IPL for Stretch Marks?

Question

Does IPL work for stretch marks? I'm currently using Retin-A and not seeing the stretch lines disappearing?  Maybe a bit lighter, but the lines are still really visible.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"Stretch marks can't officially be ""cured,"" and it will take a combination approach and consistent treatment to see great results. However, there are a multitude of treatments currently available that can be utilized. I recommend a combination of microneedling/PRP, lasers (Erbium, Fraxel, Excel V, Pulsed Dye Laser, Laser Genesis, Yellow laser) or radiofrequency devices like Intensif, Fractora, Skinfinitiy, and Venus Viva. I recommend seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer"

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Intense Pulse Light can be beneficial for pigmentation (redness) of stretchmarks, which may benefit the appearance of stretchmarks.  But IPL will not directly improve the lines themselves.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, IPL will only improve the appearance of the red areas, not repair the stretch marks. There are still not enough studies or research to find the perfect stretch mark repair machine.

	Good luck and thank you for your question.

William Ting, MD · Answer

IPL may be helpful to minimize pigmentation and redness of a stretch mark but that may be it. Topical tretinoin should be the foundation of any stretch mark therapy. You may want to seek out a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has expertise in Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing as it may be helpful to even out textural changes associated with stretch marks.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
In cases where the stretch mark has a pink or red color to it, IPL treatments can be very effective at reducing the redness and thus making the stretch mark less conspicuous.
If the stretch mark does not have a pink or red color, however, IPL is likely to be a waste of your time and money.
A stretch mark is an actual tear in the deep layer of your skin (the dermis)- explaining why there are no creams or laser treatment truly effective at their eradication.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

Yes, we now are able to treat stretch marks with visible results! Some patients have had them completely go away, while others have seen enough improvement that they were comfortable in their swimsuits again! A combination of IPL for any discoloration, Cutera's Pearl Fractional Laser for texture, and prepping skin before lasers with certain prescription-strength skin care can make a huge difference. A test spot is often requested by patients if they are wanting to treat several or a large area(s). Schedule a complimentary consultation to get an individualized treatment plan with quotes!

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message! Stretch marks typically soften with a combination of modalities, including laser resurfacing, microneedling with PRP, and possibly IPL. IPL may take away some of the red pigment but will likely not soften them fully! I would recommend a consultation with a provider in your area for further assessment!

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) will help with the redness of the stretch marks which then helps the stretch marks get lighter. Laser treatments, surgical tummy tucks, radiofrequency, can all help with improving the scarring. Unfortunately, they will never disappear completely and lotions and creams can not help with the disappearing of your stretch marks.  If you have any concerns, call a plastic surgeon closes to you  for a consultation. 
Gracias por su pregunta. IPL (luz pulsada intensa) ayudará con el enrojecimiento de las estrías y ayuda a aclaran las estrias. Los tratamientos con láser, abdominoplastia, y radiofrecuencia, pueden ayudar a mejorar las estrias. Desafortunadamente, nunca desaparecerán completamente y las lociones y las cremas no pueden ayudar con la desaparición de sus estrías. Si tiene alguna inquietud, llame a un cirujano plástico que se cierra para una consulta.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

IPL can help the redness fade from new stretch marks and will stimulate the skin to thicken for improvement. Old stretch marks can be treated with fractional CO2 lasers to thicken the skin and smudge the look of stretch marks. There is no treatment to bring back the pigment from silvery-white stretch marks. Overall, there can be some improvement in stretch marks, but they usually do not completely disappear.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks is very difficult to treat, and there is not a consistently good treatment to eliminate stretch marks.

IPL for Stretch Marks?

Answers (19)

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