Stretch Mark Treatments

Stretch marks are a fact of life, and everyone who has them always asks, “How can I get rid of stretch marks?”

Stretch marks are a very common occurrence affecting more than 70% of the adult population.  They can result from rapid or extreme weight gain and/or loss or just from normal growth spurts.  They are also very commonly seen when the skin is stretched from pregnancy.  Stretch marks are a form of scarring that occurs just below the skin’s surface (epidermis) in the dermis skin layer and most often are found along the abdomen, thighs, arms, breasts and buttocks.  These scars can originally appear pink or red but soon become lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation).

However, you don't have to settle for living with your stretch marks or undergo plastic surgery to treat them as a great many people believe.  With new knowledge about stretch marks, there are many treatment options offered by Dr. Wright to effectively treat your stretch marks.

Why choose SKIN MD and Beyond for your Stretch Mark Treatments?

There are many oils, creams, and lotions that are reported to improve or even prevent stretch marks. While Retin-A has been shown to be marginally effective at reducing the apparent depth of stretch marks, and there are those who swear by treatments with other lotions and potions, most medical experts agree that the claims are mostly hype.

But, with the advent of the use of lasers for cosmetic purposes, though, hope for the treatment of this cosmetic problem seems to have been renewed. Dr. Wright, a laser surgeon who performs many different types of cosmetic laser procedures, was one of the first physicians in North Texas to offer the Palomar Lux 1540 which is the first and only FDA approved laser for the treatment of stretch marks.

Patients received 50-75% or greater improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks. The great advantage of the Lux 1540 is that it can be used on all skin types, and all kinds of stretch marks. Stretch marks can be white, or red, or pigmented. As well, the Lux 1540 can be used for all skin types, which means Hispanic, Asian and African-American patients can receive the same treatment with no increased risk of pigmentation or scarring.

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

The first and only FDA approved laser
for the treatment of stretch marks
- the Palomar Lux 1540.

With the Palomar Lux 1540 we are able to address all of the issues inherent in stretch marks.  First, we will do a light-to-moderate resurfacing that will help with the pigment and contour issues.  Then, we will use a deeper fractional mode - that simulates collagen growth and repairs deep in the skin.

Palomar™ Lux 1540 treatments are effective only when performed in a series of sessions because each session treats only 20 to 25 percent of the skin. By treating micro-island of skin, the surrounding untreated skin drives the healing process, filling in the treated area with healthy, more youthful looking skin. The “fractional” treatment of the skin creates smoother skin without the long-term down time associated with traditional skin resurfacing technologies.

IPL-Photofacials

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment or Photofacials uses multiple wavelengths of light to gently remodel the collagen and is used to eliminate superficial skin color irregularities. This treatment is best suited to treat pigmentation and vascular changes rather than changes in the skin texture.

Most stretch marks can originally appear pink or red but soon become lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation). The redness represents superficial capillaries and the brown discoloration is overlying pigmentation. The vascular discoloration of stretch marks is best treated with the IPL- Intense Pulse Light Treatments. IPL will close off any superficial capillaries causing the redness and will reduce the pigmentation.

Medical Grade Skin Care and Prescriptions

SKIN MD and Beyond Medical Skin Care Treatments for Stretch Marks will use products with the highest activity levels available to address multiple skin care concerns. Custom preparations combining a wide range of enzymes, hydrators and polyhydroxy acids are used to treat each individual patient. Under the direction of Dr. Wright, your aesthetician will create a customized Medical Skin Care Program for your daily home regimen consisting of medical grade skin care products to optimize treatment effects and maintain good results. Programs are customized for each patient to ensure they are using the best products for their individual skin care needs. Prescription Medications may also be prescribed by Dr. Wright as part of the wRight Integrated Approach and our multifaceted approach to maximize results in a short period of time.