Several lift techniques can be used to get rid of stretch marks. Stretch marks on the upper legs and buttocks can be treated with a thigh lift, those on the belly and hips can be treated with a tummy tuck, and stretch marks under the arms can be treated with an arm lift.
In this guide, we find out: Can I get cosmetic surgery to remove stretch marks, how to remove stretch marks permanently, laser stretch mark removal cost, does excess skin removal remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks are formed when the skin stretches beyond its natural elasticity, leaving behind a thin line of scar tissue. There are several options to reduce the appearance of stretch marks or remove them completely. Dr. Shapiro and his team can assist in reducing the appearance through a variety of surgical and cosmetic treatments.
Non-Invasive Options for Stretch Marks
Skin treatment procedures are less definitive approaches then plastic surgery to stretch marks. They effectively restore an aesthetic appearance to the skin, but do not completely erase the stretch marks. These treatments depend heavily on the body’s natural response to produce collagen when the skin is disrupted. Collagen is a natural protein in the skin that gives it its healthy tautness and flexibility.
Fraxel Laser
The Fraxel laser penetrates tiny areas of the skin with a narrow beam of light energy. This fractionated penetration activates the body’s natural response to create collagen to heal the skin. The new, healthy skin cells effectively stimulate healing in other areas of the skin, like stretch mark scar tissue.
Because Fraxel treats very small parts of the skin, there is little downtime, redness, or swelling in the skin. Fraxel treatments require 2-4 sessions for aesthetic rejuvenation to skin with stretch marks.
FotoFacial IPL
The FotoFacial IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is also a light-based therapy that penetrates the deep layers of the skin to induce collagen production. It is also known as photo-rejuvenation.
IPL is not a laser. This light treatment is delivered in a broadband wave, rather than the thin, intense band of a laser’s energy. The light induces collagen to fill in the skin, and blood vessels below the skin to constrict, reducing redness and uneven pigmentation.
The light leaves the outermost layer of the skin unaffected, so there is very little pain associated with a FotoFacial treatment. These treatments are performed in 3-5 sessions spaced 3 weeks apart.
ReFirme Laser Skin Tightening
This laser treatment for stretch marks combines infrared light with bipolar radio frequency energy to activate collagen production. These combined energies also heat the connective tissues within the skin, causing them to contract. This results in elastic, smooth, healthy-looking skin.
4-5 treatments are necessary for optimal results, with collagen tightening over the next 6-12 months.
Surgical Procedures for Stretch Mark Removal
Abdominoplasty and Mini-Abdominoplasty
The tummy tuck and mini-tummy tuck are two plastic surgery procedures that remove stretch marks permanently from the lower abdomen.
In the procedure, extra fat and skin is removed from the lower abdomen. The skin from the upper abdomen is pulled down to close the gap. Skin with stretch marks is removed completely, while skin in the upper abdomen is flattened out and tightened as it is drawn down toward the pubic region.
Breast Lift
A breast lift effectively removes stretch marks completely from the breasts and surrounding skin.
There are several different techniques used to lift the breasts into a more youthful, supported position. Each technique, however, is highly effective in removing stretch marks permanently.
During a breast lift, some skin and/or breast tissue is removed. Skin with stretch marks in it is either taken away completely or pulled closed, tightening the skin, while lifting the breast higher on the chest wall.
How to Remove Stretch Marks Permanently
For many women, stretch marks are part of life, whether they appear during puberty, because of a pregnancy, or on a weight-loss journey. So it’s no wonder there are so many women out there searching for ways to get rid of them. But is the idea of going under the knife to nix stretch marks really an option?
Let’s start by understanding what stretch marks are:
“When the outer layers of the skin weaken, the skin literally stretches in linearly or patchy arrangements. The stretched skin is thinner and more translucent so the color, texture, and integrity of the skin appears different than the surrounding normal skin,” says David Shafer, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.
In other words, stretch marks are permanent scars under the skin, explains Manish Shah, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver, Colorado. And because of that fact, the idea of a stretch mark ‘removal’ surgery really doesn’t exist. There are, however, multiple procedures that help minimize their appearance.
“The purpose of stretch mark treatments is to get the color to fade into the background and to grow collagen in the dermal injury to fill it back up to reduce the appearance of the stretch mark,” says Dr. Shah.
