Ways to remove stretch marks

Procedures

Laser Removal of Scars and Stretch Marks

Unsightly scars and stretch marks, or striae, have presented problems for men and women for centuries. Scars and stretch marks are generally considered unsightly, disfiguring and unacceptable by many people.

Scars form as part of the skin's healing process whenever multiple layers of skin are injured. The injury may be the result of an accident, surgery, a burn or even severe acne.

The exact cause of stretch marks is unknown. It is thought, however, that striae are the result of the skin's collagen and elastic fibers breaking down under stress. Pregnancy, bodybuilding and weight loss are the leading causes of stretch marks. Stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, groin or buttocks. In the beginning, stretch marks appear reddened. They turn white as part of the healing process. It is the period of time when stretch marks are the reddest that they are the most amenable to treatment with a laser.

In the past, cryosurgery or freezing, excision, steroid injections, and the utilization of topical creams and ointments were the standard of care for the treatment of scars and stretch marks. The results of these treatments ranged from fair to minimal with recurrences commonly seen after many of these treatment options.

Dr. Chernoff has done extensive research on the latest laser technology and has formulated a treatment plan that he now teaches to physicians worldwide. Utilizing a specific combination of laser therapy, Dr. Chernoff treats stretch marks at various ages of maturity in an effort to soften or blend the stretch marks. It is very common to be able to reduce the appearance of a stretch mark to make it such that it is barely visible from conversational distance. Many of the lasers are utilized to stimulate the capillary blood flow of the stretch mark or cells called fibroblasts, which create the body's own collagen. This causes new collagen to be produced under the stretch mark or scar until it more closely resembles surrounding normal skin.

This treatment is performed without an anesthetic. Patients describe a sensation similar to a bacon grease splattered at them. Some patients feel a slight tingling with the laser pulses or as if they were being snapped with a rubber band. Immediately after treatment patients see a range of either bruising, raised red areas, to some areas of small blood blisters. Healing time immediately after a treatment for stretch marks ranges anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The rebuilding process of new collagen typically requires six weeks after each treatment. This is why treatments are typically spaced six weeks apart.

Results vary from patient to patient and may not be immediate. Results from laser, scar and stretch mark therapy are generally progressive and may require multiple treatments. 60 to 75 percent of patients receiving laser therapy for stretch marks notice a marked improvement. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older and deeper scars and stretch marks. Dr. Chernoff has, however, developed a treatment regimen for older scars and stretch marks as well as deeper scars. To enhance the results of laser therapy, your surgeon may recommend the utilization of various creams, such as Retin-A or Glycoholic acid cream prior to and during your laser therapy.

The skin in the immediate area of treatment may be red for several weeks to months. There may be some temporary darkening of the skin or permanent lightening of the skin in the area of treatment.

The ability to soften scars and stretch marks has been a valuable addition to the armamentarium of treatments that laser surgeons have to improve self-esteem.

ACNE SCAR THERAPY Men and women alike, ranging in ages from 15 to 90, continue to be plagued by either active acne or the results of chronic acne in the form of acne scarring. There is perhaps no greater insult to self-esteem than acne scars, which are visible dramatically from conversational distance. Dr. Chernoff has spent many years perfecting a proven time-tested combined therapy for acne scars and active acne.

There are many things that patients can do on their own at home without spending a great deal of money that can have long lasting affects on their active acne and resolution of acne scars. Each patient will have a specified unique treatment regimen as prescribed by Dr. Chernoff and his professional staff. Utilizing a combination of topical antibiotics, topical retinoic acid formulation, topical bleaching creams with oral antibiotics, oral steroids, injection therapy, and laser therapy, Dr. Chernoff's acne regime brings satisfaction to over 95 percent of patients who are initiated on this treatment program.

There is no greater satisfaction than watching the dramatic change in self-esteem of someone who now has acne scarring barely perceptible at normal conversational distance when they used to be constantly reminded of their acne scars prior to therapy. This treatment process typically takes one to two years to complete and requires a high level of commitment by patients entering into your room. Those patients committed to softening their acne scars are those patients that typically have the nicest results.

Soften your acne scars today, and dramatically improve your self-esteem.

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