Whenever multiple and deep layers of skin are damaged or cut by surgery, an accident, burns, or pregnancy, scars and stretch marks are formed by the body. The exact cause of stretch marks is unknown. It is believed stretch marks form as a result of the elastin and collagen in your skin breaking down under stress. Pregnancy, body building, and weight loss are the leading problems associated with stretch marks. The stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breast, abdomen, thighs, groin, or buttocks. In the beginning the marks are red, and then they turn white as part of the healing process over time.

Many people have developed significant scars and depressions on the face as a result of severe acne or infections. After these scars are stable and the acne is no longer active, it is possible that laser or IPL treatments will help to change or decrease the appearance of the scars.

In the past, cryosurgery (freezing), excision, steroid injections, and the use of topical creams and ointments were the standard of care for the treatment of

Today, several new laser and IPL techniques are available to treat a wide variety of scars and stretch marks. Although these treatments are not perfect and results vary greatly from person to person, the IPL or laser can be a significant benefit to people with scars and can improve some stretch marks. The laser’s energy smoothes out the rough areas with scars and stimulates the skin under the scar to grow new collagen, which helps thicken the skin. This helps the skin closely resemble normal skin.

It is unusual for the IPL or laser treatments to help stretch marks, unless the stretch marks are raised, red, and new, such as seen in teenagers. The older, wide stretch marks that women typically have years after pregnancy can rarely be significantly changed with IPL or laser treatments.

The IPL and laser treatments can be done in the office or as an outpatient in the hospital, usually under local anesthetic, unless large areas are involved. The IPL and laser pulses are like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. The deep scar areas treated have redness for up to two weeks, but usually there is only minor discoloration, and the healing occurs rapidly. Minor scars have less redness.

IPL and laser treatments have been shown to improve or to eliminate red or raised scars and stretch marks. Some studies have shown that the appearance of stretch marks can improve up to 6 months after treatment with the IPL and laser.

Patients with a dark complexion or a tan might have changes of the color of the skin with any IPL or laser treatment. These changes are similar to what occurs with a burn or cut with temporary loss of the skin color, which normally returns in 4-12 weeks, might can be permanent. These areas can be covered with makeup during the color change time period.

Individuals with a fair complexion and light pigmentation with shallow scars respond best to IPL and laser treatments.

The prices of the treatments vary as to the size of the area treated. Also a "test patch" treatment might be done first. Test patch costs usually run $75-145.00 Full treatments cost $450-1,250.00 for most small areas, such as the chin. Larger areas such as the cheeks or multiple areas of the face cost considerably more.

Call 210-490-1757 for an appointment.