PDL for old red stretch marks? (Photo)

Question

I have several stretch marks on my hips that are about 13 years old. However, they never fully faded; they are still reddish-purple in most light and angles. I've read that PDL/IPL treatment is best for newer stretch marks, but would it be beneficial on ones this old given the amount of color that's still in them? Texture improvements are good, but I'm mainly looking to lighten them so that they are less noticeable.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Stretch marks are usually depressed, so even if there is no "color", they remain more noticeable from the shadowing alone.

Your ethnic background dictates the coloring you get in your skin, so deciding on the best treatment option will in part depend on your genes. Not trying to avoid the question, but the best suggestion is to consult with a board certified dermatologist who has a variety of devices to choose from.

Although you note the marks are red, they appear more brown in the photo.
Sun protection is a must to prevent increased discoloration.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,We have been using the pulsed dye laser since 2005 for people with your condition.  Regardless of the age of the stretch marks, the fact that they have persistently been red/purple makes your condition ideal for the pulsed dye laser.  The correct technology is important, but having the correct settings is equally important.  We recommend finding a practice that is familiar with treating patients with the similar condition.  Although stretch marks respond well to laser treatments for removing red or dark colors, the texture of the skin is still a challenge.  However, lasers (heat) have proven to offer textural improvement, and we have many before and after photos to demonstrate this.  We believe in realistic expectations and goals but definite, measurable improvement.Lastly, we disagree that PRP would offer much value.  There is no scientific data or peer-reviewed studies that indicate that this very expensive treatment would be a good option.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I am not certain if PDL treatment to your stretch marks would lead to improvement or not, but it would be a simple treatment with low risk, so I think it's worthwhile to try.  I would recommend treating just one mark first to see how it reacts and if there's improvement then I would treat all the remaining ones.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question and helpful photo.  I think you should give a PDL treatment a try!  You could start with just a test spot or two to see what kind of settings you will need, and what to expect.  Injections and other modalities won't be as effective as a vascular-specific laser such as pulsed dye.  Please see a board certified dermatologist with experience in lasers.  Best of luck!

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear inventive738537:The most effective treatment by far for stretch marks, whether they are red, purple, or white, is injections of PRP directly into the stretch marks as well as Michael needling PRP into the stretch marks. Lasers can help reduce red or purple color, and minimally help the texture of stretch marks, but not nearly as much as PRP. I hope this is helpful to you! Sheryl Clark MD, FAAD

PDL for old red stretch marks? (Photo)

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