Gaining weight, losing weight, or going through pregnancy can stretch your skin beyond its capacity to recover. This can result in indented red, pink, purple, or white streaks that neither go away with time nor respond to topical treatments.
Read on to learn how the Icon™ laser technology used by Dr. Gail Zimmerman can smooth out your stretch marks and trigger a healing mechanism that lessens their appearance.
How laser technology treats stretch marks
The Icon Laser uses fractional laser technology to deliver short pulses of energy that target your stretch marks without harming the surrounding areas.
The laser plays two roles in reducing the appearance of your stretch marks: it disperses the pigment, and it triggers the production of new, healthy tissue.
Once the laser technology goes through several layers of your skin, you’ll continue to see improvements in the skin tone and skin texture over the next few weeks. The appearance of your skin will continue to improve because collagen production in your skin increases after laser treatments.
To get a better idea of how lasers work for different skin issues, check out our before and after gallery.
What to do four weeks before the treatment
For best results, discontinue using tanning beds and tanning creams on the areas you wish to get treated. Also, stop using creams that contain retinoids, as these may cause skin sensitivities, and avoid waxing or plucking, as this may lead to irritations.
Post-treatment best practices
The laser treatments used for stretch marks are painless, and they don’t involve any downtime. You’ll be able to return to your daily activities after the session.
However, after the laser sessions, you may be asked to avoid unprotected sun exposure and stop using creams that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. For best results, stick to organic mineral-based sunscreens, because chemical ones may trigger reactions.
Say goodbye to your stretch marks for good
Stretch marks are stubborn, and they don’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Research suggests that laser technology can lessen the appearance and, in some cases, eliminate indented marks on the skin.
Aside from laser treatments, Dr. Zimmerman also uses exfoliation treatments and creams derived from vitamin A.
So if the appearance of your stretch marks is bothering you, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our specialist can design a customized treatment to get rid of your stretch marks and guide you on how to take care of your skin.