The FDA has approved laser collagen stimulation as a new option for the treatment of stretch marks.
In this procedure a laser light is used to produce a series of circles on the affected skin. The heat from the laser stimulates the layer of scar tissue directly under the skin, causing collagen to rebuild. As Dr. Carolyn Chang, plastic surgeon at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, explains, “It's a little bit like a scar effect. It stimulates things to repair.”
Laser collagen stimulation was found to subtly stretch the skin and lighten stretch marks in clinical trials.
The laser treatment was found to be effective on the thin, deepened skin of stretch marks. "When you thicken those thin areas, theoretically the actual depth and width of the striata should look more normal," Chang explains.
The only side effects found thus far are slight discomfort during the procedure. The laser light is applied incrementally to avoid burning the skin, and slight darkening of skin pigmentation, which appears to be only temporary.
Although the cost for the treatment runs between $500 and $1,000 per session, and three treatments are usually required, patients are pleased with the results. Hanan, a 45 year old mother, praises the treatment. “I don't have to hide the stretch mark or feel uncomfortable," Hanan said, “…I can really feel good and feel confident wearing a bikini walking down the beach.”
Chang and dermatologist Dr. Vic Naururkar are currently developing protocols for the use of the laser on stretch marks.
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