Stretch marks scar therapy laser treatment
Stretch marks scar therapy laser treatment
Striae, also known as stretch marks, are linear changes in the skin that occur when the connective tissue changes due to rapid stretching. They occur, for example, on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. Initially, stretch marks are often pink, red, or purple; over time, they usually become lighter.
Bee Medicadermis in The Hague I treat suitable stretch marks with the ResurFX fractional laser of the Lumenis M22. The goal is to gradually improve skin texture and make stretch marks less noticeable. Stretch marks are a form of atrophic scarring: complete removal is generally not possible, but reduction is. It is important to treat them as soon as possible after the onset of stretch marks, for example after childbirth.
Good to know: Not every stretch mark responds the same way. The color, age, depth, location, and your skin type all contribute to determining whether laser treatment is worthwhile. Therefore, I assess the treatment area beforehand.
Are your stretch marks suitable for laser treatment?
Would you like to know what can realistically be improved in your skin? During a free consultation, we will discuss the possibilities and potential risks.
You can choose a treatment size below. The price depends on the total treatment area and is shown with the Shopify variants.
Treating stretch marks with fractional laser
Stretch marks develop because the structure of the dermis changes. They can be associated with growth, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or hormonal factors, among others. The ResurFX laser treats the skin with small, controlled thermal zones, while the surrounding skin remains largely intact. This can stimulate repair processes and collagen remodeling. The intended result is a gradual improvement in texture and visibility, not completely stretch-mark-free skin.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Laser treatment can be considered for visible stretch marks on, for example, the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, or upper arms. Both more recent and older stretch marks can be assessed, but the response differs.
For darker skin types or a history of pigment changes, I assess the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with extra care. Not every stretch mark or skin condition is suitable for the same settings or technique.
What is the difference between red and white stretch marks?
Red or purple stretch marks (striae rubrae) are usually relatively recent and more often have a visible vascular component. White stretch marks (striae albae) are generally older and more often exhibit a lighter color and sunken skin texture.
A fractional laser primarily targets the structure of the skin. For red stretch marks, an additional vascular-targeted treatment may sometimes be considered, but this is not suitable for everyone. Similarly, with white stretch marks, the results remain limited and individual.
How does the ResurFX laser work for stretch marks?
ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional Erbium Glass laser. The energy reaches controlled zones in the skin without removing the entire skin surface. The recovery process can lead to changes in collagen structures and a gradual improvement in skin texture.
The technique is less invasive than some ablative lasers, but can still cause redness, swelling, temporary discoloration, and other side effects.
How does the treatment proceed?
Beforehand, I assess the skin type, the location and appearance of the stretch marks, medication use, and any contraindications. We discuss expectations and take baseline photos where appropriate.
During the treatment, I move the laser in a controlled manner over the agreed area. You may experience warmth and a tingling sensation. Afterwards, the skin is often red and slightly swollen. You will receive personalized aftercare advice.
How many treatments are needed and when will I see results?
Stretch marks typically respond gradually. A series of treatments is often required, with sufficient recovery time between sessions. With fractional laser, an interval of approximately four to six weeks or longer is regularly maintained, depending on the settings and skin response.
Any improvement may develop over several weeks to months. The number of sessions and the degree of improvement cannot be guaranteed in advance.
What is the recovery time and what aftercare is needed?
After the treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, a sensation of warmth, and temporary roughness. These reactions usually subside in the following days, but this varies depending on the skin and the intensity of the treatment.
Avoid friction, intense heat, and active skin products as long as the skin is irritated. Protect treated skin from UV radiation and follow the specific instructions you receive after the session. Contact us in case of blisters, increasing pain, or other unexpected reactions.
When is laser treatment not suitable?
Treatment is postponed or advised against in cases including an active infection or damage in the treatment area, recent strong sun exposure, certain photosensitive medication, or an unfavorable history of wound healing. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a cautious assessment; cosmetic laser treatments are generally postponed during this period.
A different approach may also be wiser in cases of an increased risk of pigment changes or scarring. Therefore, always report medication, medical conditions, and previous skin reactions in advance.
Which treatment size should I choose?
The four Shopify variants refer to the size of the total treatment area, not according to the severity of the stretch marks. I determine the exact classification based on the surface area and distribution. The examples below are indicative; they are not fixed limits.
Minor treatment
Small treatment area
A limited, clearly defined area with stretch marks, for example, a small part of a hip or thigh.
Medium Major treatment
Medium-sized treatment area
A medium-sized treatment area or a number of closely spaced stretch marks.
Major treatment
Large treatment area
A larger continuous area, for example a more extensive part of the abdomen or upper thighs.
Extra Large treatment
Extra large treatment area
A very extensive treatment surface or multiple areas treated during the same appointment, insofar as this is safe and practically feasible.
Are you unsure about the size? Do not simply choose the largest variant. During the consultation, we will determine together which treatment size is suitable. The current prices are listed with the variants.
What other treatments are possible?
Depending on the skin condition, other fractional laser techniques or microneedling may be considered. The scientific basis and risk-benefit profile vary by technique, skin type, and type of stretch marks. No treatment can guarantee the complete disappearance of stretch marks.
See also the EVEN collection for scars and skin texture.
What does scientific research say about laser treatment for stretch marks?
Research into fractional lasers for stretch marks shows that improvement in appearance and skin texture is possible, but the studies differ in the types of lasers used, treatment protocols, measurement methods, and quality. Therefore, results from other fractional lasers cannot be directly translated to ResurFX.
The treatment is aimed at reducing visibility; complete removal is not realistic. During the intake, we discuss whether the expected gains outweigh the recovery time, costs, and risks.
View scientific publications on fractional laser for stretch marks on PubMed.
Stretch mark laser treatment in The Hague
Does the visibility of stretch marks bother you, and do you want to know if a fractional laser could benefit your skin? At Medicadermis, I assess your skin structure, skin type, and what you would like to improve. We discuss a feasible treatment plan without unrealistic promises.
Want to know more about scars and skin texture? Discover EVEN at Medicadermis.
Personal advice about your stretch marks
I would be happy to help you determine which treatment and treatment scope are appropriate.
Not available
Personal guidance disclaimer
A Fair Use Policy applies to personal guidance, including video calling, whereby medicademis reserves the right to limit the number of contact moments at its own discretion in the event of excessive demand for support (i.e., a structurally higher number of contact requests than the average for our other clients), and to communicate this unilaterally before proceeding to do so. Naturally, this reservation does not apply should complications unexpectedly arise after the treatment.