Does Laser Surgery Work for Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks most often occur in people who gain weight quickly as is the case with many pregnant women. What happens is that the layers of skin are stretched and torn and then replaced by scar tissue or collagen. Most often stretch marks occur on the stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs, breasts and upper arms, and the propensity to develop these blemishes is often hereditary.

Laser Surgery

• While some people choose to use the numerous creams and oils on the market to treat their stretch marks, others choose laser surgery. Laser surgery is the most successful on recent stretch marks that are still purple, red or pink. Older marks that are either white or silver are more difficult to remove.

  Laser surgery works by using a concentrated beam of light (usually yellow or green) on the marks that removes very thin layers of skin. Once these layers are gone, so is the scar tissue that caused them. After the skin has undergone this laser treatment, then it immediately starts to heal and new skin replaces the damaged tissue. Sometimes it only takes one laser treatment to see results, while other times, you may need several treatments in order to see results. About half the patients who choose laser treatment for their stretch marks think there is an improvement, and younger patients seem to have the best results.

Side Effects and Cost

• Although side effects are rare, some can include swelling, blistering, bruising, changes in pigment and scarring. Most of these are only temporary and disappear a few days or weeks after surgery. Laser surgery for removing stretch marks can cost anywhere from $400 to $1500. Some surgeons may offer payment plans, but you need to check with your physician to see what payment options he offers. Because laser surgery on stretch marks is an elective procedure, your insurance company probably will not pay for you to have it done.

Effectiveness

• Although some doctors claim to be able to remove stretch marks via laser surgery, many plastic surgeons contend that using lasers is not an effective way to treat this problem. While lasers can vaporize, break down and remove tissue, they do not have the power to repair the torn tissue represented by stretch marks. Instead, physicians may recommend a tummy tuck to remove the affected skin. Of course this won't help if your stretch marks are somewhere other than your stomach.

  Whether you decide on laser surgery or some other form of treatment for your stretch marks, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of all your options so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you.