Scars/Stretchmarks

Stretchmarks occur when skin is stretched quickly over a period of time. During this process, the layers of skin are torn and replaced by collagen and scar tissue. These marks, medically referred to as striae, are a form of skin scarring that is often associated with obesity, puberty, pregnancy, and bodybuilding. They form as the dermis (the middle layer of the skin that maintains its shape and elasticity) is stretched more than it can tolerate. Fibers in the skin eventually tear which causes a disruption in the collagen production and leads to a form of scarring. Stretchmarks are common on the arms, thighs, hips, abdomen, lower back, and buttocks.

Scars are usually caused from various forms of trauma (burns, sun or chemical exposure, accidental) or in severe cases of acne often with skin “pitting”. Scars can vary in appearance and be flat, or depressed (like the pitted appearance of acne lesions) raised, thickened, or red.

While many forms of therapy have been tried, the most effective treatment of scars and stretch marks is by laser. Lasers can have several positive effects on scars and stretchmarks. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light along the scars, removing a very thin layer of damaged skin along with the scar tissue and at the same time helps to regenerate collagen matrix. This newly formed collagen helps the damaged area regain a smoother and full appearance.

Using the new fractionated CO2 laser [Total FX®] a series of treatments may be required to completely remove scars and stretchmarks, depending on the severity. The effect of the laser scar removal is progressive and while some immediate improvement is evident, maximum results are seen within a few months. The procedure is safe and effective with an extremely low incidence of side effects.

The type of laser used is vitally important. Not all lasers are effective in treating scars and stretchmarks. The Cosmetic Center of New England uses three types of clinically proven lasers for scar and stretch mark removal treatments.

Total FX® CO2 fractionated laser: The UltraPulse® system provides a full spectrum of resurfacing and surgical capabilities with a single-platform interface. This is our newest and most exciting technology. It is simultaneously effective in treating discolorations, wrinkles, sagging skin, smokers’ lines, and acne scarring. With multiple spot sizes and delivery options, the UltraPulse® is the industry’s most versatile CO2 system available. The ablation removes surface discolorations and deposits heat deep in the dermis. The deep heating causes immediate collagen contraction and long-term collagen remodeling.

Smoothbeam™: Smoothbeam’s LASR™ (Laser Assisted Skin Renewal) process uses a unique wavelength that heats the inner layers of the dermis, stimulating the body’s natural healing response of collagen remodeling and deposition.

V-Beam®: VBeam® is a pulsed dye laser that emits a short spray of a cooling agent called cryogen onto the skin before each laser pulse. This process minimizes the thermal effect on the outer layers of skin without affecting underlying targeted areas. This results in a greater comfort for patients during treatment.

Contact us for a free scar, burn or stretch mark removal consultation, we are located in Portland Maine (ME) – an easy commute from New Hampshire (NH), Vermont (VT), and Massachusetts (MA).