Effective treatments for making tiger stripes or stretch marks fade away.

Stretch marks, those unsightly lines that often appear on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts, can be a source of frustration. While they are common, especially during pregnancy or rapid weight gain, there are effective treatments available to help minimize their appearance. In this blog post, we’ll explore two popular options: laser therapy, specifically using the HELIX CoolPeel laser, and surgical intervention, such as a Tummy Tuck.

HELIX CoolPeel Laser for Stretch Mark Treatment

The HELIX CoolPeel laser is a non-surgical option that can effectively address stretch marks. This innovative laser technology utilizes a combination of wavelengths to target both the pigment and the texture of the skin.

• How it works: The laser energy stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin, helping to improve the skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The laser tightens the skin between the stretch marks and stimulates new collagen production in healthy skin. Additionally, the laser can target the pigment within the stretch marks, minimizing the uneven pigmentation.
• Limitations of treating Stretch Marks with Laser: The stretch marks never completely go away with laser treatments. They will be there forever, and the laser helps to camouflage them and minimize their appearance.
• Benefits of HELIX CoolPeel:
  • Minimal downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, laser treatments like HELIX require minimal downtime.
  • Less invasive: HELIX CoolPeel is a noninvasive procedure, so there is no need for anesthesia or surgical recovery.

Tummy Tuck for Stretch Mark Removal

For patients with extensive stretch marks, particularly those on the abdomen, and stretched out abdominal muscles and belly skin, a laser is not enough. To address the stretched out skin and muscle, we need a comprehensive solution – that would be an Abdominoplasty, also called a Tummy Tuck. This surgical procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles. While the laser treatment leaves the skin in place and helps fade and minimize stretch marks, a Tummy Tuck directly removes the skin with the stretch marks by cutting them out.

When is a Tummy Tuck appropriate: Tummy Tucks are often recommended for patients who have:

• • Significant excess skin and fat in the abdomen
  • Abdominal Stretch marks that are extensive or resistant to other treatments
  • Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)

Recovery and results: Tummy Tucks require a more significant recovery period compared to laser treatments. However, the results can be dramatic, providing patients with a more toned and sculpted abdomen, and of course gets rid of stretch marks. Unlike laser treatments, surgery directly cuts out the stretch marks so they will be gone forever. There are other benefits to Abdominoplasty, too. Putting the muscles in proper position can improve quality of life, reduce back pain and improve urinary incontinence!

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering laser therapy or a surgical procedure, it’s important to consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and goals. By understanding the options available and the factors that influence treatment outcomes, you can make an informed decision about the best way to address your stretch marks.

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Call us if you are interested in moving forward with a Plastic Surgery Consultation with our board-certified female plastic surgeon, Dr. Tannan. Our all-female team is ready to take care of you in Raleigh at our on-site Surgery Center. If you are coming for your plastic surgery in Raleigh from Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Knightdale, Fayetteville, Greenville, Wilmington or out of state, feel free to call, text or email us. We want to set you up for success in every way – and we are here to help!