It is generally accepted that stretch marks or stretch marks on the skin can appear exclusively in women after childbirth. However, this opinion is erroneous. Striae are nothing more than atrophic scars that are formed as a result of “micro-tears” of skin tissue with a lack of elastin and collagen synthesis in both women and men under certain conditions.
Most often, stretch marks on the skin are localized in places where it is most stretched: on the abdomen, waist, lateral surfaces of the body, buttocks, inner and lateral surfaces of the hips and shoulders, and mammary glands. Can be either single or multiple; both pale pink and bluish-burgundy; both wide and narrow. They have both a retracted relief and can be positioned flush with the skin.
The mechanism of formation of stretch marks is described in detail on the website in the article “REMOVING STREAMS, STRETCH MARKS.”
What are stretch marks? Why do they arise?
Stretch marks (or stretch marks) are a problem that worries many men and women. As a rule, stretch marks occur during sudden weight gain or loss, during pregnancy, and during the period of active growth in adolescents. In such cases, high skin tension causes rupture of the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis, which leads to thinning of the skin in the area of the stretch marks. | Before | After 1 procedure |
Also, the occurrence of stretch marks may indicate a severe hormonal disorder associated with increased secretion of the hormone cortisol or long-term use of steroid drugs. The most likely areas for stretch marks to be located are the chest, abdomen, and thighs. How to remove stretch marks forever? The only way is laser skin resurfacing. Removing stretch marks with a laser is a fairly comfortable procedure that will give a visible effect after the first session.
The cost of laser resurfacing, based on the type.
Laser resurfacing of face and body TOP CO2
Side area | RUB 16,500 |
Stomach | RUB 21,450 |
Scar, scar beyond 1 cm (sq.) | RUB 1,650 |
Scar, scar for 1 sq. cm (double grinding along the scar) | RUB 1,850 |
Anesthesia (application) small zone | 500 rub |
Anesthesia (application) large area | 1,000 rub. |
Laser resurfacing L-Rubin face and body
Side area | RUB 19,800 |
Stomach | RUB 19,500 |
Scar, scar beyond 1 cm (sq.) | RUB 1,550 |
Scar, scar for 1 cm (sq.) double grinding along the scar | RUB 1,700 |
Anesthesia (application) small zone | 500 rub |
Anesthesia (application) large area | 1,000 rub. |
Laser resurfacing of face and body Extra – Rubin
Side area | RUB 19,800 |
Stomach | RUB 25,750 |
Scar, scar beyond 1 cm (sq.) | RUB 1,980 |
Scar, scar for 1 sq. cm (double grinding along the scar) | RUB 2,100 |
Anesthesia (application) small zone | 500 rub |
Anesthesia (application) large area | 1,000 rub. |
Some of the intermediate results of laser abdomen resurfacing can be found here:
How does laser work to treat stretch marks?
Laser resurfacing is the only procedure that can significantly reduce the depth and severity of stretch marks and eliminate them forever.
During laser resurfacing, the top layers of skin are removed along with scar tissue, wrinkles, and stretch marks. At the same time, reparation (healing) processes in the treated areas are activated, new young collagen and elastin are formed, which causes the restoration of the normal structure of the dermis.
The newest approach to laser resurfacing is the emergence of the method of fractional photothermolysis. Unlike traditional laser resurfacing, when the entire layer of the epidermis was completely removed and a long recovery period was required, fractional lasers act selectively. In this case, the laser radiation is divided by a special laser attachment into many beams, each of which, in turn, creates a tiny depression in the skin in the form of a column or cone. As a result of the procedure, an alternation of zones with untouched areas of skin and evaporation points at regular intervals is formed on the treated area of skin. By preserving intact skin around injured areas, healing of microtraumas and skin restoration are accelerated. This is due to the almost complete absence of side effects when using fractional lasers.
Traditional laser resurfacing | Fractional laser resurfacing |
Stretch marks on the skin after childbirth
Hormonal levels, the quality and methods of saturating the skin with nutrients, and metabolic processes change; in a woman’s body, the concentration of cortisol, a hormone that can negatively affect the elasticity of the skin and its ability to recover, sharply increases.
