Laser removal of stretch marks: indications, the principle of laser action and the subtleties of the procedure, types (also resurfacing) and reviews of those who removed stretch marks

The formation of stretch marks and scars in various parts of the body is not only a consequence of childbirth. Such skin defects can occur in various situations - after a sudden weight loss, as a result of internal changes in the body, etc. At its core, a stretch marks is a place where the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin are torn, gradually overgrown with connective tissue. Striae is not dangerous to health, but it creates a certain psychological discomfort in the fair half of humanity. You can get rid of stretch marks and scars located on various parts of the body (abdomen, hips, chest, etc.) using the latest laser removal techniques, which are widely used in clinics and salons.

Operating principle

To understand how the device acts on soft tissue, it is necessary to find out the nature of the defect.

Most often, the appearance of stretch marks is a consequence of a decrease in the elasticity of the skin. In this case, it is almost impossible to insure yourself against striae.

Factors that cause skin tension are:

bearing a child;
rapid weight gain in a relatively short period of time;
rapid weight loss.

Under their influence, the cells become overstrained and the epidermis stretches.
Elastic and collagen fibers, unable to withstand the pressure, break. It is in these places that stretch marks soon appear. Laser resurfacing technology involves complete fragmentation of scars, the tissues of which have a fibrous structure.

In the process of exposure to laser flows, already destroyed fragments are replaced by others - new and elastic. Thus, the tissues become smooth and elastic again. And traces of former stretch marks are practically invisible visually.

It is important to understand that there is no way to completely eliminate this defect.

At the same time, such resurfacing minimizes the affected area, changing the skin tone to a healthy and natural tone.

Thanks to this technique, scars not only become identical in color to other areas of the skin, but their structural content changes during the manipulation process.

From the video you will learn what stretch marks are and how the laser works on them.

Price

The price of the service varies from 300 rubles per 1 square centimeter, not including painkillers. The final cost of the procedure is based on the total area treated, and not on the number of individual stretch marks/stretch marks. Please check with your doctor for exact calculations in each specific case.

Up to 100 sq.cm. — 3000 rub.
Up to 200 sq.cm. — 3800 rub.
Up to 300 sq.cm. — 4500 rub.
Up to 400 sq.cm - 5300 rub.
Up to 500 sq.cm. — 6000 rub.
Over 500 for every next 100 sq.cm. — 800 rub.

Why so expensive?

How is the cost of the procedure calculated and how much does laser stretch mark removal cost? Its price is quite high, although it does not require any costs. This is explained by the high cost of the equipment and the duration of its operation. After all, it happens that in advanced situations, removing stretch marks, the device works for up to two hours without interruptions.

Also, the high price of the procedure is associated with the complexity of its implementation. The device settings are selected individually for each client in accordance with the severity of stretch marks and how long ago they appeared.

The specialist must carefully examine the patient’s skin and prescribe laser removal of stretch marks. The cost of this procedure is from three hundred rubles per square centimeter of skin. The penetration depth of the rays does not affect the price. If the client does a set of procedures at once, he receives a discount, thanks to which he can get rid of many defects at a lower cost. If you order laser removal of stretch marks one square centimeter at a time, it will cost approximately 500 rubles.

The cost of the procedure itself does not include the price of anesthesia. You should not skimp on painkillers, because laser removal of stretch marks can be very painful. Before you begin, check with your specialist about the cost of anesthesia.

Also, the price depends on the type of laser device. It was already said above that there are several types that differ from each other in intensity and depth of impact, and therefore their effectiveness and cost vary widely. Consider this moment.

It is also necessary to understand the duration of the treatment course. The cost of each subsequent procedure may decrease if the number of stretch marks is reduced. But don't expect a big price drop and be prepared for another large investment.

To achieve noticeable improvements in laser removal of stretch marks, you need to do about 3-6 procedures for stretch marks that formed less than a year ago, and 6-12 with a break of one or two months for old ones.

To get rid of stretch marks, other salon procedures are also used, which also give a certain effect, despite the fact that laser is considered the most effective method.

Contraindications

It should be borne in mind that the procedure, being a cosmetic event, is still characterized by a therapeutic effect on the woman’s body.

Like any other type of intervention in the functioning of the human body, the method has certain contraindications for use, the risk of which significantly exceeds the positive result of the procedure itself:

any inflammation of an infectious nature that affects the skin, up to its complete elimination;
chronic dermatosis at the acute stage;
herpes virus;
malignant cancer pathologies, accompanied by rapidity and aggressiveness of the course;
pregnancy at all stages of its development;
breast-feeding;
diabetes mellitus of any severity;
epilepsy attacks;
renal dysfunction;
excessive susceptibility to radiation exposure;
taking medications that cause photosensitivity.

