Of all the ways to get rid of stretch marks, laser stretch mark treatment is the most popular. And for good reason: it’s also the most effective. While people experience differing outcomes with laser treatment, it has been shown to be successful at diminishing the appearance of stretch marks on a consistent basis. Around 70 percent of people see visible results following laser treatment.
So far, a treatment hasn’t been developed that is able to totally eliminate the stretch marks from your skin. However, you can come pretty close with laser treatment.
The Basics
Laser treatment works by aiming a laser beam at the area affected by the stretch marks. This removes the old skin and stimulates the growth of new cells so that new skin takes the place of the old. Studies indicate that collagen growth is also stimulated by laser stretch mark treatment.
If you’re concerned about experiencing pain during laser treatment, don’t worry. The majority of patients only experience some tingling while the laser is being used. The others will find an anesthetic relieves any discomfort they might be feeling.
Those whose stretch marks are brown, red, or purple in color are the best candidates for laser treatment. The longer your stretch marks have been around, the less likelihood there is of seeing good results with laser treatment. If they’re silvery white in color, this indicates that you’ve had them for some time, so laser treatment won’t be of any use.
As well, those who have fair skin and relatively shallow stretch marks tend to have a better outcome from this procedure.
Costs and Outcomes
Laser stretch mark treatment is often highly effective; however it’s also quite costly. An exact price can be provided by consulting a cosmetic dermatologist in your area who is skilled in performing the procedure. You’re probably looking at about $200 per treatment. But keep in mind that in order to see results, at least five or six sessions of laser stretch mark treatment are necessary.
Just before and after your laser stretch mark treatments, you may be prescribed a steroid cream to rub into the affected area. These creams enhance the effects of the laser treatment and further diminish the visibility of your scars.
It’s important to note that the results of laser stretch mark treatments are not always immediately apparent. Even after a period of 3 to 6 months following the treatments, the visibility of your stretch marks should keep on decreasing. Sometimes those who showed little improvement right away will see a dramatic difference at the six month mark.
Even though there’s no “perfect” method to get rid of stretch marks, laser treatment has shown good results in a large number of individuals. The only way to know if it will work for you is to just try it.