Treating skin deformities in the early stages increases the chances of their complete disappearance. Long-formed stretch marks can also be treated, but the process will require more time and additional effort, the appointment of new procedures and the use of modern instrumental technologies.
What are the advantages of the erbium laser ER:YAG 2940 nm Harmony XL (Israel)?
The erbium laser is recognized throughout the world as the safest and most effective for combating stretch marks. In our center we use the latest fractional erbium laser Harmony XL (Israel).
The main advantages of the fractional erbium laser are:
- The gentle effect of the erbium laser on the skin allows procedures to be performed without anesthesia, even on large surfaces.
- The rehabilitation period is half as long compared to a CO2 laser
- No dividing (demarcation) lines between the untreated and treated surfaces of the skin
- This is the only laser that makes it possible to perform procedures on dry, thin skin.
Advantages of laser stretch mark removal in our clinic in Moscow
- Exposure to any of the above lasers is absolutely safe for health;
- Laser striae removal procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, do not require preparation or anesthesia, and are performed without surgical intervention;
- Laser methods for removing stretch marks are carried out on any part of the body. This procedure is even suitable for affecting the skin of the mammary glands, without having a direct negative effect on the gland;
- The first visible results after laser stretch mark removal procedures are noticeable literally after the first session. Next, there is a gradual improvement in the condition of the skin;
- A short rehabilitation period or its complete absence (depending on the technique used);
- A large arsenal of laser equipment from the world's leading manufacturers and a professional team of doctors at our clinic allow us to comprehensively and effectively carry out laser procedures for the removal of stretch marks and stretch marks on the skin.
What other approaches to treating stretch marks exist?
Before the advent of lasers, various types of medium and deep peels were used to treat stretch marks. However, a long rehabilitation period and a high risk of infection limit the range of application of this method. Today, superficial-medium peelings are used to correct small stretch marks. Coral peeling is the most effective.
How to get rid of stretch marks without resorting to laser? There are various methods, it all depends on the severity of the problem. Along with radical treatment of stretch marks using laser resurfacing, preventive methods should not be excluded to prevent the spread and formation of new stretch marks: the use of tightening and firming creams at home, various body wraps, body mesotherapy, biorevitalization. These procedures accelerate the restoration and healing of the skin after laser resurfacing, nourish and moisturize the skin.
To treat sagging skin, which is often combined with stretch marks that occur after childbirth, a thermolifting body procedure is recommended. The result is due to the stimulation of collagen synthesis in the area between the stretch marks, which leads to a narrowing of the stretch marks in width and thickening of the skin.
If you are tormented by the question: how to get rid of stretch marks and this unpleasant cosmetic defect has become your constant companion, make an appointment with a dermatocosmetologist.
RF devices for the treatment of striae
The surfaces of the striae and surrounding skin have different elasticity and firmness. Therefore, if excess skin forms, for example due to weight loss or pregnancy, the area of skin with stretch marks is reduced unevenly and they become very noticeable. It is paradoxical that an increase in body volume leads to the formation of stretch marks, but with increased volumes the skin is in a state of tension, and stretch marks may be barely noticeable. At the same time, with a decrease in volume, stretch marks do not form, since the tension itself disappears, but already formed stretch marks become much more visible. The successful use of non-invasive RF devices for the treatment of striae is based on this paradoxical phenomenon. Their use for the purpose of tightening the skin leads to “straightening” of the tissue, the skin becomes more taut, and stretch marks are much less noticeable.
Speaking about the treatment of stretch marks, it is also worth mentioning needle RF devices with a penetration depth at the level of the dermis. The principle of operation of such devices is very similar to the principle of operation of ablative fractional lasers with all the ensuing consequences. Needle RF devices are effective in the treatment of stretch marks, but their use is associated with the same side effects from the procedure as the use of fractional non-ablative lasers: rehabilitation difficulties and risks of complications.
