In laser stretch mark removal, striae (stretch marks) are eliminated using laser resurfacing. This treatment involves the removal of the outer skin layer to help restructure the overlying skin.
Laser stretch mark removal uses beams of light in concentrated amounts to promote new growth. This med spa procedure cannot entirely eliminate the stretch marks, it can certainly make striae appear smoother, softening their appearance.
For skin resurfacing treatment, two types of lasers are used. These are:
- Ablative (CO2, Erbium YAG) lasers: This type of laser treats stretch marks by destroying the topmost layer of skin. The newly created skin tissues will be smoother in appearance and texture.
- Non-ablative lasers (such as Fraxel): These lasers do not destruct the uppermost skin layer. They target the underlying regions of the skin’s surface to encourage collagen growth from the inside out.
Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q), provides laser skin rejuvenation treatments to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.
Laser Treatment Time and How Long Recovery Typically Takes
Each procedure is relatively fast in terms of time. It may take about an hour and a half to complete an ablative laser treatment while non-ablative treatments can be performed in 30 minutes or less.
Laser therapy is categorized as a non-invasive treatment. This means that the recovery duration should be much briefer in comparison with traditional surgery. But the patient should still plan to take time off on the day of their treatment, at the minimum.
The total time taken to complete the procedure can last between 30 and 90 minutes. This will depend on the type of laser used. In addition, the patient will also need to spend time filling out paperwork and prepping for the procedure.
After each med spa treatment, the patient may notice that their skin is slightly pink or red. This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks. In the treatment of stretch marks, ablative lasers are the most effective.
However, they also have the most side-effects due to their aggressive nature. Mild discomfort and raw skin are some such side-effects. The skin will also scab over before revealing new tissues around the striae.
Some people choose to take several days of leave from work after the procedure, depending on the region of the body being treated and the type of laser that is being used. The full outcomes of the procedure may take several months to become apparent, particularly with non-ablative lasers.
How long do the outcomes last?
Laser specialists report that skin resurfacing treatments for striae removal can “last for years.” But the catch is that depends on how well the skin is taken care of.
Sometimes, stretch marks may only require one ablative laser treatment. However, non-ablative treatments are not as aggressive. According to ASAPS, the patient may require, on average, between one and six non-ablative laser treatments.
The monetary amount of each treatment will typically be the same as that of the first treatment. The exception might be if the specific provider offers discounts for multiple treatment sessions. There will be a time lag of three to four weeks between each scheduled session.
After the skin is fully healed, and the treatment sessions are complete, the outcomes may last for years, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for laser skin rejuvenation treatment.
For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579