Kinds

To perform the manipulation, two devices are used, through the use of which the tissue is affected - erbium and carbon dioxide.

Their degree of impact and range of possibilities are qualitatively different. Moreover, both devices are absolutely safe for the patient’s health. .

The main differences in the operation of the equipment:

Erbium laser somewhat softer, and the upper layer of epidermal cells evaporates under its influence almost instantly.
The composition used to treat the procedure area accelerates the healing process and minimizes the risk of inflammation, since the ointment is also bacterial.
Manipulation is indicated for minor lesions, since the speed of action and the depth of damage of the device are an order of magnitude lower than analog devices. Wavelength is about 3000 nm;
Carbon dioxide laser penetrates much deeper. Its area of action is the deep layers of soft subcutaneous tissue, which makes it possible to eliminate even advanced pathologies.
Epithelial fragments do not simply evaporate. They coagulate, triggering natural cell renewal processes.
The risk of possible relapses is somewhat higher, and the procedure itself requires the patient to be in a specialized clinic, since rehabilitation is longer. The effect of such procedures has practically no analogues. The penetration depth of the device is about 20 microns.

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What medications will help get rid of scars?

If the atrophic scar is quite fresh and shallow, you can get rid of it with the help of medicinal ointments and creams. The list of drugs that have a good effect is as follows:

• Kelofibrase

. Available in the form of a cream. The main component is urea, which can well moisturize and soften the skin. In addition, the composition contains heparin.

It is responsible for improving blood flow in tissues. Thanks to the cream, the scar is gradually smoothed out, there is no tightening effect. Kelofibrase relieves inflammation and evens out the color of the scar;

• Contractubex

. Perhaps the most popular remedy. The ointment has a rather dense structure. Well moisturizes the skin, starts the process of cell regeneration, smoothes out the scar. The cost ranges from 1000 rubles;

• Dermatix

. New generation drug. Available in gel form. Works great on scars and blemishes. You need to use it at least 2 times a day for several months. Can be used to treat scars in children. The disadvantages include a rather high price (about 2000-2500 rubles);

• Badyaga

. One of the most cost-effective drugs for the treatment of scars. The average price is about 150 rubles. It has a completely natural composition. It is made from algae that grows in fresh water bodies or rivers. It helps only in the case of small and shallow atrophic scars, for example, from acne.

Cosmetologists tend to believe that medications cannot completely get rid of defects. It makes more sense to use them in combination with other methods.

Advantages

This method of eliminating stretch marks has become so popular among women due to a number of undeniable advantages.

During the implementation process the following is provided:

complete security;
high degree of efficiency;
no restrictions on lesion fragments;
manipulation is not a surgical way to solve the problem;
visible results already at the beginning of the sessions;
a positive effect on pigmentation and spider veins, which can be considered comprehensive in the process of removing stretch marks, since the laser has a beneficial effect on melanin and hemoglobin levels in the blood;
fast recovery;
pronounced rejuvenating effect that persists for several months after treatment.

Side effects

Laser stretch mark removal: before and after photos

Only in rare cases does laser removal of stretch marks lead to side effects. This can be triggered by an individual reaction of the body in the form of significant tissue scarring or hyperpigmentation as a result of exposure to the laser beam.

Flaws

The technology also has its disadvantages:

obtaining the final result will require a significant amount of time, since in-depth processing of a fragment of about 1 mm in size is possible during one manipulation. It becomes clear that a fairly large number of such sessions will need to be carried out;
some discomfort during the healing stage - itching of varying intensity, sometimes peeling of the epithelium. The negative is reminiscent of sunburn;
with old stretch marks, the result may not completely live up to expectations.

Can laser resurfacing be done by everyone?

No – it is contraindicated for:

Hemophilia;
Epilepsy;
Diabetes mellitus;
Oncology;
Infectious diseases;
Taking anticoagulants.

Number of procedures and duration of therapy

The number of resurfacing sessions depends on the severity, “freshness” of stretch marks, and the desired results. The older, larger, and wider the stretch marks, the more procedures will be required to remove them. The average number of sessions is from 4 to 8 with an interval of about 1 month . Immediately after resurfacing, redness and swelling of the skin develop, which disappear on their own after a few days. The effect of the correction is noticeable in the first week. If your doctor recommends that you use a special ointment, be sure to do so to speed up healing and improve results.

How it works?

