Fine Touch Dermatology offers treatment for stretch marks and scars. Both conditions have their origins in the dermis layer where collagen is produced.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks commonly occur during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. However, they can also result from:
- Weight lifting & body building
- Growth during puberty
- Hormonal changes (from hormonal replacement therapy)
Rapid gain in body mass can cause the dermis to tear, causing stretch marks to form. A person’s genetics can influence how resilient their skin is to these types of changes. And this in turn would influence the likelihood of developing stretch marks.
Also, genes can affect the balance of hormones in the body. Higher levels of glucocorticoid hormones will inhibit the deeper skin cells which produce collagen & elastin. This reduces support for the skin as a person’s body mass suddenly increases. Therefore, increased concentrations of glucocorticoid hormones can correlate with the occurrence of stretch marks.
There are certain areas of the body which are quite vulnerable. These include regions where fat is likely to accumulate:
1) Belly
2) Buttocks
3) Breast
4) Hips
5) Thighs
6) Lower back
7) Upper arms
Treatment
The improvements from treating stretch marks largely depend on the phase that is being addressed. It is more likely to see the best results when treatment is performed right away when the marks are new and reddish in color. Older and more advanced stretch marks (which are greyish and whiter) are more established and challenging to treat.
Here at Fine Touch Dermatology, Dr. Umar treats stretch marks using the Vbeam laser (585-595nm). This laser works by helping to clear away blood vessels near the skin’s surface causing redness and purple coloration. The wavelength used is ideal for absorption by hemoglobin in the blood. This is how the energy is able to enter the blood vessels in order to start breaking down this tissue. The body is then able to clear the resulting byproducts away.
In some cases, the Fraxel laser (e.g. Fraxel Dual – which is safe for all ethnicities)may be recommended to help new collagen fibers develop and repair damaged tissue in the dermis.
Prevention of Stretch Marks
There is research which supports the notion of using moisturizers to help keep the skin soft, pliable and supple and prevent the occurrence of stretch marks.
German researchers actually compared pregnant women who moisturized versus those who did not. Within the treatment group, stretch marks occurred in a third of the subjects. However, in the control group who did not apply the cream used in the study, two thirds of the participants developed stretch marks.
Another research study found that Trofolastin cream with vitamin E and Gotu Kola was shown to be highly effective for reducing the formation of stretch marks.
Researchers have also identified other ingredients that seem to minimize the appearance of striations on the skin. These include:
- elastin
- panthenol
- menthol
- hyaluronic acid
Scars
Scars in general are caused by various forms of damage to the skin. They are made from an irregular form of collagen tissue. This is formed as the skin tries to repair itself.
With the help of lasers, it is possible to stimulate the development of new collagen tissue to help reduce the appearance of scars and create a more even, uniform skin surface.
Patient Photos
Patient’s punch biopsy scar before his treatment procedure.*
Dr. Umar treated this with Fraxel Dual. The laser worked to stimulate the production of collagen in the dermis to fill in the recess. Here is the patient after his laser treatment intervention.
Fraxel Dual helped the patient’s skin create new collagen. This noticeably improved the depth of the scar*
Patient before and after laser treatment for scar. Notice the reduction in the depth of the indentation.*
Some cases may benefit from surgical treatment and or laser intervention.
Consultations For Stretch Marks and Scar Removal
Fine Touch Dermatology offers complimentary initial consultations for individuals who are interested in getting rid of stretch marks and scars. Dr. Umar will evaluate your case and discuss treatment that will result in the best form of improvement. Click the online consultation link at the top right corner of this page to get started. Or you may contact us by phone at 877-337-6424