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Stretch Mark & Scar Revision

Stretch Marks

Stripes don't have to be permanent. Stretch marks are lines that can form from rapid growth, weight gain, or pregnancy. They can be painful and appear almost hollow in texture. Over the counter products can be beneficial to soften the appearance, but depending on the depth of the stretch mark a laser may be needed. Light lasers such as IPL are used to remove the reddish or purple appearance of scars. An ablative laser, such as Fraxel or SkinPen Microneedling, is performed after IPL to break up the stretched tissue. Multiple treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the scar. Injectable filler may also be a solution for those who have depressed stretch marks. Initally skin will be smooth and flat, but you recieve the added benefit of your bodies natural collagen creating structures to keep these marks from reaching the orginal depth again.

Scar Treatment before and after image

Scars

While some scars we cherish as memories, others can leave discoloration and disfigurement. Some over the counter products boast the improvement of the appearance of scars, but after the healing process is complete these products can often be unsuccessful. The most successful treatment is normally to increase your bodies own natural healing process through an ablative laser. Collagen and elastin surge the area to create healthy scar-free tissue. For very deep scaring, injectable filler may help to soften scar tissue, fill depressed scars, and increase your bodies own natural collagen production. Occasionally scaring will need cosmetic surgery to remove the scar tissue and properly close it. There are solutions to scars new and old. IV therapy may be successful for these scars to help hydrate and plump the tissue.

Scar Treatment before and after image
Scar Treatment before and after image

The Procedure

After your consultation, the ablative laser treatment will be performed. The type of laser used will depend on depth and the amount of down time allowed. Fraxel yields 3-4 days of downtime while Skin Pen Microneedling only yields 24 hours of slightly irritated skin. Injectable fillers have no downtime and side effects will be discussed in office. Pracasil is a topical silicone based product with Pracaxi oil that significantly reduces the healing time for wounds that may potentially scar. Please schedule online or call 678-213-2220 to discuss your options with Dr. Debra Atkins today.

Stretch Mark Revision Q&A

Stretch marks are a type of skin scarring that can appear as red, pink, purple, bluish, or dark brown streaks or indented lines. They can be caused by rapid skin stretching, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or rapid weight gain.

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Q: Can stretch marks go away? A: Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help alleviate the itch.

 

 

Q: Can I get rid of stretch marks permanently? A: Stretch marks often fade with time. If you don’t want to wait, we offer treatments that can help improve their appearance. Just keep in mind that no treatment can make stretch marks disappear completely. Dr. Atkins provides professional options for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, including:

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  • Tretinoin cream. Also known as Retin-A and Renova, this works by restoring collagen, a fibrous protein that helps give your skin elasticity. It’s best to use this cream on recent stretch marks that have a red or pink appearance. This cream may cause skin irritation. If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use tretinoin cream.

  • Hyaluronic acid cream. This may help when applied consistently to early stretch marks. Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe for most people to use.

  • Pulsed dye laser therapy. This treatment encourages the growth of collagen and elastin. This therapy typically works best on newer stretch marks. It may cause some skin discoloration if you have a darker skin tone.

  • Fractional photothermolysis. (FRAXEL) This uses a laser to target small areas of your skin. It works similarly to pulsed dye laser therapy, with less potential for skin damage.

  • Microdermabrasion. This involves polishing the skin with tiny crystals to reveal new skin under the more elastic stretch marks. Microdermabrasion may, in some cases, help improve the appearance of older stretch marks.

  • Excimer laser therapy. This stimulates skin color (melanin) production so that stretch marks match the surrounding skin more closely.

  • PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) uses the patient’s processed blood and its isolated platelets to stimulate the healing process of the body, done by applying it topically on the skin or injection. For better results, it could be combined with other methods, such as Microneedling, Ultrasound therapy, or lasers.

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