Fractional CO2 laser treatment for stretch marks, how often are treatments required?

Question

I am looking for a dermatologist to get my stretch marks reduced and I was wondering why some would tell me that I can get co2 laser once a month and others once every 6 months.

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Christian G. Drehsen, MD · Answer

Some fractional laser treatments can improve the wide stretch marks. I would recommend every 6 weeks, 3 to 4 treatments.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

4-8 weeks apart depending on your skin type. See the weblink below for all the answers on stretch marks, including the best creams and treatments. 
  
New stretch marks are easier to treat than older ones. For new stretch marks (red-purple-pink), my treatment of choice is V BEAM vascular laser combined with compounded Vitamin A creams or a cream called Stratamark. This can reduce stretch mark colour and width by up to 50% or more. 
  
Old stretch marks are harder to treat- my preferred option for old, white, silvery- papery stretch marks is a combination of CO2 fractional laser, or with INFINI RF and PRP. I also use Fraxel ReStore 1550, and also lasers in the 1440 to 1540 wavelength. Of all the methods I find microneedling with RF energy and PRP the best, as it has the lowest rate of skin colour changes, and the fastest healing time. Results wise, it outperforms CO2 laser! Still not a miracle cure. 
  
The truth is that stretch mark treatments are HIGHLY variable, depending on your own immune system, your skin type and the age of the stretch marks. Some get a 30% improvement, others up to 80%. Regardless of the treatment multiple sessions are need – anywhere from 3 to 8 sessions. An assessment is the very first step. Regards,
  
Dr Davin Lim, Laser and aesthetic dermatologist.
  
Brisbane, Australia.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment for stretch marks, how often are treatments required?

Answers (3)

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