Removal of stretch marks with a laser occurs due to the targeted impact of the laser beam on the epidermis. It affects not only the upper, but also the middle layers, thereby launching powerful regeneration processes. It is this scheme of influence that determines the high effectiveness of the procedure - due to the stimulation of the processes of natural healing and rejuvenation.

The tissues warm up, new collagen and elastin fibers actively begin to be produced, and layer-by-layer exfoliation of the upper layers of the epidermis occurs. After each regular grinding procedure, young new cells are formed in the treated area, and the overall relief is leveled.

How is it carried out?

Modern clinics specializing in aesthetic cosmetology mainly use classical and fractional types of laser manipulation to polish stretch marks.

In the first case, the procedure is carried out as follows.

The mode for the session is selected by a specialist individually, taking into account the clinical picture of the pathology and structural features, as well as the degree of elasticity of the skin.

To minimize discomfort from the treatment, the woman is given anesthesia before the session.

It can be either local (the surface is simply impregnated with an anesthetic composition) or general, when for objective reasons it is necessary to immediately affect too large an area of tissue.

The cosmetologist, using a special tip of the erbium device, precisely directs the radiation flow to problem areas, and slowly moves the device along the line of stretch marks.

The laser, penetrating to the required depth, evaporates tissue fragments, causing fibroblasts to function in an enhanced mode, which allows the cells to self-heal.

After the targeted treatment is completed, the entire working surface is re-treated with an antiseptic to prevent complications, and Panthenol is applied for speedy healing.

Fractional thermolysis in terms of the technology of the procedure is almost similar to the method described above, with the difference that in this case the radiation exposure is as precise as possible.

At the same time, it does not affect the surrounding problem areas or fragments at all. Such ultra-precision makes it possible to eliminate even microscopic stretch marks.

This version of the laser makes microscopic incisions on the skin, directly where regenerative processes begin.

Manipulation can be carried out on almost any part of the body.

Watch the video for laser resurfacing techniques for stretch marks.

The mechanism of laser therapy: rules of rehabilitation and methods of implementation

The rules that must be followed before the procedure are not that complicated, so everyone can follow them. However, many do not understand exactly how the procedure is performed and how it all works. Let's delve a little into the mechanism of implementation, delve into the details so that we know what to be prepared for.

How this happens and possible consequences

During the session, the stretch marks will be exposed to a targeted laser beam emitted by special equipment. It not only glides easily across the surface of the epidermis, but also penetrates deep into the dermis. This is the whole essence of the method - collagen synthesis begins to activate in the deep layers, antioxidant processes are stimulated. At the same time, the upper balls of keratinized skin are polished. The effect of a laser can be compared to a burn, when cells are pushed to super-recovery, new, young ones are formed to replace the old ones that could not withstand our life's trials. Let's look at the procedure.

Cleansing the skin before the session.
Treatment of the selected area of skin, regardless of its location, with special antiseptic agents.
Applying an anesthetic or a cooling agent, which, however, works almost the same.
Protect the eyes of the client and the equipment operator with special glasses.
Laser treatment of affected skin areas.
Applying special creams, masks or other suitable products to the treated part of your body.

The duration of one exposure cannot be more than an hour, otherwise it becomes dangerous to your health. After completing all stages, sunscreen is also applied to the surface of the skin. It is needed so that ultraviolet rays cannot damage already injured, actually burnt skin.

Since the results of a laser on the skin can be compared to regular burns, it doesn’t hurt to treat the treated areas accordingly. The quality and speed of rehabilitation directly depends on the individual characteristics of the body. For some people, five days are enough to fully recover, while others have to be careful for more than two or even three weeks.

During this difficult period, swelling, redness, mild itching are quite acceptable, and sometimes this place hurts quite a lot. You will have to apply moisturizing, anesthetic and healing agents prescribed by the doctor to the areas after laser correction twice or thrice a day. Crusts may then appear on the skin, and the skin may peel off. Under no circumstances should you scrape or rip off the lagging plates, as this can cause scars. It is better to contact the specialist who performed the procedure, or wait until everything slowly goes away on its own.

Basic methods and methods of laser correction of stretch marks

The effectiveness of the resurfacing method directly depends on the skin’s ability to regenerate. It consists of several layers. The top layer is completely removed, and the rest are heated. Thanks to such traumatization, the effect of maximum recovery is achieved, due to which stretch marks become pale, and in some cases disappear completely. There are different methods for laser removal of this cosmetic defect.

