Since we’re now a couple weeks into 2022, we assume you’re busy working on keeping those New Year’s Resolutions and all. If only you could resolve to do something about your stretch marks…Everyone knows they are remarkably resistant to treatment.
Stretch marks are two words that are universally despised by all women. Just about every woman who has had a child or who has gained and then lost weight has stretch marks. And despite promises, salves and creams applied topically have no impact on changing them.
But Dr. Kronberg uses the N-Lite/Regenlite Laser to decrease the appearance of stretch marks, especially newer stretch marks.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks, stripes, or lines that develop on the skin, but are a different color/tone than the surrounding skin. They form due to sudden stretching of the skin and are almost universal with women, and some men.
Stretch marks commonly form on the shoulders and the back in men, and on the hips, thighs, and breasts in women.
Why do stretch marks form?
The stubborn durability of stretch marks is due to the fact that they are the visible evidence of damage under the epidermis layer of the skin. There are three layers to human skin: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous (fat) layer. As we grow, the strong connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch. If that growth is rapid, however, those fibers are overstretched and they break, creating stretch marks. Initially, these are red or purple because blood vessels are showing through the tears in the dermis. But they fade with time to a silvery, white, or glossy appearance.
How does the laser help stretch marks?
We’ve found that N-Lite/Regenlite Laser treatments work best on stretch marks that are still in the red or purple phase. This pulsed-dye laser delivers a precise yellow light that uses very low power laser energy to hit the blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin and causing the stretch marks. These blood vessels are not damaged, but they respond with a wound mechanism where the body starts producing new amounts of collagen and sending it to the “wounded” area. This makes the stretch marks far less visible as the skin’s collagen levels increase.
For older silvery stretch marks, microneedling may be a better treatment. There isn’t a treatment out there that can totally remove older, white or silver stretch marks.
Tired of your stretch marks? Call Dr. Kronberg at (773)771-8941 and schedule a N-Lite/Regenlite treatment for your stretch marks.
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