Stretch marks. Just those two words send most women to a bad place. They are the bane of every woman who has had children or who have otherwise gained and lost weight. And it seems as if they are here to stay — many treatments such as creams and salves promise results but do nothing.
But that’s where Dr. Kronberg is different. She uses the N-Lite/Regenlite Laser to teach stretch marks, especially newer stretch marks, who’s the boss.
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.
What life events lead to stretch marks?
- Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Obesity
- Rapid weight gain
- Weightlifting
- Various medical conditions
Why do stretch marks form?
There are three layers of 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?
The N-Lite/Regenlite Laser works 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 wounding 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, micro needling may be a better treatment. There isn’t a treatment out there that can remove older, white or silver stretch marks.
Do you have stretch marks? See Dr. Kronberg, and she can help. Call us at 713-771-8941 to make an appointment.
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