Is microneedling, PRP, radio-frequency or laser the best treatment for these stretch marks? (Photos)

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Stretch marks and scars need a combination approach for improvement. I recommend a combination of microneedling/prp, lasers (Erbium, Fraxel Laser, Excel V, Pulsed Dye Laser, laser genesis, yellow laser) or radiofrequency devices like intensif, fractora, skinfinitiy, venus viva. Stretch marks can't be officially "cured" and it will take a combination approach and consistent treatment to see great results. Luckily, there is a multitude of great treatments available currently that can be utilized. I recommend seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Hi Katie! Thank you for your question! When dealing with Stretch Marks, or striae, I would highly recommend microneedling with radiofrequency technology. Microneedling works by creating microchannels in the skin that then stimulates your body’s natural wound-healing response. When you add in the radiofrequency energy, it helps to boost collagen production even more. This treatment is also safe for all skin types, so nothing to worry about there. Schedule an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon today to learn more!

There is no technology yet that can completely remove a stretch mark without surgical removal such as through a tummy tuck with a hidden incision. I feel that the best approach is to do combination therapy with microneedling and PRP to restore collagen into the stretch mark and fractionated laser to help tighten the dermis and collagen to bring the edges of the stretch mark closer together and make them less noticeable. In short, combine all three to get the best benefit!  It is best to have an in-office examination to determine the safest and most effective therapy for your skin. Hope this helps.
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG @drjohnsonlee

Thank you for your question and posting pictures.  There is no blanket answer that works for everyone.  You need the best experience with someone that will work with you to treat it to your satisfaction.No one has perfect skin, but you can probably get significant improvement in your skin texture.  You will get better and faster results with laser treatments over microneedling.  After a complete consultation in a medical setting, you would probably be a candidate for a several treatment options depending on your skin type, severity of the stretch marks and how much downtime you can take.  Keep in mind that more intense/deeper treatments require more downtime, but you will need less treatments.  If you choose a short downtime treatment plan, you will need more treatments in the series.  The most gentle would be something like the PicoSure FOCUS treatment with almost no downtime.  It is safe for all skin types, but you would probably need 3 to 6 treatments.  Another option would be a fractional 1540 nm laser treatment like ICON or Fraxel.  With these treatment you could have redness and swelling for 1 to 3 days, but need less treatments.  Based on your skin type, you may be a candidate for a fractional CO2 treatment with 7 days of redness and swelling.  Look for a medical setting with a doctor in house, where they have multiple laser options.  I hope this helps.

This is the HOLY GRAIL of dermatology. Once again there is no magic answer. Pico and Icon Cynosure cut and paste answer is not the correct answer, and neither is mine. The truth is, stretch mark treatments are variable, and depends on the experience of the dermatologist. I use to perform CO2 lasers, but now prefer microneedling RF with insulation, PRP and Vitamin A. In some cases I get an excellent response after 3 sessions, in other cases I get zero improvement despite optimal treatments, aftercare and skin care. Herein lies the truth regarding stretchmarks and their management. Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.