stretch marks

While stretch marks are not harmful or painful, these indented streaks on the skin can be a source of distress and reduced confidence for women and men alike. Following a one-on-one consultation, Beverly Hills cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer sketches out a comprehensive treatment plan using an advanced combination approach to ensure the most effective, long-term improvement.

To reduce the appearance of stretch marks, Dr. Emer avoids deep resurfacing treatments at all costs, as these treatments may inadvertently aggravate the condition. Instead, he concentrates on safe, low-strength treatments to build collagen over time and achieve gradual improvements.

Using various state-of-the-art fractional devices and therapies - including non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency heating devices, and ablative lasers for more aggressive stretch marks - Dr. Emer resurfaces the skin and improves overall skin texture. For additional improvements, Dr. Emer incorporates microsecond YAG laser treatments for skin rejuvenation and vascular lasers to reduce redness in the affected area.

Dr. Emer enhances these laser treatments with Sculptra injections for natural collagen production and gradual skin tightening; monthly microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and growth factors; and LED light therapy to promote and accelerate healing. At home, patients can improve the outcome of their procedure through regular dermarolling treatments and ongoing, customized skin care protocols.

You may experience some minor soreness in the treatment areas after your procedure, and you may also see some redness. These symptoms are on par with a mild sunburn, and they should disappear within a few days. Most of our Beverly Hills and West Hollywood clients are able to return immediately to their normally scheduled activities, whether it be work, school or leisure. To help maintain your results long term, be sure to drink plenty of water, eat healthy natural foods, and maximize your sleep.

Typically, those with fair complexions and light pigmentation obtain the best outcome when it comes to laser stretch mark removal, although a spot test can be given to those with darker pigmentation to ensure the skin reacts properly before larger areas are treated with the lasers. Additionally, it is shallow stretch marks that respond the most optimally to laser therapy.