Is the Palomar Lux 1540 an Effective Treatment for Stretch Marks?

Question

The Lux1540 recently received FDA approval for the treatment of stretch marks. How effective is it and how does it compare to other available stretch mark treatments?

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The Lux1540 is a great treatment for stretch mark reduction coupled with IPL laser.  The IPL targets the oxyhemoglobin in the skin which then causes vasoconstriction of vessels and causes the redness in the stretch marks to disappear.   During the process of the Lux1540 non-ablative fraxel laser treatment, coagulation occurs in the epidermis and dermis.  This sparks a natural healing process that creates healthy new tissue, including new collagen, resulting in a smoother and more even skin tone.  The pulses of fractional laser light are used to break down stretch marks, triggering new tissue production which reduces the appearance of the stretch marks on the skin.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

I would love few things more than being given the ability to truly erase stretch marks and scars from my patients and immediate family. BUT - Stretch marks are deep / full thickness cracks in the skin that fill with scar tissue. Unlike their misleading name, they are NOT superficial "marks" which can be simply wiped off. Therefore, they would more correctly be termed Skin Cracks. 

As skin stretch "marks" mature, they gradually lose their red/purplish hue caused by the presence of blood vessels as these vessels close up and the "marks" become silvery white - the color of a mature scar. Until now, vascular lasers could obliterate vessels in stretch marks thereby hastening their mature appearance but could do nothing to the scar tissue in the crack (IE stretch mark).

BUT - HOW can a laser literally take a scar and erase it? The claims are bold and I am extremely skeptical of these claims.

Is the Palomar Lux 1540 an Effective Treatment for Stretch Marks?

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Is the Palomar Lux 1540 an Effective Treatment for Stretch Marks?

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Everything you need to know about Lux 1540

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