Rapid weight gain and rapid enlargement of the abdomen or breasts during pregnancy or puberty can result in stretch marks. Stretch marks, also called striae, are areas of damaged skin where the deeper skin layer, the dermis, has been thinned. We do not claim that we can completely eliminate stretch marks, but we have seen a 50% decrease in the appearance of stretch marks through the treatments we offer.
Here at the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, our aestheticians offer two types of skin care treatments to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Both techniques are nonsurgical and are aimed at stimulating collagen production in the dermis to fill in the stretch marks. These treatments can work on both new and mature stretch marks.
How does ResurFX reduce stretch marks?
One stretch mark treatment we provide uses a non-ablative laser called ResurFX to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis. If the stretch marks are pink or brown, the abnormal color can be removed with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). ResurFX stretch mark treatments take 15-30 minutes and are very tolerable with the use of a topical numbing cream.
The area will be mildly swollen for a few hours and will appear pink for about a day, but the patient can return to normal activities and work immediately. Maximum stretch mark reduction requires 3-5 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. For additional information, please visit our stretch mark treatment supplier’s website.
What is the Rejuvapen Microneedling System?
Another option to reduce stretch marks is the Rejuvapen Microneedling System. Microneedling is a therapy growing in popularity for treatment of stretch marks, fine wrinkles and mild skin looseness. The 9 micro needles make precise invisible micro perforations through the epidermis into the upper dermis to stimulate collagen production. Again, topical numbing cream helps to minimize discomfort during this treatment of stretch marks.
After a session, most patients will feel as if they have a moderate sunburn for 2-24 hours. Maximum stretch mark reduction requires 3-6 treatments every 4 weeks. For additional information from this stretch mark treatment supplier, please visit the Rejuvapen website.
Begin Stretch Mark Treatment Today
Although the weather in Memphis is at its coldest right now, swimsuit season will be here before you know it, so now is the time to start reducing stretch marks. Make an appointment with our laser and skin care nurse, Carla Mask, to find out which stretch mark treatment can make you more confident in the appearance of your skin this year.