Laser Stretch Mark Removal in Wroclaw, Poland – Nowa Estetyka
Stretch marks form due to rapid weight gain, muscle growth, or growth spurts during puberty, when the skin simply cannot keep up, leading to excessive stretching. This process is associated with the dysfunction of fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers give the skin elasticity, allowing it to stretch and return to its original state. However, weakened collagen fibers break, creating jagged patterns on the skin – initially pink, and over time, they fade to white, slightly lighter than the surrounding skin. Once the discoloration occurs, removing stretch marks will require significantly more treatments. We usually cannot pinpoint exactly when they form because this process is asymptomatic; itching or discomfort rarely accompanies the formation of stretch marks. Most commonly, stretch marks appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts in pregnant women. Sometimes they are related to genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy?
Along with the joy and anticipation of your baby’s arrival, pregnancy is also a time of hormonal changes and inevitable tissue growth. Many pregnant women start to experience issues like discoloration, stretch marks, broken blood vessels on the legs, or cellulite. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still feel exceptionally feminine and well-groomed – post-pregnancy abdominal treatments can effectively address unwanted fat, firm the skin, and minimize the visibility of C-section scars.
Many treatments that don’t involve the introduction of foreign substances into the body can be performed even during breastfeeding – such as fractional CO2 laser therapy.
One of the most effective methods for removing stretch marks is the CO2 fractional laser, commonly used for skin revitalization and improving skin firmness. The laser works based on photothermolysis – converting laser beam energy into heat, which heats deep layers of the skin. Fractional laser effectively restores an even skin tone and smooth texture.
Laser stretch mark removal can be performed on both women and men, regardless of the causes of the stretch marks. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Immediately after the treatment, the patient can return to daily activities, and no special skin care is required. However, for one month after each laser treatment, it’s important to avoid exposing the treated areas to UV rays (sunbathing, tanning beds) as the laser increases the skin’s susceptibility to pigmentation changes and discoloration, which are very difficult to remove.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal – Results
The effects of laser stretch mark removal can be noticeable after just the first session, provided the stretch marks are in the early stages of development. In most cases, however, additional treatments are necessary. Delaying treatment means reducing the effectiveness of future laser therapies. Results will depend on the skin’s overall firmness and elasticity, as well as the severity of the stretch marks themselves. The younger the stretch marks, the easier they are to remove. The intervals between treatments are 2-3 months.
Preparation for the Procedure
There are no age restrictions for using laser treatments to remove stretch marks. Preparation for the procedure mainly involves avoiding UV exposure for four weeks before the procedure, as is typical with laser treatments. If you’re taking oral anticoagulants, photosensitizing medications, steroids, or using retinol-based creams, you should discontinue them at least seven days before the treatment. You can resume using them two weeks after completing the stretch mark removal process.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care primarily involves preventing further skin irritation in the treated area. It’s best to avoid products containing alcohol, as they can further dry out the skin. Avoid exfoliating scrubs, which can peel additional layers of skin. You can use non-alcoholic skincare products 24 hours after the procedure. For one month, avoid sunbathing, steam baths, and saunas. If you undergo laser stretch mark removal during the summer and find it difficult to avoid sun exposure, it’s best to use a UV protection cream with at least SPF30. After the procedure, you may experience minor swelling and redness, but these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own.
Other Methods of Stretch Mark Removal
In addition to laser reduction of stretch marks, combined therapies are often performed. Along with CO2 fractional laser treatments, noticeable improvement in skin condition can be achieved through carboxytherapy or platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Use of steroids, photosensitizing medications, retinol-based creams, or supplements containing photosensitizing herbs such as calendula or St. John’s wort
- Viral changes or infection in the area targeted by the laser
- Strong tan
- Rosacea, psoriasis
- Autoimmune or cancerous diseases
- Epilepsy
