Stretch marks (Striae) are often the result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Collagen and elastic formation are disrupted creating a lack of supportive material, as the skin is stretched it leads to dermal and epidermal tearing. 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch throughout their pregnancy. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes which explains why 70% of teenagers have stretch marks.
So if you have stretch marks you are not alone!
How does the ResurFACE treatment help?
Fractional ablative laser targets minute sections of the skin with laser light, which penetrate into the tissue, causing small columns of thermal damage to stimulate significant collagen renewal. The skin looks tighter due to immediate collagen shrinkage and is followed by long-term stimulation of fibroblasts which will produce new collagen over the following months, this helps to rebuild the damaged skin in the stretch marks and new fresh skin is produced. The surrounding, non-affected areas of skin facilitate faster healing; aiding the body’s natural recovery process and giving dramatic results without significant downtime.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Prior to treatment, you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained to confirm suitability. Before proceeding with treatment you will also be asked to complete a consent form. Your individual stretch marks will be assessed and we will create a bespoke treatment plan for you. Stretch marks usually appear in a red or silver colour, both are treatable, but silver/white stretch marks are more resistant to treatment and may need more treatment sessions.
How is the treatment carried out?
The skin is first of all cleansed and the ResurFACE handpiece is then moved over the stretch-marked area delivering tiny microscopic laser beams.
Typically treatment time varies depending upon the severity of the stretch marks but will range from between 10 and 40 minutes. After treatment, the skin is cooled. Protective eyewear must be worn by both patient and practitioner during a treatment.
What should I expect from the treatment?
Throughout the treatment, you will be able to feel a warm, heating sensation with some mild stinging. The treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of stretch marks and you will start to see them fade more and more with each session. Immediately after treatment, the skin can be quite hot and so cooling packs are often utilised to minimise any discomfort. You may also experience a sunburnt sensation for a few hours after treatment and the skin may be slightly red for 1 to 2 days post-treatment. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing at a deep level. Swelling is likely but minimal and resolves in 2 to 3 days.
As the healing process occurs, your skin may have a ‘bronzed’ appearance that lasts from 3 to 10 days, depending on the treatment level.
Your skin will naturally exfoliate and may flake as if you had sunburn.
How many sessions would I need?
Improvement can be evident after the first session, but for optimum results, we recommend between 4 and 6 treatment sessions. Depending upon the severity of your stretch marks, treatment is carried out every 2 to 6 weeks. Both red and silver stretch marks are treatable but silver ones may require more treatment sessions.
How do I book?
In the first instance, we will need to see you for a consultation so that we can assess your suitability to proceed. To book a consultation for Stretch mark treatment at our Ashby de la Zouch clinic please give us a call on 01530 417 897 or click the link to book online.