There are two ways exactly how the procedure will be carried out. Full resurfacing involves damaging the entire top layer of the dermis to promote connective tissue repair. During fractional photothermolysis, the beam penetrates through microchannels, causing defects to be destroyed as if from the inside.

Laser peeling

This method is more gentle, it is not so traumatic. Therefore, it is indicated for more people. Using a neodymium laser beam, the skin is simply warmed up, while its top layer remains untouched. However, its effectiveness depends on the degree of oldness of the problem. Striae that have become pale over time cannot be removed in this way.

Laser resurfacing

This is exactly the same, much more aggressive method that we described above. With it, the top thin layer of skin completely evaporates. In this way, you will be able to remove not only fresh, but also old stretch marks, scars, marks from acne or other damage.

Types of laser for resurfacing stretch marks

Palomar . This is a method of deep penetration under the skin through microchannels, which allows you to eliminate even old skin defects.
DOT . The fractional rejuvenation method will help not only remove traces of stretch marks, but at the same time have a serious rejuvenating effect, tighten the skin, make it firmer, more elastic, and correct “floating” contours.
Excimer . This is the most traumatic laser resurfacing method. With it, the entire top layer of skin evaporates, and a crust grows at the site of exposure. Rehabilitation will require more time and effort; you will have to lubricate the affected area with special preparations. Unfortunately, this option, despite its good effectiveness, is not suitable for those who have a persistent allergic reaction to the sun.
Erbium . This laser is used for a more gentle effect than all others. The session does not last long, but its effectiveness can be assessed no earlier than in a month.
Fraxel . In cases with sensitive skin, this type of grinding is recommended. The method is aimed only at the top, thinnest layer of skin. Moreover, the procedure has a very short recovery period, only three days. But its effectiveness is lower than that of others.

Rules for skin care during the rehabilitation period

There are certain rules of rehabilitation that cannot be broken if you do not want to spoil the entire effect with consequences.

It is better not to wet the treated area at all for the next three days.
Treat the surface of the affected dermis with special products three to five times a day.
Do not use scrubs or exfoliating treatments for the next two to three weeks.
It is advisable to sleep on the opposite side from the side where the laser treatment was performed.
For about a week or ten days, it won’t hurt to take antibacterial medications that will help avoid infection by pathogenic microbes.
For fairly severe pain, painkillers can be used.

Even three or more weeks after laser resurfacing, it won’t hurt to use sunscreen when going to the beach or solarium, or just going for a walk under the scorching sun.

Cost of procedures

Depending on the clinic or salon where the procedure is performed, as well as the equipment and type of impact, the price of the procedure can vary significantly. However, on average you can count on the following indicators.

Impact area up to 4 square centimeters - from 900 to 1200 rubles.
Area from 4 cm2, for every additional 2 centimeters - from 250 to 400 rubles.
Area 10x10 centimeters - from 11 to 13 thousand rubles.
Elimination of stretch marks on the hands - from 7 thousand rubles and more.

*All prices are approximate and are based on one session. Therefore, how much it costs to remove stretch marks with a laser must be calculated individually in each case.

Reviews from those who have tried it

Bozhena Miklashevich, Norilsk:

“During childbirth, I developed unsightly stretch marks. Without delay, without waiting for them to acquire a light shade, five months after giving birth, I went to the doctor. 6 sessions were scheduled. It turned out that it was quite painful, and during grinding there was a distinct smell of burnt skin, which made it even more unpleasant. Then a crust formed, which had to be smeared with cream several times. I’m happy with the result; I’ve only had four sessions so far, and the results are already clearly visible.”

Darina Sergeeva, Moscow:

“Stretch marks appeared, like many others, after childbirth. I was afraid for a long time, tried to hide them with clothes, but on the beach I constantly developed complexes. I went to the doctor, he prescribed laser resurfacing. The procedure is painful, but can be tolerated. It lasted about forty-five to fifty minutes. The result is not very visible yet, but there are two more to come. Improvements, although subtle, are already visible. The swelling lasted three days. I advise you to do similar procedures in the spring or autumn, because a trip to the sea, for example, had to be cancelled.”

Yana Savenkova, St. Petersburg:

“I have a thin build, but stretch marks have been my problem since early youth. They simply appear on the stomach, thighs, buttocks and there is no way to prevent this. Doctors say that this is a feature of the skin. He advised me to undergo laser resurfacing, and I agreed. After eight procedures, even old stretch marks became almost invisible, I was simply amazed. I had to spend a lot of time, money, and the procedure was not pleasant, but it was definitely worth it, I recommend it to everyone.”

