I have small stretch marks all along the backs of my thighs that are not very deep. What can be done? (Photos)

Question

What can be done to get rid of or lighten them? Laser? RF? Micro-needling? Peels? Is there a way to tighten the skin?

Vinod Chopra, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! I recommend you proceed with radiofrequency microneedling. Radiofrequency microneedling penetrates to the deepest layer of the skin in order to heal common skin conditions. Other options include: IPL treatment, and laser skin resurfacing. These treatments remove surface layers of the skin, stimulate the body's healing response, and overall improve the skin's tone and texture. Please note that nonsurgical options may require multiple treatment options depending on the severity of the scars. As always, it is important to book a consultation with your local plastic surgeon before proceeding with this procedure. I hope this information is useful! Thank you!

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. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no way to erase stretch marks but their appearance can be minimized.  SkinPen is a great tool used to improve skin tone and texture.  Three to four treatment sessions spaced one month apart are recommended for optimal results.  See a provider at a board certified plastic surgeon's office near you to learn more.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @qwerty455. I recommend Morpheus 8.  Morpheus 8 is a non-surgical treatment for full body skin resurfacing, skin tightening, and fat reduction of stubborn areas. It uses minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency energy (RF) to penetrate the skin deeper than other microneedling devices, triggering the skin’s natural healing response to promote skin tightening and lifting.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Diane L. Rose, MD · Answer

The best you can expect is improvement. In my office, we would treat these flesh colored stretch with either a series of microneedling (1 treatment per month for 3-5 treatments) or microneedling with radiofrequency (Morpheus8). Improvement will likely be seen best at three months after the last procedure. Often, stretch marks are pink and we will sometimes use IPL to help with pink marks.

I have small stretch marks all along the backs of my thighs that are not very deep. What can be done? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Morpheus 8

Answer: Morpheus 8

Answer: Stretch marks are difficult to treat!

Answer: Stretch marks are difficult to treat!

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

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

I have small stretch marks all along the backs of my thighs that are not very deep. What can be done? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Morpheus 8

Answer: Morpheus 8

Answer: Stretch marks are difficult to treat!

Answer: Stretch marks are difficult to treat!

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

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