Stretch Mark Procedure Options
The best treatment option for you will depend on your Fitzpatrick skin type, a scientific skin type classification based on the pigment in your skin. Here are the most common methods doctors use to diminish stretch marks, and how they work:
Microneedling
“All patients can tolerate microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling, as these treatments are colorblind and do not really carry any significant risk of pigmentation abnormalities,” says Dr. Shah. “They work by making tiny fixed depth injuries in the skin down to 8mm under the skin. These injuries heal quickly and new collagen and elastin form to reconstruct the area. These treatments can be augmented with platelet rich plasma injections (PRP) or nanofat injections for maximum effect.”
Fractional laser therapy
“An option that is even more powerful is the use of fractional laser therapy to create the same micro injury. The risk with laser is greater in terms of risk of burn, infections, scarring, and pigmentation abnormalities,” says Dr. Shah.
Excisional surgery
“The only surgery for stretch marks would be excisional surgery (cutting the skin containing the stretch marks out). This is really only done in certain situations, particularly where there is significant skin excess,” says David Cangello, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. “This is very common with procedures such as tummy tucks or thigh lifts or arm lifts. But it would be very unlikely that an area of skin containing stretch marks was ‘cut out’ just to remove stretch marks because the resultant surgical scar is not really the best trade off.”
Are They Safe?
This scary story recently made headlines about a woman who was left with infected scars after having a stretch mark removal procedure. But before you freak out, this procedure was not one that was FDA-approved.
“This patient had a plasma pen treatment. As far as I know, this is not an FDA-approved therapy in the U.S. It is high risk for burns and hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation,” says Dr. Shah. “You are essentially using a tiny electrocautery device to create micro burns in the skin that tighten the skin as they heal. This patient suffered burns and subsequent abnormal scarring on her stretch marks.”
But overall, these procedures are safe.
“In the hands of properly trained practitioners, these treatments have all been shown to be safe,” says Dr. Shah. “Stretch marks are weaker than normal skin and need to be managed more gently to avoid complications.”
Stretch Mark Procedure Costs
“Treatment prices will vary from $300-500 for micro-needling to several thousand dollars for laser and bio-volumizer injections,” says Dr. Shah. “It is important to note that most patients will need multiple treatments to get the best results, and they should budget accordingly.”
While they aren’t cheap, the good news is that these procedures have a pretty short recovery time. “Most recovery takes less than 1 week, and full results will be seen in 6 months after treatments are completed,” says Dr. Shah.
Less-Invasive Stretch Mark Procedure Options
Injectables
“Non-invasive therapies that are showing some promise with reducing the appearance of stretch marks involve the injection of either dilute Sculptra(TM) or Radiesse(TM) into the stretch marks directly,” says Dr. Shah. “These two injectable fillers are known as bio-volumizers. Unlike HA fillers (eg. Restylane, and Juvederm), these two bio-volumizers leave long-term collagen behind, filling in the damaged dermis.”
According to Dr. Shah, these therapies can be used in combination with others.
“I always emphasize that the goal is to reduce and blend out the appearance of the stretch mark,” says Dr. Shah. “Combination therapies give the best results because they treat the varying factors involved in the creation of a stretch mark. But, it is always important to remember that they never go away completely.”
Medical tattoo
“Sometimes medical tattoos can also be used to help match the color to the surrounding skin,” says Dr. Shafer. And you should know that not all products marketed to erase stretch marks work.
“There is no cream or topical that gets rid of stretch marks,” says Dr. Cangello. “One that has retinol would be your best bet because retinol does actually have the ability to stimulate collagen production, but the result, if any, will still be quite limited. Creams containing retinol are good for preparing the skin for laser treatments as they help to potentiate the effects of the laser. This is also true for exfoliant washes.”
Laser Stretch Mark Removal
Stretch marks are colored lines or streaks that appear on your skin from weight gain or growth. They’re essentially tears on the skin, but aren’t an indication of a health issue.
Stretch marks often begin as red or purple marks, and slowly fade to white or silver over time. The difference in color distinguishes how old the marks are. Though they may never disappear completely, treatment can lighten the color of your marks and shrink them. In other cases, stretch marks fade away on their own.
Newer, red-tinged stretch marks (striae rubra) are easier to treat. They begin red because blood vessels are present under the skin. The presence of functioning blood vessels allows red stretch marks to be more responsive to treatment.
White stretch marks (striae alba) are older and more difficult to treat. Over time, your blood vessels will narrow, making it hard to stimulate collagen production. Treatment results may not be as drastic compared to those of red stretch marks, but there are options available to help them fade more naturally and at a faster pace.
Removing White Stretch Marks
1. Exfoliate
A simple way to treat white stretch marks is through regular exfoliation. This removes excess dead skin from your body and new skin from your stretch marks.
