Is CO2 laser effective on stretch marks?

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

C02 laser is most commonly used for skin resurfacing of the face but recently has been shown to cause great improvement in stretch marks. It works by ablating a fraction of the treatment area while the surrounding skin tissue is untouched and therefore, not damaged. This not only proves to be a less invasive procedure with faster recovery times, it also produces better results as the collagen production can work in conjunction with existing, live skin tissue as opposed to the entire treatment area being damaged at once. Through the use of a topical anesthetic, side affects like mild discomfort can be allayed. A CO2 Fraxel treatment allows up to a 75% reduction in noticeable stretch marks just after a few treatments. For pregnant women, it is recommended to get laser stretch mark removal treatments as soon as possible after their delivery. The sooner the stretch marks are treated after their appearance, the better. Many middle-aged men and women now opt for fractional CO2 treatment for stretch marks.

Hello, thank you for your question. We have not found that CO2 laser resurfacing is helpful for  stretch marks. Unfortunately many of the laser treatments offer only minimal improvement. We have discovered that in the majority of cases direct excision is the best option if the skin can be removed within acceptable scar. I would recommend she discuss this with the plastic surgeon and or dermatologist in your area.

co2 is not the best for stretch marks i suggest a combination of RF and microneedling.  Best, Dr. Emer.

We have found that CO2 is effective for some stretch marks. Microneedling,microneedling with RF and PRP have also been effective in treating stretch marks.  Oftentimes we combine treatments for the best results.  You should discuss this with an experienced provider who can best advise you.

The answer is yes, Co2 fractional laser can be effective, however for older stretch marks I prefer insulated RF microneedling- less downtime, less redness. Try this cost effective method for DIY removal as it may work in some people, use a cheap DermaRoller and StrataMark. Take some pictures every 3 weeks, roll every 2 weeks with a 0.25 mm roller or a 0.5 mm roller. You can buy this off ebay at $5-$10. Do Not over roll, 2-3 rolls horizontally and 2-3 rolls vertically. I have done a detailed DIY video on YOUTUBE as to how to perform effective Derma Rolling- this will save you time, money, and most importantly this is done with safety in mind. Too many ‘miracle stretch mark’ videos out there with conflicts of interests and endorsement, hence why I took the time to make a proper video with no endorsements! 

OK, start off with the 0.25 needle with 2 rolls, then rotate 90 degrees for another 2 rolls. You can always work up to 3 rolls, 4 roll, etc…Start slow, then move up. This is a marathon NOT a sprint. Use Stratamark in the am, and pm. If your skin is bleeding do not use Stratamark, use a bland moisturizer like aqueous cream or aquaphor, then recommence Stratamark in the next day. Do not over do the skin rolling, as prolonged healing and PIH or skin colour changes may result. Do this for 3 months, then post the before and after progression. This treatment can work, especially for early stretch marks. Stay safe, and remember to take your photos and posts the results. Stratamark can be bought online, and is the best stretch mark cream with sound clinical papers behind it.  This will save you time and money. 

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 Stratamark. This can reduce stretch mark colour and width by up to 50% or more. With new stretchmarks you have a window by which V BEAM or vascular lasers are effective- take that window- if you miss that window, older stretch marks are much harder to treat, and will require breaching the skin barrier. 

For resistant old stretch marks there is no miracle cure if skin rolling and Stratamark fail. 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. In some patients with laxity and stretch marks I combine RF using eMatrix and TCA peels followed by daily application of Stratamark. Many combinations are possible depending on the skin type and laxity as well as downtime and budget. 

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, always use a cream (Stratamark) as the foundation of treatment – much like one would use a sunscreen prior to laser treatments on the face. An assessment is the very first step for high level laser-energy based treatments. Regards,

Dr Davin Lim, Laser and aesthetic dermatologist.

Brisbane, Australia.