The appearance of stretch marks can often take us by surprise. These marks tend to show up due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or after a sudden growth spurt in adolescence. In either case, their presence on our skin is hardly ever welcomed. At McLean & Potomac Dermatology, we offer several stretch mark treatment options to help you eliminate these marks and get the skin you deserve. Get in touch to explore our options today.
Who Gets Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are very common. They can develop on body parts that are affected by rapid weight gain and skin stretching. Specifically, they are common in the following body locations:
- Abdomen and breast in pregnant women.
- Adolescents undergoing growth spurts (buttocks, thighs, breasts).
- Shoulders in body-builders.
- Obese or overweight people.
Treatment Options
Treatment of stretch marks is considered a cosmetic treatment and is, therefore, not covered by insurance. To improve the color of red stretch marks, IPL may be an option. Fractional laser and microneedling may also be options to improve the texture of stretch marks, which helps to improve the appearance.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL treatments use bursts of concentrated light energy. The application is so accurate that the treatment will not harm the surrounding skin. The treatment is non-invasive and can effectively ease the appearance of stretch marks without downtime. Several sessions may be required to get the best results.
Fractional Laser
Fractional laser treatments create very small microthermal zones that penetrate your skin deeply. In response, your skin repairs itself by pushing out the old damaged skin and replacing it with new skin. This can effectively eliminate stretch marks in only a handful of 20-25 minutes sessions.
Microneedling
Microneedling is an excellent minimally invasive option for stimulating collagen production. This treatment uses small, sterile needles to create microscopic wounds on your skin. In response, your body produces collagen that rushes to the scene and heals the incurred damage.
Schedule Stretch Mark Treatments in McLean, VA, or Potomac, MD
The best treatment for you depends on the location and visibility of your stretch marks. In either case, eliminating these marks for good doesn’t require surgical intervention or extensive downtime.
Ready to fade the look of stretch marks? Book online with our board-certified dermatology team in McLean or Potomac below.