Stretch marks from pregnancy or weight gain/loss result from the breakdown of collagen in the skin. The reversal of stretch marks is impossible, but it is possible to provide some appearance improvement by gently resurfacing the skin and stimulating new collagen formation.
Fractional resurfacing is to date is one of the more effective systems for accomplishing this improvement. The laser's energy both selectively alters damaged skin areas and stimulates the cells under the stretch mark to cause the fibroblasts to begin to divide again.
The regenerated new skin cells and the collagen thickening changes the stretch mark tissue until it more closely resembles the surrounding normal skin. Multiple sessions are needed to show visible improvement.
Secondary treatments may consist of light based systems such as Photofacial when there is redness or possibly use of microdermabrasion to provide light epidermal exfoliation.
Stretch Marks – Old and New, White and Red
There are two basic varieties of stretch marks: white and red. Older, mature stretch marks are commonly white or silver-colored; newer stretch marks tend to be reddish or purple in color.
Stretch marks closely resemble scars. In fact, stretch marks are the most common type of skin lesions. The majority of pregnant women get stretch marks. They also affect adolescent females and young males.
1540 Fractional Resurfacing
Palomar's patented fractional laser technology provides non-ablative skin resurfacing with no to minimal downtime. The Palomar Lux1540 Fractional™ laser is one of the more recent skin resurfacing technologies. It helps smooth the skin surface and improves skin discoloration.
StarLux Fractional Laser Stretchmark Treatment *
Photo courtesy of Francesa de Angelis, MD & Maurice Adatto, MD
Treatments: Fractional Laser*
Individual results will vary
The Palomar 1540 Fractional laser delivers light in an array of microbeams. These microbeams penetrate below the epidermis and into the dermis, leaving vital tissue surrounding each microbeam undamaged. The untreated tissue surrounding the treated columns initiates a natural healing process that accelerates the formation of new, healthy collagen. The fractional treatment of the skin allows for faster healing. The result is improvement in skin color, texture, tone, fine lines and wrinkles.
Palomar 1540 fractional skin resurfacing treatments are effective only when performed in a series of sessions because each session treats only 20 to 25 percent of the skin. By treating micro-island of skin, the surrounding untreated skin drives the healing process, filling in the treated area with healthy, more youthful looking skin. The “fractional” treatment of the skin creates smoother skin without the long-term down time associated with traditional skin resurfacing technologies.
Medical
Throughout the process, the integrity of the skin is maintained, which protects the tissue from infection as it heals.
The Palomar Lux1540 offers a wide range of energy per microbeam, and a substantial depth of penetration (up to 1 mm). This stimulates quick healing within the surrounding deep tissue for the most effective deep corrections. In addition, the Lux1540 delivers uniform microbeam penetration which differs from other devices.
Comfort and Contact Cooling
The Palomar Lux1540 delivers its microbeams in one short pulse at a time with active contact cooling. This allows the treatments to be as comfortable as technologically possible. The Palomar Lux1540 requires only topical numbing.
Why We've Selected Palomar Laser and Light Systems
Dr. Sedgh uses Starlux technology for all laser and light procedures. Palomar Medical, makers of the StarLux system, maintains intensive research and development programs in laser technology.
Special handpieces have been developed to treat a variety of skin problem from the simplest unwanted freckle to the skin resurfacing power of the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser.
All Starlux procedures have factored in patient comfort with patented smooth pulsing and active contact cooling (as opposed to sprays or air cooler). This means your skin stays cooler.
Contact Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc. by calling Dr. Sedgh at 888-333-2515 today. Your initial cosmetic consultation is free.
* Individual Results May Vary