Combined hardware technique for the treatment of striae IPL+ResurFX+Tripollar
We found that the choice of hardware technique in the treatment of striae is related to the stage of the process, and non-ablative procedures are safer and, as a result, preferable. Based on this, a promising technique is the sequential use of procedures - IPL therapy, non-ablative fractional photothermolysis and multipolar RF lifting. This complex consists of 2 – 3 IPL therapy procedures, which are aimed at treating stretch marks red and are carried out provided that the patient’s body weight is stabilized and the risk of new breaks is minimal. The procedures are performed on the IPL module of the M22 device (Lumenis, Israel), equipped with pulse optimization technology and a set of replaceable light filters that allow you to select the optimal selective effect on the vascular component of striae when treating patients with different phototypes.
Next, a complex of 4 to 7 procedures is applied using the non-ablative fractional laser ResurFX 1565 nm (also a module of the M22 device). These procedures are aimed at smoothing the skin texture and smoothing out stretch marks. They are carried out at intervals of 4 - 5 weeks, their number depends, first of all, on the width of the stretch marks: the narrower the stretch marks, the fewer procedures will be needed. If, in addition to correcting stretch marks, the task is to tighten the skin, which often happens when treating patients recovering from pregnancy or sudden weight loss, then in addition to the course of ResurFX procedures, multipolar RF lifting using TriPollar (Pollogen) technology should be used. The procedures are performed with an interval of 2 weeks, or simultaneously with the procedures on ResurFX. Provided that the patient undergoes the latter every 4 weeks, TriPollar procedures can be performed on him at each such visit, as well as in the intervals between them.
Treatment of skin stretch marks, along with the treatment of scars, is one of the most difficult tasks in therapeutic cosmetology. However, the choice of modern hardware techniques, focused on the clinical manifestations and stages of stretch marks, a combination of these techniques, as well as competent treatment planning can bring significant success.
How does the procedure work?
So, you have decided to remove stretch marks and have chosen a fractional laser for this purpose. The doctor will set up the device and select the treatment parameters that optimally correspond to the size and depth of the defect. At the first stage, the skin is thoroughly cleansed, then application anesthesia is used - a special cream that reduces sensitivity.
Next, the problem area is treated using a special nozzle. Laser radiation targets only the selected treatment area - this is one of the most important advantages of this treatment method.
After the session, the skin turns a little red. After just a few hours, the redness subsides and the stretch marks begin to fade. After about a week and a half, you can evaluate the final result of the impact.
To find out prices and make an appointment for laser stretch mark removal in Moscow, call us or use the form on the clinic’s website.
Popular questions
What complications can this procedure have?
There are no specific complications, this is a safe technique, the intensity of the effect is clearly controlled, so there is nothing to worry about. If in doubt, you can read numerous positive reviews. After the session, the skin may look somewhat swollen, the places where there were stretch marks are pink. This goes away quickly without any additional interventions. Lasers are now used to perform many cosmetic procedures, treat skin diseases, remove various tumors, etc. This type of hardware treatment is recognized throughout the world as effective and safe. It does not leave scars, so you will be pleased with the aesthetic result.
Is it possible to shower after laser treatment?
In the first couple of days, it is better to avoid getting water on your skin. Then you can take a shower. But it is important that during water procedures you do not damage the crusts that form in the area affected by the laser beam.
What is fractional CO2 grinding and what is the essence of the technique?
Fractional CO2 resurfacing of scars and stretch marks is performed using the Cosmopulse II device.
This newest procedure is capable of removing scars of varying complexity and origin , which is comfortable for the patient and does not harm healthy tissue. This method, due to its effectiveness, has received worldwide recognition.
The action of the fractional CO2 laser is aimed exclusively at the problem area. The purpose of the procedure is to rejuvenate and renew the skin.
Using a fractional CO2 laser, layer-by-layer leveling of the skin surface is carried out, while removing deformed areas of the skin. In place of damaged fibers, new tissue with good elasticity and elasticity is formed. The skin texture is evened out and problems (scars, scars, stretch marks) are eliminated.
Thanks to such gentle, clearly targeted laser operation, rapid healing and restoration of skin tissue occurs. The procedure will not prevent the patient from immediately returning to everyday life. Skin exposed to laser treatment is completely restored within 7-14 days.
Today, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a very popular procedure that gives excellent results. All patients note that their skin has become firmer and more elastic, deep wrinkles have smoothed out, scars and stretch marks have disappeared.