The Latest Laser Technology for Stretch Mark Removal
Tiger stripes, or stretch marks, can appear at the worst times and are difficult to remove on your own. Depending where they are located, they can cause extreme self-consciousness. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can help provide the latest laser technology to remove stretch marks and get your body and skin back to the way it used to look.
Cause of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is suddenly stretched. The skin can become suddenly stretched from a sudden weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy. Stretch marks are common in both men and women and can occur at any age. They often appear on the stomach, thighs, hips or breasts. Once they appear, they leave marks that look like tiger stripes and are difficult to remove. While they do not cause any pain or harm, it may cause anxiety and issues with self-image. To prevent the anxiety from occurring many patients opt to have their stretch marks professionally removed.
Stretch Mark Removal
Stretch mark removal can be difficult to do on your own. For some they fade on their own and disappear, but typically they stick around. While there are a variety of topical gels, creams and lotions to help reduce the appearance of or prevent stretch marks, there is no evidence that they do either. The best option, but most costly option, is to have a laser resurfacing procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done by our dermatologists. The procedure works by removing the outermost layer of the skin (where the stretch marks appear) to help restructure the overlying skin. Light beams are used to encourage new skin growth ultimately removing the stretch marks. There are two different kinds of laser procedures that can be done. An ablative laser procedure destroys the upper layer of skin. The new skin that forms will be smooth and free of any stretch marks.
A non-ablative laser aims to treat the underlying area of the skin to promote collagen growth. Stretch marks appear when there is a lack of collagen. Increasing collagen growth tightens up the skin to help reduce stretch marks from appearing. Both procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes. While either of these laser procedures will provide the results you want, it will come at a cost.
Cost for Laser Treatment
Unlike low-cost topical creams and gels, the laser procedures will have a significantly higher cost attached. On average, the non-ablative procedure will set you back nearly $1,400. The ablative procedure will set you back more than $2,500. On top of the cost of the procedure you also will need to consider other fees for the consultations, anesthetics and lab costs. The cost of either procedure is well worth it if it will boost your confidence and make you happy in your own skin again.
Contact Us
If stretch marks are making you self-conscious the dermatologist at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute want to help. If you are in or around the surrounding areas of Bloomington, Illinois, contact our office today. We want to help get your body back to the way it once was while restoring your self-confidence.