will be red and tender. This is because layers of scarred skin have been removed and new skin is being grown. Occasionally blistering and other symptoms typical of a burn injury may be present, but these are temporary. Most patients heal from a treatment within a few days, but healing has been known to take as long as a few weeks in certain cases, particularly those requiring more extensive therapy.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal Results
Laser stretch mark removal is highly effective in most cases. As with any other technique, success is dependent on the prevalence and age of the stretch marks in question – older and more serious stretch marks are more difficult to treat. Patients often require as many as 10 treatments to completely remove stretch marks. In the most serious cases, even a series of laser treatments may only reduce the visibility of stretch marks rather than removing them completely. Each case is unique.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal Benefits
The most important benefit of laser stretch mark removal is its effectiveness. The treatment has a very high rate of patient satisfaction. It is also extremely safe; the excimer laser is precisely controlled, with little potential to cause injury. Ultimately, it is less invasive than surgical body sculpting procedures such as tummy tucks, with less recovery time, lower cost, and fewer potential complications.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal Risks
As with any medical procedure, laser stretch mark removal is not completely without risk. Because the excimer laser has the ability to ablate the skin, it is possible that a mishandled laser could cause some superficial tissue damage. For this reason, you should choose your cosmetic dermatologist carefully. There is always a risk that severely entrenched stretch marks may not be completely removable with laser treatment. There is also the risk of blistering and other negative reactions to the treatment, but these complications are temporary and not life threatening.
Consult a Cosmetic Dermatologist in Your Area
If you are interested in laser stretch mark removal, you can use the DocShop listings to find a cosmetic dermatologist offering laser treatment options in your area.
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