Possible complications

The vast majority of complications occur in the form of inflammatory processes through infection of the internal skin tissues during the session.

This happens when the procedure is performed by persons without special training and appropriate qualifications.

For reasons independent of hygiene standards, the following may also occur:

exacerbation of existing chronic skin pathologies. Eliminated by the use of special ointments and immunomodulators;
pigmentation at the site of laser treatment may occur if the postpartum period is less than six months;
increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is necessary to avoid their direct exposure until complete recovery.

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Laser stretch mark removal process

The correction is carried out in aesthetic medicine clinics or beauty salons.

The process of removing stretch marks occurs in several stages:

Physical examination. The cosmetologist examines the linear stripes, determines their color and size. Examines the skin for the presence of inflammatory processes and identifies neoplasms through palpation. Depending on the characteristics of the defect, the optimal, in the doctor’s opinion, laser destruction technique is proposed.
Anesthesia . Local anesthesia is used at the request of the patient. Emla containing iceocaine and prilocaine is usually used. If you are allergic to these substances, select a different anesthetic.
Preparation . The patient wears safety glasses.
Treatment . The device is brought to the defective area without touching the skin and the treatment is carried out. The patient may experience a specific odor or tingling sensation. The duration of the process is from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the scale of the defect. At the end, the area is lubricated with dexpanthenol-based cream.

The use of dermatotropic cosmetics is prescribed on an outpatient basis.

Rehabilitation period

This period is usually measured in a period of two weeks. This is exactly how much the body will need for complete recovery, provided that all manipulations are performed correctly.

At this time it is necessary:

exclude swimming in open reservoirs and pools;
refuse baths and saunas;
minimize the negative effects of the sun and ultraviolet radiation;
until the skin areas return to normal, do not carry out cleansing cosmetic procedures, do not use scrubs, do not undergo massage;
To prevent excessive dryness of the tissue surface, use medicinal moisturizing creams.

Result

After a session of classical resurfacing or fractional thermolysis, the skin looks damaged. A dry film remains on top of it, which in the first case will come off in a couple of weeks, and in the second - after 5 days. Painful sensations may be present for two to four days.

After healing, the effect will become noticeable even if a repeat procedure is necessary. Striae become pale and shrink in size, the skin becomes more toned. The final session will lead to the fact that the stretch will disappear, and in its place the surface will not differ from other areas.

Forecast

Today, if we do not consider surgical correction, this method of eliminating stretch marks is the most effective.

After 4-5 sessions, extensive and long-lasting stretch marks can be made almost completely invisible.

As for small defects, 1-2 visits to a specialist are often enough to correct them.

The skin becomes smooth and returns to its original structure and density, since not only the surface cells, but also the internal cells are renewed.

Question answer

Is it possible to remove stretch marks after childbirth with laser forever?

Can. The laser can significantly reduce their depth. And if you complete the entire course of procedures prescribed by a cosmetologist, then complete relief from stretch marks is possible.

Is it possible to completely remove stretch marks with a laser?

Currently, among minimally invasive methods, only laser can remove stretch marks completely, without any traces.

How many treatments are required to completely remove stretch marks?

The number of procedures depends on the characteristics of the skin of a particular patient or patient, the size and “age” of stretch marks. A cosmetologist will be able to give an approximate amount after a personal examination. On average, 2-4 sessions are enough.

It hurts?

No, it doesn’t hurt at all, since the procedure is performed using topical anesthesia. In particularly advanced cases, local injection anesthesia is possible.

What is the interval between procedures?

The interval is 1-1.5 months. Yes, you will have to be a little patient, but the result is worth it.

Will stretch marks appear again?

Lifestyle plays a big role here. If you exclude skin stretching due to weight gain and pregnancy, and take care of your skin with cosmetics, you will have clear, smooth skin for many years.

Can stretch marks on thighs be removed with laser resurfacing?

The laser resurfacing method is difficult to use for large treatment areas, including for the removal of stretch marks, because it is very traumatic, complications such as scarring are possible.

Is it possible to completely remove stretch marks on the inner thighs with laser resurfacing?

It is quite difficult to completely get rid of stretch marks. There are radical methods of getting rid of stretch marks, for example, laser resurfacing. But, on large surfaces (in your case, the inner surface of the thighs), laser resurfacing is not indicated due to the high level of trauma and a long rehabilitation period.

I would really like to undergo laser resurfacing to reduce old stretch marks. In this regard, the questions are: 1. How effective is the technique specifically for old stretch marks? Does it even make sense? 2. How difficult is it and what is the recovery period? 3. Estimated cost for the buttocks area?