Exfoliating alongside other treatment methods can also enhance your results. Removing dead skin from your stretch marks allows other skin treatments to penetrate more deeply and work faster.
2. Topical treatments
Topical creams and ointments are more affordable methods for reducing the appearance of white stretch marks. Some creams are available over-the-counter, while others are prescribed by a doctor.
Applied regularly, topical creams can lighten the tone of stretch marks but they may not completely remove them. Before using any topical treatment, discuss your risks with your doctor. Some creams can trigger an allergic reaction or may not be strong enough to treat your condition.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a painless procedure to reduce the appearance of white stretch marks. This procedure targets the upper layer of skin (epidermis), and works by stimulating the skin to tighten collagen and elastin fibers.
In the procedure, tiny exfoliating crystals are sprayed onto the affected area or a special tipped wand is rubbed over the area. Using a wand-like device, the crystals are gently removed, taking with them dead skin from the epidermis layer. For effective results, microdermabrasion needs to be repeated over a period of time.
After the procedure, your skin may feel tight and dry. There may be some redness from the exfoliation. It typically takes 24 hours for your skin to heal. Though effective, this procedure isn’t guaranteed to fully remove stretch marks. The severity of your stretch marks will influence your results.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling targets the dermis, the middle layer of your skin where stretch marks form. Within this procedure, tiny needles are poked into your skin to trigger collagen production. Increased collagen and elastin promotes skin regeneration that can improve your skin’s appearance and reduce stretch marks.
To effectively treat stretch marks, you’ll need to participate in more than one treatment over a course of months. Microneedling has been shownTrusted Source to be an effective treatment for reducing stretch marks, specifically for patients with darker skin.
5. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a common treatment option to remove white stretch marks. In the procedure, lasers penetrate the skin, triggering regeneration. This stimulates the tissues around your stretch marks to heal at a faster rate.
Laser therapy stimulates melanin production on the affected area, activating pigment cells in your skin. This causes your stretch marks to blend in with your normal skin tone. Though effective, laser therapy requires more than one session to notice results.
There are a number of different laser therapies used to treat stretch marks and other skin issues. Discuss your options with your dermatologist.
6. Cosmetic surgery
If other treatments are unsuccessful, cosmetic surgery is an option. This expensive, yet effective, option can permanently remove white stretch marks from your body. However, it’s important to understand that surgery can leave scars of its own.
A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that not only removes stretch marks, but also removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen. This procedure gives the skin and abdomen a flatter and firmer look. However, a surgical procedure comes with a number of health risks. Before pursuing this treatment, discuss your options with your doctor.
Stretch Mark Removal Surgery Cost
Stretch marks are pretty common, especially among women who have been pregnant. While they are not harmful, many people feel self-conscious about them. Laser stretch mark removal is a popular treatment option for someone looking to get rid of stretch marks. But how much for stretch mark removal should I pay? In this article, we’ll break down the average cost of laser stretch mark removal so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for you.
WHAT ARE STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks can occur as a result of rapid growth or weight gain. Though they are commonly associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can also be caused by sudden changes in weight, muscle development, or hormone levels.
Most often appearing as parallel lines on the hips, stomach, breasts, and buttocks, stretch marks are scars that form when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. The underlying cause is tearing the dermis (the middle layer of skin), which allows the deeper layers of skin to show through. This results in a visible line or streak on the skin’s surface.
While stretch marks are usually harmless, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance. If you’re concerned about stretch marks, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about treatment options.
HOW MUCH IS LASER STRETCH MARK REMOVAL?
If you wonder how much does stretch mark removal cost, we are here to help. Stretch marks are a common issue that can occur during pregnancy, puberty, or even from sudden weight gain. While some people are okay with their stretch marks, others may feel unconfident and want to get rid of them. Laser stretch mark removal is one available option, but it can be expensive.
The average stretch mark laser removal cost is $200-$400 per session. The number of sessions needed will depend on the stretch marks severity and the individual’s skin type. Some people may only need 1-2 sessions, while others may require 4-6 sessions.
In most cases, insurance does not cover laser stretch mark removal since it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, some individuals may be able to use flex spending or health savings accounts to help pay for the procedure.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE COST OF LASER STRETCH MARK REMOVAL
Laser stretch mark removal is a widespread cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of stretch marks. Furthermore, the cost of laser stretch mark removal can vary depending on a number of factors.
