How long is the recommended period between fractional laser treatments for stretch marks? (photos)

Question

I have long white stretchmarks on both sides of my torso. I have just had my first fractional laser session over the worst stretchmarks to help improve their appearance and was told that I would have to wait 2 months before my next session. Is this correct? It seems a bit long between the sessions if I have to wait 2 months. My first session was July 19th 2014 and I have my next session Sep 13th 2014.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional treatments for stretch marksThe time between treatments depends in part upon the settings that the doctor uses for the laser. One month is on the early side but four to eight weeks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jennifer Ahdout, MD, FAAD · Answer

I recommend monthly treatments with the fractional laser for the treatment of stretch marks. The effects of the laser begin to reveal themselves in 1 month but can be best assessed for their efficacy at the 6 month mark. There may be continued improvement past 6 months in many cases.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It takes about a month to start having collagen rebuild itself after a fractional laser treatment, so I would not recommend treatment again before that date. To me, 2 months is a good amount of time because you will start to see some results from the initial treatment as collagen will have begun to build in the treated area by that time. It can take upwards of 6 months to see the collagen rebuilding itself, and for many patients I've seen it continuing at even 8 months post treatment. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

How long is the recommended period between fractional laser treatments for stretch marks? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fractional laser treatments for stretch marks

Answer: Fractional laser treatments for stretch marks

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Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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How long is the recommended period between fractional laser treatments for stretch marks? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fractional laser treatments for stretch marks

Answer: Fractional laser treatments for stretch marks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.