Stretch Mark Laser: Can Treatment Remove Them 100%?

Hello, I am Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist. As summer approaches, many people pay more attention to their body shape, but even after regaining a slim figure through dieting, many hesitate to wear skirts or shorts due to stretch marks on their thighs or calves. Stretch marks initially appear as red lines, gradually turn white, and leave uneven marks on the skin. Today, I will provide detailed information on stretch mark treatment for those concerned about them.

Generally, stretch marks occur when there is rapid weight gain or sudden growth in a short period. However, stretch marks can also appear without significant body shape changes, which is deeply related to steroid hormones. Therefore, if steroid ointments are used excessively, if there are endocrine disorders, or if the amount of steroid hormones in the body increases, stretch marks can appear even without major changes in body shape.

Many people believe that once stretch marks appear, they are like scars and cannot be 100% cured or removed. While it is indeed difficult to remove a scar 100% once it has formed, significant improvement can be expected through treatment. Similarly, with consistent treatment, stretch marks are known to achieve over 75% improvement.

Stretch mark treatments include ointment application, carboxytherapy, peeling, and lasers. Recently, lasers have gained popularity as an effective treatment method with fewer side effects and are widely used for stretch mark treatment. While various laser treatments are available, it is most important to tailor the treatment to the condition of the stretch marks.

The appropriate laser treatment for stretch marks varies depending on their stage of progression.

• Red stretch marks: Using lasers such as V-Beam Perfecta, which are used to treat red scars, can help prevent further progression of stretch marks and, to some extent, restore the skin to its previous normal state.
• Old white stretch marks: For stretch marks that have already turned white, treatment to aid skin regeneration is needed rather than prevention. In the past, Fraxel, a representative fractional laser, was widely used, and recently, treatments such as Ultrapulse Alpha are also frequently employed. Ultrapulse Alpha is known to be more potent than Fraxel and is reported to be even more effective for stretch mark treatment.

Several factors influence the effectiveness of stretch mark treatment.

• Area: Generally, treatment results are known to be better in areas higher up on the body. Thus, stretch marks on the arms tend to show better treatment effects than those on the torso, and those on the torso better than those on the legs.
• Size of stretch marks: If the stretch marks are wide, the treatment effect may be somewhat reduced, while narrower stretch marks show better results. Small stretch marks, such as those that appear after childbirth or on the calves, can show excellent effects.

Stretch mark treatment requires repeated procedures, and as treatment progresses, improvement can be observed starting from the narrower edges of the stretch marks. Therefore, narrower stretch marks can be considered much more effective for treatment than wider ones.

The anesthesia method varies depending on the laser used for stretch mark treatment.

• V-Beam Perfecta Laser: Used for treating red stretch marks, it can be performed without anesthesia.
• Ultrapulse Encore Laser: Used to aid skin regeneration for white stretch marks, topical anesthetic cream alone is usually sufficient for treatment.

Pigmentation is a common side effect that can occur after stretch mark treatment. Pigmentation is prone to occur after laser procedures, and some individuals are constitutionally more susceptible to it. However, as stretch marks improve, pigmentation often naturally resolves over time, so it is advisable to proceed with treatment without excessive worry.

Today, we have learned in detail about stretch mark treatment. While stretch marks are difficult to eliminate completely once they appear, they can be significantly improved through appropriate treatment and consistent care. If you are concerned about stretch marks, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist to establish the optimal treatment plan tailored to your specific stretch mark condition.