Some of the main aspects that can affect the cost of laser stretch mark removal include the number of sessions required, the size and depth of the stretch marks, and the location of the treatment. In general, more profound and more significant stretch marks will require more treatment sessions and may be more expensive to remove.
The treatment location can also affect the price of laser stretch mark removal. Treatment on larger areas, such as the thighs or stomach, can be more expensive than on smaller areas, such as the breasts or arms.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the cost of laser stretch mark removal is to consult with a qualified cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
IS LASER STRETCH MARK REMOVAL WORTH IT?
Laser stretch mark removal is a new, cutting-edge procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among women looking to get rid of their stretch marks. But is it worth it?
There is no doubt that laser stretch mark removal is an effective way to get rid of stretch marks. The results are usually immediate and long-lasting. And, unlike other methods such as surgery or creams, there is no risk of scarring or other side effects.
On the other hand, laser stretch mark removal is also costly. The average cost of a single treatment can range from $500 to $1,000. Plus, you will likely need multiple treatments to see the best results. Therefore, if you’re thinking about getting laser stretch mark removal, be prepared to spend some money.
does excess skin removal remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a form of scarring in the middle layers of the skin that occur when skin stretches and tears due to rapid changes in the shape of the body. Stretch marks commonly appear during pregnancy, adolescence, and periods of extreme weight gain or loss.
While their color may fade over time, stretch marks are permanent and will not go away on their own without intervention.
In the past, undergoing surgery for the removal of stretch marks was popular because there were very few alternative options to consider. Today, however, the variety of options available for removing stretch marks has made surgery much less common. In part, this is due to the high cost and significant risk associated with undergoing a serious surgical procedure for a cosmetic concern.
What is an Abdominoplasty?
More commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure where excess skin is removed from the abdomen. When undergoing a tummy tuck, all stretch marks below the navel can be removed along with the excess skin in that area.
Keep in mind that traditional surgical options like an abdominoplasty can only remove stretch marks on the abdomen. There is no surgery available for removing stretch marks on other areas of the body, and isn’t recommended given the risks involved. There are more non-invasive alternatives listed below
Good candidates who do opt for a tummy tuck surgery though are typically healthy nonsmokers who have excess skin on their stomachs. Excess skin is typically caused by gaining and later losing a significant amount of weight due to pregnancy, bodybuilding, or obesity. Individuals looking to have stretch marks removed but who do not have loose abdominal skin may not qualify for the surgery. Consult with a doctor to be sure.
How Much Does Surgery Cost?
Undergoing a tummy tuck to get rid of stretch marks is by far the most expensive stretch mark treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an abdominoplasty is more than $5000. However, the cost of the surgical procedure can vary widely depending on the technique being used by the doctor. A tummy tuck is a wholly cosmetic procedure, so it is extremely unlikely that the procedure would be covered by health insurance.
What Are the Risks of Surgery?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, and with any surgical procedure, there are serious risks involved. Before undergoing a tummy tuck, the benefits should be seriously considered against the possible risks.
Superficially, tummy tuck surgery may cause scarring, so you may be exchanging stretch marks for surgery scars. Complications due to anesthesia administration during surgery, though rare, can result in nerve damage, brain damage, or even death. After surgery, there is a risk of developing blood clots, skin necrosis (death of the skin), infection, and fluid accumulation beneath the wound.
Full recovery from an abdominoplasty will take between three and six months, though most patients are able to return to work sometime between one and four weeks after the surgery is performed. Within 3-6 months, bruising and discoloration should disappear and scars from the surgery will heal and fade to white.
Alternative Treatment Methods
Because surgery for stretch marks is expensive, risky, and only potentially effective for removing stretch marks on the abdomen, it is not a good option for most people. In good news, there are many other ways to potentially get rid of stretch marks that do not require undergoing surgery.
- Stretch Mark Removal Products: Many lotions and creams are available that can greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These products can be cost-effective, safe, effective, and available for purchase over the counter.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a professional exfoliation treatment performed by a dermatologist or esthetician that removes dead skin cells and enlivens skin. By improving the overall appearance of skin, microdermabrasion has in some cases shown to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It may require multiple treatments though and could be costly.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is the process of damaging tissue with an ultraviolet laser, causing skin to regenerate. The regeneration process can remove stretch marks by generating regrowth of the stretched, damaged skin. Keep in mind that laser treatment is time consuming and expensive—seeing results may take months of recurring treatments and may cost more than $5,000—but since the cost is comparable to that of a tummy tuck surgery, it may be a more preferential option because it carries significantly less risk than surgery.
